[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Cleaning the bedside commodes is hardly the most glamorous task a caregiver gets to do, but if the cleaning and the odor control is well done, it can keep life sweet for everyone, and lower the risk of the spread of infection from bacteria. I always emptied the commode bucket straight away after each time it was used – we now have it over the toilet – and cleaned the commode every day or so.<\/p>\n
What is the best bedside commode cleaner ? To clean a bedside commode, you need a cleaner and a disinfectant, or one that does both. Lysol, Dettol, Pine-Sol, White Vinegar, OdoBan are all good for the job. You will also have to treat for odors and spillages, and depending on the surfaces you will need other products for that.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Contents Overview & Quicklinks” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_ul_font=”||||||||” body_ul_text_color=”#59bdd6″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0b00ea” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Disinfectants and cleaners for bedside commodes ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Disposable bedside commode liners<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How to use a disposable bedside commode liner ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Do-it-yourself bedside commode liners<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Keeping it sweet ! Dealing with bedside commode odor control if you are not using liners<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How to clean a bedside commode ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Getting rid of bedside commode odors in the room<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n How to keep a bedside commode from tipping over ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Setting up a bedside commode over a toilet<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanerdisinfectant” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There really is no one best cleaner, but there is a proper way to clean a commode.<\/p>\n If you read across any of the forums, you will see that the most popular cleaners for commodes and their buckets are –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanerdisposable” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the easiest ways of making the job of cleaning simpler, is using disposable liners for the commode bucket – they come with, or without, absorbent pads or powder. Be sure to check that you are getting one with pads if you don’t want to have to tip any liquids down the toilet before you throw the liner out in the trash.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You have brands like –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n I bought CareBag liners for my mom’s commode, and they were very successful.<\/p>\n There is apparently quite an amount of difference between the brands – the leakage and odor control is better with some, and worse with others.<\/p>\n Do not ever try to flush these liners down the toilet, as they will block it.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanerhowuse” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I want to point out that, just because you are using a disposable liner, this does not mean that the commode frame, the seat and the surrounding areas should not be cleaned on a regular basis.<\/p>\n Using the liners, though, does remove what is probably, to most people, the most objectionable part of the job.<\/p>\n Each liner has an absorbent pad which is placed in it, and it is there to absorb any liquid in a very short space of time, and also to absorb odors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To use the liners –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n To use liners without any pad, gelling agent or powder –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The advantage of this method is that, if you can deal with tipping the contents into the toilet, you are not putting urine and feces into the trash destined for landfill, just the bag which is going to eventually decompose.<\/p>\n And of course, you don’t have to clean the commode bucket as it was covered by the liner.<\/p>\n You can just place another liner over the bucket and put it back in the commode.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanerdiy” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the cost of disposable liners can mount up pretty quickly, you will find quite a number of people on forums for caregivers, who make their own using a plastic bags and kitty litter.<\/p>\n I have to say, I have not tried this method myself, and I therefore have no experience of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The method suggested is –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The kitty litter should both absorb liquids and unpleasant smells.<\/p>\n From an environmental point of view, the clay or silica based kitty litters cause a lot of damage in their manufacture, and household plastic bags won’t break down easily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you decide to make your own disposable liners, it’s a good idea to use a biodegradable kitty litter, of which there are many types made from different kinds of natural products – grass, pine wood, cedar wood, corn fiber, recycled paper and grass seeds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Examples of natural biodegradable kitty litters –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Also be warned that if you use a clay based kitty litter they can be dusty, and this dust is not good for the health.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can buy disposable commode liners without the absorbent pads, powders or gelling agents, and use these instead of plastic bags.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An example of disposable commode liners without pads etc. –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The liners are eventually biodegradable, and would be better for the environment with the kitty litter, than any old plastic bag.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanersweet” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are using disposable liners, the bedside commode odors will not be as difficult to deal with, as if you are not.<\/p>\n If you are not using liners you will be transporting the bucket, with its contents, to the bathroom for disposal, and this will mean that several rooms and the spaces in between will be exposed to the smells.<\/p>\n So, to cut down on unpleasant odors it is a good idea to put 2 – 3 inches of water in the bucket, before your loved one uses it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This will help to keep the feces covered, and to stop any odors from getting into the air.<\/p>\n But this is not all you can do to keep the odors to a minimum.<\/p>\n Products, such as Poo Pourri<\/strong> (also used in toilet bowls), can be spritzed into the water before it’s used, and they will form a layer on top of the water inhibiting the release of the odors even further. They are also scented to mask smells as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other products which you can use to do the same job are –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other oils with a natural disinfecting quality –\u00a0natural antibacterials – are oregano oil and\u00a0 melaleuca oil.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to know more about this, you can check out my article “Do You Put Water In A Bedside Commode ?”<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A mistake that a lot of people make is to add bleach, or other chemical cleaners, to the water they put in the commode.<\/p>\n You shouldn’t do this, as bleach and urine combine to make chlorine gas, which is bad for the lungs.<\/strong><\/p>\n Secondly, if the bleach splashes up onto your loved one’s private parts as they are using the commode, it can cause skin irritations.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanerclean” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You want to be sure that you are always wearing gloves during cleaning, removing them once you have finished, and then thoroughly washing your hands with soap.