No matter how well-behaved your dog is or how consistent you are with their bathroom routine, accidents can still happen. Whether your dog pees on the carpet, hardwood floor, or any other surface, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent a lasting smell and stain.
If you discover a dried urine spot or stain, there are still steps you can take to eliminate the odor. In some cases, stains may be hard to detect, so using a urine stain detector can help pinpoint areas that require cleaning.
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Dealing with Fresh Urine Stains on Carpet or Fabric
So, your dog just had an accident on the carpet, and you’re wondering how to clean it up? Fortunately, you likely have the necessary tools at your disposal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Place a thick layer of paper towels over and under the wet spot, and cover it with newspaper.
- Stand on the paper to help absorb the urine or leave it until most of the urine is soaked up.
- Remove the paper and rinse the area with cool water.
- Blot up the water using towels or a wet vac. The towels may have a strong odor, indicating that you’re effectively removing the urine and its smell.
Once you’ve blotted up most of the liquid, the next step is to tackle the odor using a common household item: baking soda. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda across the damp spot, allowing it to sit overnight. Vacuum thoroughly the next day, repeating if necessary until the area feels clean to the touch.
Another method involves creating a solution with one cup of distilled white vinegar, one cup of water, and two teaspoons of baking soda. Spray this mixture on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot with towels until clean.
Handling Dried Dog Urine on Fabric and Carpets
If you’ve missed a dried urine stain or discovered one in a new place, there are still effective methods to address the issue:
- Start by thoroughly rinsing the area with plain water.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, saturating and vacuuming the area until it’s clean. Avoid using a steam cleaner, as heat can set the odor and stain permanently.
- If you don’t have a wet-dry vacuum, try wetting and blotting the spot repeatedly using warm water and clean towels.
If these methods don’t eliminate the smell, consider using an enzymatic cleanser specifically designed for pet stains. These bio-based cleansers work on a molecular level to break down and remove odors and stains. Choose one that is enzyme-based for optimal results.
How to Remove Dog Pee from Couch or Upholstery
Dealing with pet pee on fabrics requires more than typical cleaners like soap and water, according to Dr. Bonk. Enzymatic cleaners are essential to break down the chemical components of urine fully. If your dog has peed on your couch, follow these steps:
- Blot Dry:
- Use microfiber cloths, paper towels, or newspaper to absorb as much pee as possible.
- Re-wet the Area:
- After thorough blotting, spray the area with clean, cool water to dilute remaining urine and blot again.
- Apply Enzymatic Cleaner:
- Soak the area with an enzymatic cleaner, allowing it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Blot excess liquid.
- Air Dry:
- Let the couch air dry completely. If cushions are removable, consider drying them outside in the sun to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
- Protect Drying Area:
- Cover the damp area with an upside-down laundry basket or aluminum foil to protect it during the drying process.
Note: Repeat this process as needed, depending on the strength of the stain and odor.
Using Common Household Cleaners:
If you only have household cleaners available, here’s an alternative method:
- Blot the Area:
- Dry up as much urine as possible excess using paper towels.
- Rinse with Cool Water:
- Re-soak the soiled area with clean, cool water. Blot the spot again to remove more urine along with the water.
- Baking Soda Treatment:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for five minutes to deodorize the urine smell.
- White Vinegar Application:
- Dilute white vinegar with water in a one-to-one ratio. Spray or pour it over the soiled area, letting it sit for about five more minutes. Blot the area with a towel.
How to Remove Dog Pee from a Dog Bed
For machine-washable dog beds:
- Blot Excess Liquid:
- Use towels to soak up excess urine.
- Pre-treat with Enzymatic Cleaner (Optional):
- Optionally pre-treat the stain with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner.
- Launder with Pet-Safe Detergent:
- Add baking soda, a cup of white vinegar, or a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner to the wash for enhanced stain- and smell-removing power.
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