As a dog owner, dealing with a few pee accidents is inevitable. With strictness and tactics, you may try however you want, but accidents happen.
And dog pee smell can be particularly challenging to remove and linger for days. The bacteria in urine can also pose health risks to you and others. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean up dog pee promptly and thoroughly.
Let’s get started.
Finding the Source of the Smell
The first step in getting rid of the dog pee smell is finding the source of the odour. If you can’t find the pee stains, you won’t be able to remove the smell.
1. Locating the Pee Stains
The easiest way is to look for discolouration on carpets, furniture, or floors. If you see a spot darker than the surrounding area, it could be a pee stain.
If the pee is still wet, use a paper towel to remove the moisture. Be sure to blot the area gently to avoid pushing the urine further into the fabric or carpet.
If the pee has already dried, locating the stain can be more difficult. One way to find dried pee stains is to use a UV flashlight.
Turn off the lights in the room and shine the UV flashlight on the carpet or fabric. Urine stains will glow under the UV light, making it easy to locate the source of the odour.
2. Identifying Hidden Pee Stains with a UV Flashlight
A dog may pee on the back of a couch or under a bed. If you notice a strong odour but can’t find any visible stains, use a UV flashlight.
To use a UV flashlight, turn off the lights in the room and shine the flashlight on the areas where you suspect the pee stain might be. If there is a urine stain, it will glow. Once you’ve located the source of the odour, you can proceed with the cleaning.
How to remove dog pee smell from carpets?
Carpets are like a magnet for dog pee smell. They are absorbent and can be difficult to clean thoroughly. The longer the pee sits on the carpet, the more difficult it will be to remove the smell.
1. Soak up the urine with a paper towel.
First, soak up as much urine as possible with paper towels. You should do this immediately to prevent urine from seeping deeper into the fibres.
2. Apply a homemade or store-bought cleaner.
One effective homemade cleaner is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then sprinkle baking soda over the area. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot it with a paper towel.
Another homemade cleaner is a mixture of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap, 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on the carpet and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting it with a paper towel.
Many store-bought cleaners are also specifically designed to remove pet urine smells from carpets. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
3. Use a carpet cleaning machine.
If the urine stain is large or old, a carpet cleaning machine may be necessary to remove the smell completely.
4. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch.
After the carpet has been cleaned and is still damp, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the area.
Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum the area thoroughly. This will help absorb any remaining moisture and eliminate any remaining odour.
5. Vaccum the area. Or steam clean it.
Once the carpet is dry, vacuum the area thoroughly. This will help remove any remaining baking soda or cornstarch and fluff the carpet fibres.
Sometimes, the bad odour is incorporated into the carpet’s fibres, and a regular vacuum cleaner isn’t enough to remove the smell. You could look into specialised carpet cleaning products to eliminate the pet odour.
Read More: How to get rid of ticks from dogs, carpets & your home?
How to remove dog pee smell from upholstery?
Upholstery can be tricky to clean, especially when removing dog pee smells. However, using the right tools and methods, you can eliminate the odour and prevent a recurrence.
1. Soak up the urine with a paper towel.
First, soak up as much urine as possible with paper towels. Apply gentle pressure to ensure you absorb as much liquid as possible.
2. Apply a homemade or store-bought cleaner.
You can use a homemade warm water and vinegar solution or a store-bought enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet urine.
Follow the instructions carefully and test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous upholstery area first to ensure it won’t cause any damage.
3. Using an upholstery cleaning machine.
If you have a large area to clean or are dealing with particularly stubborn odours, an upholstery cleaning machine can be useful.
These machines use hot water and detergent to deep-clean upholstery, and many also have attachments specifically designed for pet messes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and test the machine on a small area first.
4. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch.
Baking soda and cornstarch can be useful for absorbing any remaining moisture and odours. Sprinkle a generous amount over the affected area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
5. Vacuuming the area.
Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly clean the area. It’ll help remove any lingering odour.
Important Tip: Acting quickly when dealing with dog pee on upholstery is important. The longer the urine sits, the harder it will be to remove the odour. If you’re having trouble removing the smell, consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaner.
Read More: How to remove dog hair from your carpet, furniture and more?
