How to Clean Dog Pee From Carpet
Accidents happen, and when it comes to your beloved pet, sometimes those accidents occur on your carpet. Cleaning dog urine from the carpet can be an arduous task when done improperly. Unfortunately, the smell of dog urine lingers for quite some time if not treated properly. Let’s discuss the best ways to clean up pet urine from carpets quickly and effectively.
The first step is to locate any spots of pet urine by looking for discoloration or wetness. Urine stains are easy to spot, but they can be especially difficult to identify on carpets with patterns or textures.
A good way to spot them is to use a blacklight, which will illuminate the area under ultraviolet light. Make sure you have a good pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes from the rays and put on the lights only as needed to map out the carpet.
Steps to Take to Clean Dog Pee from Carpet
Remove as much of the Urine as Possible
The first step in cleaning dog urine is to remove as much of it as possible. You’ll want to have paper towels or a clean cloth handy for this process. Begin blotting the stain with a paper towel or cloth until you can no longer absorb any more liquid. Be sure not to scrub too hard as that could damage the fibers of your carpet and make it harder for you to get rid of the smell completely.
Create a DIY Cleaner
Now that you’ve removed as much of the liquid from your carpet as possible, it’s time to create a homemade cleaner using ingredients you likely already have at home. Start by combining equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and shake it up until mixed together well. Spray this solution onto the area where your pup had their accident and let sit for 15-20 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth again. This solution should help break down any remaining bacteria or odor-causing agents in the area.
Use an Enzyme-Based Cleaner
If you still notice an unpleasant odor after using the homemade cleaner described above, consider investing in an enzyme-based cleaner designed specifically for pet accidents! These cleaners are formulated with enzymes that break down organic matter like dog urine and can be used on both carpets and furniture surfaces like sofas or beds. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results
1: Blacklight to find the spots
Urine-detecting black lights are a great tool to help locate stains that your dog has left on the carpet. Simply turn on your blacklight and hold it a few feet away from the affected area, and the stain should fluoresce under the light.
2: Then, blot up the spot with paper towels and another absorbent cloth/towel or puppy pads. Repeat if necessary to soak up as much of the urine as possible and prevent any lingering odors from forming on your carpet.
3: Then, apply an enzymatic cleaner to break up the molecules of urine that can cause odors and staining. There are several brands of store-bought enzymatic cleaners, such as Nature’s Miracle, Simple Solution, and Urine Off. These products are formulated specifically for carpet messes and can eliminate odors and stains.
A quick spray of an enzymatic cleaner can do the trick to remove most of the odor and stains on most carpets. However, if you have an older pet or the stain is especially deep, you might need to try a stronger, more aggressive cleaning method.
2. Soak the Stain in Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the easiest ways to eliminate stubborn, old dog pee smells is to make a baking soda and vinegar solution. The acid in the vinegar breaks down the proteins that make urine smell. It also helps to kill germs that can contribute to the odor, so it can help get rid of a bad pet odor while helping your floors look nicer.
You can also add essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender. These can also help neutralize the odors in the vinegar, and some essential oils have air-freshening properties as well.
3. A 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Solution for Fresh Stains
If the stain is fresh and still wet, you can try a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide (read the label on your bottle to see how strong it is), which can also be found at grocery stores or drugstores. This will work to dissolve the stains, but it may bleach or discolor the carpet if it’s too strong.
Then, blot up the urine with paper towels and another absorbent cloth/towel. Continue blotting until the urine has been completely soaked up and the stain is no longer visible.
If you don’t have a 3% solution, try a solution of two cups of white vinegar and one cup of hot water. It’s also a good idea to add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender, to improve the vinegar’s ability to eliminate pet odors. This can be applied to the stained areas with a spray bottle or used directly on your carpet. Then, vacuum the area thoroughly once the cleaning has been completed.
FAQs
What are the best cleaning products for removing dog urine from carpets?
There are several products that work well for removing dog urine from carpets. The most effective ones contain enzymes that break down the proteins found in pet urine, which helps eliminate the odor. You may also want to use a product specifically designed for pet odor removal, such as Nature’s Miracle Pet Stain & Odor Remover or Petzyme Pet Stain & Odor Remover.
How do I remove the stain left by dog urine?
After using a cleaner to remove the urine itself, you’ll need to treat the stain that remains behind. Before treating the stain, make sure it is completely dry first. Then you can use a spot cleaner or carpet shampooer with an enzyme-based formula; this will help break down any remaining proteins in the stain and make it easier to remove. Once the area is dry again, vacuum up any residue that remains before applying a stain remover spray or powder directly onto the dried stain. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before blotting with a damp cloth and allowing it to air dry completely.
What if my carpet still smells like dog urine after cleaning?
If your carpet still has an unpleasant odor even after cleaning it thoroughly with a pet odor remover product, then you may need to deodorize it further. Sprinkle baking soda over affected areas and let sit overnight; this will help absorb odors while neutralizing them at the same time. Vacuum up any remaining baking soda before applying a pet odor-neutralizer spray; this will help eliminate any lingering smells while also freshening up your carpets in general.