Cleaning pet urine from bass

SeattleDiver · #1 07-19-2007, 11:56 PM

Okay, this one is probably a new one for you guys...

I just bought a used 62 reissue from a post on craigslist and when I played it, it was outside with the wind blowing, plays great, some minor cracks in finish, etc., but otherwise excellent.

I got it home and opened the case and Peeee U! Apparently the previous owner had a cat or dog who, at least once, favored the bass as it's litter box...

I need to clean it, but what can I use that will not destroy the finish or the wood. The smell seems to come from the fingerboard as well and I'm concerned the pet bacteria has penetrated the wood.

Please advise...

Thanks,
Seattle Diver

bassksun · #2 07-20-2007, 01:06 AM

Petco has a large assortment of enviro-friendly pet odor destroyers. They are water based and seem to work pretty good. The Hartz products are pretty harsh IMO.

Good Luck

scottyd · #3 07-20-2007, 05:29 AM

MirageBass · #4 07-20-2007, 05:36 AM

Uh, wow. Yeah, that's a new one.

I would take it to a luthier or carpenter or something like that. For all you know, since wood is porous, whatever Fluffy sprayed on that baby might be stuck. Odor solvents might just mask the odor and not reverse the damage.

Contact the original owner and find out what happened, and take it to a luthier. If they say that the damage is irreversible, get your money back (I doubt they disclosed that something turned it into a fire hydrant). If the damage is fixable, decide what you want to do.

This reminds me of when my mother bought some gems on eBay, and the box reeked of Mary Jane.

RADUB1 · #5 07-20-2007, 06:15 AM

Wow, a bass that has built in FUNK!

DanielM · #6 07-20-2007, 12:12 PM

oddly enough not a first for me... my aunt's (now ex) boyfriend has a load of guitars and basses (nice guy, I should look him up some time) anyway he has a Gibson Black Beauty which was/is his pride and joy, sadly one of his dogs urinated on it... no idea how he got the nastyness off, but I think it was just a soap and water job because he was at hand. but for yours where it has really gotten funky I would suggest one of the afore mentioned Petco products...

christobass 416 · #7 07-20-2007, 12:26 PM

Cat urine stains show up when you shine a black light on them. That is all I will say.

marksand · #8 07-20-2007, 03:55 PM

As suggested, something like "Odor-b-gone" from Petco in the case and maybe just wipe down the bass with the same stuff, with several LIGHT applications on the rag, but not letting it soak in.

Maybe some of the dry chemical stuff; but I would try it on some sample woods first, or just on the back in a controlled spot.

Also, sunlight and fresh air do wonders, with moderation.

Good luck!

OriginalCrash · #9 07-20-2007, 03:59 PM

About bacteria, urine is sterile, so you should be good there.

Brian

**Thor** · #10 07-20-2007, 04:18 PM

For the bass:

Remove strings.
Mild solution of Lysol or Mr Clean
Use lots of elbow grease.
Dry.
Rinse with sponge and clean water.
dry
Lemon Pledge or some kind of funiture polish.
New Strings

Case:
Try the spray on carpet cleaner. Let dry and vacuum out.

Yeah, that one is a first.

T2W · #11 07-20-2007, 04:32 PM

Pledge? wooooo... I dont like the sound of that.

The Crusader · #12 07-20-2007, 04:42 PM

natures miracle

I've got 4 dogs. it works.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2001+113510

Dave · #13 07-20-2007, 04:44 PM

Do you think an open thing of baking soda inside the case would do any good?

**Thor** · #14 07-20-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T2W

Pledge? wooooo... I dont like the sound of that.

I've used in on furniture worth a boatload more than my basses.
Vóila, the antique highboy really rocks now! And,
the funk - unreal!

T-MOST · #15 07-20-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalCrash

About bacteria, urine is sterile, so you should be good there.

Brian

That does not mean urine is always bacteria free... i.e urinary infections or any other disease. But if it's old urine it's just the smell thats the problem. Just keep cleaning it and toss the case if that got hit too. eventually it should be ok.

BellBottomBlues · #16 07-20-2007, 04:54 PM

I think soap and water should do the trick, just use a damp rag.

If it still smells like piss, wash it some more and place it in an extra bass case you might have along with some airfresheners.

I wouldn't trust a nitro finish with chemicals.

Just my 2 cents

Lucas G · #17 07-20-2007, 05:03 PM

nature's miracle all the way!

DigthemLows · #18 07-20-2007, 05:45 PM

throw the case away, you'll never get the smell out..........get a new case, they're cheap!

And Natures Miracle!!!

The Crusader · #19 07-20-2007, 07:15 PM

and, for anyone concerned, Nature's miracle is an enzyme; not a chemical

chadds · #20 07-20-2007, 07:27 PM

Cases can just sometimes smell really bad. Outsourcing of gas in new cases can deaden strings. The case that came with my '51ri smelled like cat pee. It had not been peed in. It was the case. It went to another home.