Best Cleaner for Carpet & Upholstery
Pet Stain and Odour’s Carpet Shampoo is the best carpet and upholstery cleaner for removing dog pee odours from carpets and upholstery. It’s designed to not only remove the stains but also neutralise the lingering pet waste smells.
This shampoo is incredibly effective at breaking down the bacteria and germs that cause unpleasant odours, leaving your carpets smelling clean and fresh.
One of the benefits of using Pawbit’s Pet Stain and Odour Carpet Shampoo is that it prevents future re-soiling. This means that after you have cleaned the affected area, it will be more difficult for your pet to soil it again.
At just £8.99 per litre, this is an excellent product with a reasonable price.
Buy Pawbit’s Pet Stain and Odour Carpet Shampoo on Amazon
How to remove dog pee smell from hardwood or tile floors?
1. Soak up the urine with a paper towel.
First, soak up as much urine as possible with paper towels. Apply gentle pressure to ensure you absorb as much liquid as possible.
2. Mop the area with a cleaner.
After you’ve blotted up as much urine as possible, it’s time to clean the area with a cleaner that’s safe for hardwood or tile floors.
Avoid using cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, or vinegar for hardwood floors, as these can damage the wood. Instead, use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors or a warm water and dish soap mixture.
You can use a mixture of warm water and vinegar or a store-bought tile cleaner for tile floors. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner and rinse the area thoroughly with water afterwards.
3. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch.
If you still notice an odour after cleaning the area, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch. They’ll help absorb any remaining moisture and odour.
Let the powder sit for 15-20 minutes before sweeping or vacuuming.
4. Rinse the area with water.
When cleaning up dog pee from hardwood or tile floors, it’s important to avoid using excessive water, as this can cause the wood to warp or the grout between tiles to loosen.
Instead, use enough cleaner to remove the urine and deodorise the area, but not so much that it saturates the flooring.
It’s also important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could scratch or damage the surface of your hardwood or tile floors. Stick to soft, non-abrasive cloths or mop heads.
Read More: No Bath? No Problem: Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Dog Clean and Fresh
Best Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
Simple Solution’s Hard Floor Pet Stain and Odour Remover is the best for pet owners with hardwood floors. It targets pet urine, faeces, and other common messes on sealed hardwood floors. The dual-action formula of this cleaner eliminates pet stains and odours while helping to prevent repeat marking.
This feature makes it a popular choice among pet owners who want to maintain the cleanliness of their homes.
How to remove dog pee smell from bedding and clothing?
Dog pee accidents can happen anywhere, including on your bedding and clothing. It’s important to act quickly and effectively to remove the odour before it becomes embedded in the fabric.
1. Soak the item in a cleaning solution.
Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water in a large bowl or sink. Soak the affected item in the solution for 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the severity of the odour.
2. Wash the item thoroughly.
After soaking the item, wash it in the washing machine using a high-quality laundry detergent.
Be sure to use the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric. This will help to remove any remaining odour and bacteria from the fabric.
3 Add vinegar or baking soda to the wash.
Add a cup of white vinegar or half a cup of baking soda to the washing machine during the rinse cycle for an extra boost of odour-fighting power. It’ll neutralise any remaining odours and keep your bedding and clothing fresh and clean.
4. Drying the item in the sun.
After washing, hang your bedding or clothing outside to dry in the sun. The sun’s UV rays can help to kill bacteria and eliminate odours.
If you can’t hang the item outside, hang it in a well-ventilated area indoors, or use a dryer on the lowest heat setting.
5. Tips for preventing future accidents.
To prevent future dog pee accidents on your bedding and clothing, consider using a waterproof mattress cover and keeping your bedroom door closed when you’re not home. You can also train your dog to sleep in a designated area, such as a crate or a dog bed.
Read More: How often should you get a new dog bed? How to make the transition?
Best Detergent for Clothing & Bedding
While Persil Colour Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent is not specifically designed for pet stains and odours, it is still an excellent choice for removing dog pee odours from bedding and clothing. This detergent is tough on stains and brightens colours, making it perfect for pet owners who want to keep their laundry looking and smelling fresh.
Persil Colour Laundry Liquid is designed to be used in cold washes, which can reduce energy costs by 60% and save you money on your bills while helping to preserve the planet. Additionally, the ultra-concentrated formula means that you only need 27 ml of detergent per use, reducing plastic use and making it kinder to the planet.