<\/p>\n This is the best way to ensure that you don’t spread bacteria from urine and feces around the home.<\/p>\n One of the problems with dealing with commode cleaning is the smell when cleaning a used bucket, and so if you have a problem with this, I have collected together some of the solutions that our fellow caregivers have suggested on forums.<\/p>\n Many, many caregivers wear a mask\u00a0 – from simple dust masks to masks for use with solvents when painting.<\/p>\n Another trick is to do what some surgeons do, when they know that they will have a surgery which may be somewhat pungent – they rub an oil into their mask which helps to cover any other odors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some oils used on masks –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other caregivers use a mustache of Vicks, Mentholatum, or horse liniment, some in combination with a mask.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You should be emptying and cleaning the commode bucket after every time it is used.<\/p>\n This is because the odors of feces and urine, as well as being unpleasant, shouldn’t be constantly breathed in.<\/p>\n And here comes by far the most important tip – do not rely on the bucket handle, as they do come off !<\/strong><\/p>\n I learned the easy way, as it came off when my mom’s was empty, and whenever I emptied after that, I put one hand underneath and held the side of the bucket with the other, as I carried it to the toilet.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tips for cleaning the commode bucket –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You clean first and then you disinfect –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n All the areas adjacent to the commode need to be wiped down, and disinfected as well, as the bacteria will get on there too – you can use Lysol, Pine-Sol, Dettol, OdoBan or white vinegar, as they are all disinfectants.<\/p>\n It’s a good idea on the floor to put down some kind of waterproof covering under the commode – mattress covers work very well for this.<\/p>\n If there is a spillage, you can just pull them up and put down a fresh one.<\/p>\n If you have any spillages on the floor, or a carpet, which you can’t get up, then you may want to try using OdoBan, or the enzymatic cleaner Anti Icky Poo, or an enzymatic cleaner for cats and dog’s urine and feces, such as Nature’s Miracle.<\/p>\n White Vinegar is also very good at removing stains and smells.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If this wasn’t enough information, I have an article, “The Best Way To Clean A Bedside Commode”<\/strong><\/a>, which may be of more help.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanerodors” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the major problems with any sort of bedside commode in a room where a person sleeps is going to be the odors, and these are easily absorbed by all different materials around the room, and need to be removed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To help control these smells, you can do all the following –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dispose of all cleaning products straight away<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n For those who are struggling with these issues, I have an article tackling them, which may be of help – <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can read the article here –<\/p>\n “Bedside Commode Odor Control: How To Keep It Smelling Sweet ?”<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanertipping” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The best way to stop a bedside commode from tipping over is to make sure that your loved one knows how to sit down on it safely.<\/p>\n You can also place a commode in a position against a wall so that it can’t tip backwards.<\/p>\n If you place it in a corner, it won’t be able to tip backwards, or to one of its two sides.<\/p>\n To have maximum stability when sitting down on the commode, it’s best to use a walker so that you don’t lose your balance backing up.<\/p>\n It will also help you stand as you reach back, one hand at a time, for the armrests on the commode, and you will also grab on to it when you stand back up from the commode.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your loved one should learn to –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your loved one should only be sitting down on the commode by themselves if they are able to do so without risking injury.<\/p>\n Remove any clutter from around the commode so that your loved one can’t trip on anything.<\/p>\n If you wish to find out more, I also have on this topic too, “How To Keep A Bedside Commode From Tipping Over ?”<\/strong><\/a>, and you can find out more about –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”bestcleanertoilet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your loved one is able to get to the toilet on their own, or if you have a bedside commode with wheels, the commode can be used over the toilet in the bathroom.<\/p>\n There is no clean up, and it reduces the risk of infections from commode bacteria in the bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To set up a bedside commode over a toilet –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a full guide on using a bedside commode over a toilet, check out this post, “<\/a>Can A Bedside Commode Be Used Over A Toilet ?”<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Gareth Williams” portrait_url=”https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Gareth-photo-smaller-1.png” quote_icon=”off” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ body_text_color=”#000000″ author_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|false” border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”27px” box_shadow_spread=”-5px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n I’m Gareth, the author and owner of Looking After Mom and Dad.com<\/p>\n I have been a caregiver for over 10 yrs and share all my tips here.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cleaning the bedside commodes is hardly the most glamorous task a caregiver gets to do, but if the cleaning and the odor control is well done, it can keep life sweet for everyone, and lower the risk of the spread of infection from bacteria. I always emptied the commode bucket straight away after each time […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,13],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32343"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32343"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32343\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32343"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Disinfectants and cleaners for bedside commodes ?<\/h2>\n
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Disposable bedside commode liners<\/h2>\n
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How to use a disposable bedside commode liner ?<\/h2>\n
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Do-it-yourself bedside commode liners<\/h2>\n
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Use a biodegradable kitty litter<\/h3>\n
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Use a Commode Liner without pad etc. instead of a plastic bag<\/h3>\n
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Keeping it sweet ! Dealing with bedside commode odor control if you are not using liners<\/h2>\n
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Do not put bleach into the bucket water, before your loved one uses the commode !!!<\/h3>\n
How to clean a bedside commode ?<\/h2>\n
Are you wearing the right gear as a caregiver ?<\/h3>\n
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Cleaning the commode bucket<\/h3>\n
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Cleaning the bedside commode seat and frame<\/h3>\n
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The area around the commode<\/h3>\n
Getting rid of bedside commode odors in the room<\/h2>\n
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How to keep a bedside commode from tipping over ?<\/h2>\n
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Setting up a bedside commode over a toilet<\/h2>\n
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