Having a new puppy or dog join your home is an exciting time. However, house training pets takes time, patience, and often involves a few accidents along the way. When your dog has an accident and pees on your carpet, you’ll want to get it cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid lasting stains or odors. Thankfully, there are several effective methods for removing dog urine from carpeting.
Supplies Needed
Before getting started, gather the following supplies:
- Paper towels or an absorbent cloth
- An enzyme-based pet odor neutralizer
- White vinegar
- Dawn dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Rags or sponges
- Rubber gloves
- An old towel
- A vacuum cleaner
- Carpet cleaner or shampoo
Having these supplies on hand will mean you can act right away when accidents happen to get the area clean.
Blot Up Excess Liquid
As soon as you notice the accident, begin by blotting up as much of the urine as possible. Use paper towels or an absorbent cloth to soak up excess moisture. Press down firmly on the area to draw out as much liquid as you can.
Be sure not to rub the area, as this can spread the urine deeper into the carpet fibers. Gently blot to lift the urine up and out.
Apply an Enzyme Cleaner
Once you’ve absorbed any surface liquid, it’s time to break down the uric acid crystals. These crystals are what cause the stubborn odors long after the urine has dried.
Apply an enzyme cleaner made specifically for pet messes. This type of cleaner will work to dissolve the crystals and neutralize odors. Thoroughly saturate the soiled area and let the cleaner soak for 5-10 minutes.
Some popular brands are Nature’s Miracle, Kid & Pet, Bubba’s Pet Stain & Odor Remover, Rocco & Roxie, and Simple Solution. Read reviews and test a few options to find your favorite pet-safe carpet cleaner.
Rinse with Vinegar Water
After the enzyme cleaner has soaked, the area needs a good rinsing. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar water onto the stain and let sit another 5 minutes.
The vinegar will help neutralize any lingering odors, remove detergent residues, and brighten the carpet fibers.
Scrub the Area
Once you’ve applied the cleaner and vinegar rinse, it’s time to lightly scrub the area. Use a small scrub brush or sponge to gently agitate the carpet fibers. This will ensure you lift any remaining traces of urine up and out.
If needed, you can apply a bit more enzyme cleaner or vinegar water as you scrub. Take care not to over-saturate the area, however, as you’ll want to avoid too much moisture settling deep in the carpet backing.
Rinse with Warm Water
After scrubbing, rinse once more with fresh warm water. You can apply this with a spray bottle or sponge out the area with clean rags.
Rinsing will remove all cleaning solution residues that could otherwise become sticky or tacky. Be sure to remove all suds or soapy residue.
Blot Dry
Use stacks of paper towels or clean rags to blot up excess moisture after rinsing. Press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible.
You may need to place the towels down and then weigh them down with books or other heavy objects. This puts pressure on the area to pull up deep-down moisture.
Deodorize with Baking Soda
Once the spot is fully dry, you can deodorize the area with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous layer over the spot and let sit for 24 hours. The baking soda will absorb any lingering odors.
After 24 hours, simply vacuum up the baking soda. This will leave your carpet fresh, clean, and odor-free.
Repeat Cleaning if Needed
Inspect the area over the next few days. If any urine odor returns, repeat the cleaning process.
It may take multiple treatments to fully remove old or stubborn urine stains and smells from carpeting. With patience and perseverance, you can get rid of that pesky pee smell for good!
Prevent Future Accidents
While cleaning up the occasional accident is expected with a new puppy or untrained dog, you’ll want to minimize repeat incidents. Here are some tips for avoiding future pee stains on your carpets:
- Take your dog out regularly for potty breaks. Praise immediately after they “go” in designated areas.
- Crate train your dog or limit access to rooms with carpet until fully housebroken.
- Use belly bands for male dogs to catch unpredictable drips.
- Limit access to drinking water about 2 hours before bedtime.
- Watch for signs your dog needs to go, like circling or sniffing intently.
- Clean up accidents right away so your dog isn’t drawn back to the same area.
- Use repellants like aluminum foil or citrus peels on accident-prone spots.
- Consult your vet to rule out UTIs or other health issues leading to frequent accidents.
With time, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can get your dog on a predictable potty routine for stain-free carpeting.
Homemade Cleaning Solutions
If you prefer more natural cleaning options, try these homemade solutions:
Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 2 cups warm water, 2 tsp dish soap, and 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit 5 minutes. Blot dry.
Vinegar & Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix equal parts vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spray and let bubble for 5 minutes. Blot dry.
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste with 4 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp water. Gently scrub into stain and let dry before vacuuming.
Vinegar & Dawn Soap
Fill spray bottle with 2 cups hot water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 tbsp Dawn soap. Spray and blot dry.
Professional Deep Cleaning
For old, heavy stains or smells that you just can’t get rid of, call in the pros. Professional carpet cleaners have industrial strength cleaners, truck-mounted steam cleaners, and powerful suction to deep clean every fiber.
Look for cleaners experienced in pet stain removal and odor elimination services. Be sure to point out all pet stain areas for focused treatment during cleaning.
Though professional cleaning costs more upfront, it’s an investment that can save you from having to fully replace urine-damaged carpeting down the road.
FAQs About Dog Pee in Carpet
Still have some questions about the best ways to tackle pee stains on your carpet? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I get old dog urine stains out of carpet?
- For old or set-in stains, mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Saturate the stain and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Use a scrub brush to work the solution deep into the carpet fibers before blotting dry.
How do you get dog urine smell out of carpet padding?
Soaking through the carpet, urine can sink into the padding underneath. To remove odors here, mix 1 tbsp dish soap, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and warm water. Apply to the padding beneath stain. Blot area with paper towels.
Will vinegar damage carpet?
Vinegar is safe for most carpets. For delicate fibers, test vinegar in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid soaking the carpet through completely with any liquid to prevent damaging backing or padding.
How do you get dog pee stains out of wool carpet?
Blot up urine immediately from wool rugs. Create a vinegar and water solution. Spray over the area and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Blot up. Mix 1 tsp dish soap into 2 cups cool water and apply to area. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry.
How do I get old dried dog urine stains out of carpet?
Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down dried urine crystals and dissolve stubborn stains. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and blotting dry. For tough odors, sprinkle baking soda after drying and vacuum up 24 hours later.
Why does my carpet still smell like dog urine after cleaning?
Even after cleaning, traces of urine can get trapped deep in carpet fibers and padding. Use an LED blacklight at night to identify all pet stains. Thoroughly treat any glowing spots with an enzyme cleaner. Repeat cleaning to remove all traces of odor.
How do you get dog urine out of carpet before it dries?
As soon as fresh urine hits the carpet, blot excess liquid. Cover the area with paper towels weighted down with books. Once it dries fully, scrape up dried urine crystals with a dull knife. Clean with an enzyme-based pet odor remover.
Conclusion
Dog pee stains and odors don’t have to be permanentfixtures in your home. With the right supplies and techniques, you can get carpets fresh and clean again. Be sure to use enzyme cleaners and repeat cleaning until all traces of odors are gone.
Prevention and immediate blotting are key for fresh stains. For old or heavy stains, you may need to call in professional carpet cleaners for the deep treatments necessary.
With a bit of patience, elbow grease, and the proper mixture of cleaning solutions, you can rid carpets of that pesky dog pee once and for all.