Persil Colour Laundry Liquid contains plant-based, biodegradable stain removers, which means it is safe to use around children and pets when used as directed. The detergent bottle is now 100% recyclable and contains recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly choice for pet owners who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Overall, Persil Colour Laundry Washing Liquid Detergent is a versatile and effective option for pet owners looking to remove dog pee odours from their bedding and clothing. Its powerful stain-fighting formula and eco-friendly credentials make it a smart choice for any household.
How to prevent dog urine accidents in the house?
While cleaning up dog pee is essential, it’s even more important to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
1. Potty Training and Consistent Schedules.
When you bring a new puppy home, establish a consistent schedule for taking them outside to pee. Puppies must pee every two hours, so take them outside accordingly.
Use positive treatment. Give your puppy praise and a reward when it pees outside. If you catch your puppy peeing inside, interrupt them and take them outside immediately.
Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Stick to your schedule and be patient with your puppy. It may take a few weeks or even months for them to get the hang of things.
2. Limit Water Intake Before Bedtime.
If your dog tends to pee in the house at night, try limiting their water intake before bedtime.
Make sure they have plenty of water throughout the day, but stop giving them water a few hours before you go to bed.
3. Use Puppy Pads or Litter Boxes.
If you cannot take your dog outside to pee as often as they need to, consider using puppy pads or litter boxes. These are especially useful for small dogs or dogs that live in apartments.
Place the pads or litter box in a designated area of your home and encourage your dog to use them. Praise and reward them when they do.
4. Providing Plenty of Outdoor Opportunities.
Ensure your dog has access to a safe and secure outdoor area where they can pee whenever needed.
Take your dog for regular walks, and let them stop to pee whenever they need to. If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, consider hiring a dog walker to come and take your dog for a walk.
In addition to preventing accidents, giving your dog plenty of outdoor opportunities can help keep them healthy and happy. So it’s a win-win situation either way.
What are the best products to eliminate dog urine smell?
Using the right materials is crucial when removing dog pee stains and odour. While many commercial products are available, some of the best materials for removing dog pee stains are likely already in your home.
1. Baking Soda
It is an excellent natural cleaner and deodoriser. You can use it to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Just sprinkle a generous amount over the affected area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Then, vacuum up the baking soda and repeat as needed.
2. Enzymatic Cleaner
Enzymatic cleaners are designed to break down organic matter, including pet urine. They work by using natural enzymes to break down the proteins in the urine that cause odour.
Enzymatic cleaners are available in spray and liquid form and can be found at most pet stores and online retailers.
3. Warm Water and Undiluted Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic substance that can help neutralise the alkaline nature of urine. To use vinegar to clean up dog pee, mix equal parts warm water and undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle.
Spray the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before blotting the excess moisture.
4. Odour-neutralizing Agents
Have in mind that these types of products will only help you with a mild pet odour issue. They are not suitable for eliminating stubborn dog smell. Use them occasionally when you welcome guests or don’t have time for proper cleaning.
Potpourri baskets and scented candles can also be useful in such cases. But always have in mind to place them out of your pet’s reach.
5. Wet Vacuuming
I know it doesn’t fit the tone, but it’s really helpful, I assure you.
A wet vacuum can effectively remove the stain and the odour for larger or more stubborn stains. These work by injecting clean water into the carpet or upholstery and then immediately extracting it, along with the dirt and urine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What causes dog pee to smell so bad?
Dog urine contains a high concentration of ammonia, which can cause a strong odour. Also, bacteria can grow and worsen the smell if urine sits too long.
2. Can I use regular household cleaners to remove dog pee stains?
A: It is not recommended to use regular household cleaners on dog pee stains, as they may not be effective in removing the odour and could make it worse. It’s best to use a cleaner specifically designed for pet urine stains.
3. Is it possible to completely remove the dog pee smell from carpets and upholstery?
It is possible to completely remove the dog pee smell from carpets and upholstery with the proper cleaning techniques and products.
4. Can I use bleach to remove dog pee stains?
A: It is not recommended to use bleach on dog pee stains, as it can make the odour worse and cause discolouration. Instead, use an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet urine stains.
5. Can I prevent my dog from having accidents in the house?
You can prevent your dog from having accidents in the house with proper training and supervision. This includes regular potty breaks, consistent schedules, and limiting water intake before bedtime.
