Urinal deodorizer block
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Urinal with urinal cake gsu cit 2004.jpg
A urinal deodorizer block is the chemical disinfectant blocks found in urinals. Other informal terms include "urinal mint", "urinal cake," "urinal puck" or "trough lolly."
The purpose of these blocks is to disinfect and deodorize washroom urinals. Placed above the urinal drain, they deodorize the flushing water and urine upon contact. They are air-activated and slowly evaporate when in contact with the air.
They are usually cylindrical - about three inches in diameter, an inch thick, and weigh 3–4 ounces when new. This shape is the source of their more informal name, as they somewhat resemble small cakes.
The chemicals composing the cake may vary. The base is commonly pure paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. The cake's functionality is enhanced by saturating it with a scenting compound and quatenary ammonium compounds. Urinal cakes of the size listed above and made of this chemical usually last 30–60 days.
In popular culture
- In Bret Easton Ellis's novel American Psycho, Patrick Bateman coats a urinal cake in chocolate and presents it to his girlfriend in a Godiva box.
- The song The Ballad of Eddie Praeger by Paul and Storm is a tribute to a urinal cake written in the style of a traditional Irish folk song.de:Klostein