Urinal deodorizer block

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Image of a urinal deodorizer block taken in June 2004 at Georgia Southern University, College of Information Technology, USA.

Sticker above urinal reads "Please do not eat the urinal cakes".

Multi-coloured cakes in basic Tanzanian urinal.

Urinal deodorizer blocks are the small disinfectant blocks found in urinals.

The purpose of these blocks is to disinfect and deodorize washroom urinals. Placed above the urinal drain, they are air-activated and slowly evaporate when in contact with the air. Since they do not dissolve in water, they do not deodorize the flushing water and urine.

They are usually cylindrical — about eight centimeters in diameter, two centimeters thick, and weigh about one hundred grams when new. This shape is the source of their more informal name (toilet Cookie), as they somewhat resemble small blocks. They are generally pink in color, although other colors, such as green, blue and white, are seen.

The chemicals composing the block may vary. The base is commonly pure paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. The block's functionality is enhanced by saturating it with a scenting compound, such as cherry,^[1] and quaternary ammonium compounds. Urinal blocks of the size listed above and made of this chemical usually last 30–60 days.

Novelty blocks are from time to time manufactured with bull's eyes or pop-culture villains pictured upon them. There is an advertising or promotional talking block called Wizmark, including an "Interactive Urinal Communicator" providing an auto activated 15 second pre-recorded audio message or flashing lights from inside the urinal. Another company, PeePeeFace.com, sells customized urinal cake holders that can be used as both a novelty gag or men's room advertising.