A guide to tackling dog pee on carpets

A pet can bring so much love at home, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. After all, dogs are a man's best friend. But when you have an untrained furry one, it can lead to pet urine in places it shouldn't be.

The more challenging part is when it turns to stubborn pee stains and produces lingering smells. If this sounds like your problem, read on to learn how to get dried dog pee out of carpet DIY.

Preparing to clean your carpet: What you’ll need

For effective pet urine removal, including urine odors and stains, gather these tools and supplies:

• Absorbent towel or paper towel

• Distilled white vinegar

• Baking soda

• Enzymatic cleaner

• Spray bottle

• Soft bristle brush or cloth

• Vacuum cleaner (dry and/or wet vac)

• Rubber gloves

The cleaning process depends on the size of the soiled area and the severity of the pet stain. But it usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. A thorough approach ensures you remove pet stains from the carpet.

Quick cleanup tactics

In the frantic aftermath of your pet's accident, swift action is your best ally. Fresh urine stains are easier to tackle than dried ones. So, immediately blot dry the dog urine with a paper towel. Press down firmly to soak up as much moisture as possible. Immediate action prevents the urine from going deeper into the carpet fibers.

It also helps avoid permanent urine stains and persistent pee smells. The quicker you respond to the mishap, the better your chances of a successful cleanup, preserving both your carpet’s appearance and your living space’s freshness.

How to get old dog urine out of carpet: A step-by-step guide

If you want to remove dog pee yourself instead of hiring carpet cleaners, go for DIY solutions. Every dog owner should know how to clean pet urine using a vinegar solution soak, enzymatic cleaners, and other agents. Whether you're dealing with an old dog urine stain or a new one, here's how you can easily deal with them while keeping your carpets in check:

Step 1: Blot the pee stain

As soon as your dog pees on the carpet, grab some paper towels and gently blot the soiled area. Press firmly, absorbing as much liquid as possible. But avoid rubbing, as this may spread the stain.

Step 2: Wash the surface

After removing the initial moisture, prepare a solution of white vinegar and water, one cup each. This powerful yet natural cleaning agent helps break down the pet urine and neutralizes odors. Plus, it’s a versatile and eco-friendly option compared to other harsh cleaning chemicals. It’s also non-toxic, making it safe for pets and children at home.

Put it into a spray bottle, then splash or pour the vinegar solution onto the stained area. Gently scrub brush the spot, working the liquid into the carpet fibers. Leave it on for a few minutes.

Step 3: Use a solution/enzymatic cleaner to get rid of the odor

Sprinkle baking soda to absorb moisture and neutralize stench. You can also add baking soda to equal parts water to form a paste. These ingredients further eliminate pet odors, including cat urine and pet vomit. Let the baking soda sit overnight to do its magic. The following day, vacuum to remove the dried paste.

Enzymatic cleaners are great alternatives, too, since they knock out pet urine compounds. Just follow the application instructions from the manufacturer to ensure thorough coverage of the soiled area. Another homemade carpet cleaner for dog pee is a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.

Their combination creates a disinfectant mixture that breaks down stains at a molecular level and eliminates bacteria. Thus, it makes it a top-notch solution for removing pet urine smell and stains. Just put together equal parts of the two ingredients into a bottle and use it like a regular cleaning solution. But take note that this only works for light-colored carpets due to its bleach-like properties.

Step 4: Rinse the area

After correcting the stain with the vinegar solution, baking soda, etc., rinse it with cool water. Avoid hot or warm water, as heat can set the carpet stain and make it harder to draw out. The same applies to blood in case your pet discharges any. Blot the area again with a dry towel to remove excess moisture. Make sure you use clean towels to avoid leaving residue behind.

Repeating steps 2 to 4 may be necessary for the pet urine stains and odor to be entirely gone. Even more so when you're learning how to clean a large area rug with pet urine. It might be tempting to use steam cleaners, but the heat will only set the pet stain on the carpet.

You may use a wet vac for a deeper wash or call expert steam cleaners to remove odors and permanent stains. If you can't handle how to get dog pee out of wool carpet, turn to professional dry carpet cleaning solution.

Step 5: Dry thoroughly

Allow the cleaned area to completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. To speed up the drying process, use fans, open windows, or hang to dry outside.

How to remove dog smell from carpet

Besides getting rid of urine odor, you may encounter that annoying dog smell. Sprinkle baking soda and let it do its job. The other DIY solutions mentioned above work wonders, too. You can also keep your carpets and home smelling fresh by frequently vacuuming, using an air purifier or dehumidifier, and improving ventilation.

One more simple trick to eliminate odors is placing a dish containing 1/2 inch of undiluted vinegar in a room. Keep it there until no more odor lingers. Remember, it's essential to address both pet urine stains and odors for a consistently clean living space. If time is a constraint, consider enlisting the services of a local expert cleaner.

What to do to prevent another dog pee incident

preventing future dog pee accidents is still crucial. Be persistent in training and reward your pet for good behavior. It’s also a must to monitor water and feeding times. Don't forget to give your furry friend ample outdoor access and regular walks.

While in the potty or dog training phase, try using puppy pads as you transition to outdoor habits. Maintain a spic-and-span environment as much as possible by instantly cleaning mess-ups to discourage repeat incidents.

Also, bear in mind that your pet may have had a reason for choosing an inappropriate elimination spot. Understanding your pet's motivations can guide them back to the correct behavior. When all else fails or if you don't have the patience to discipline your pet, reach out to a reliable dog trainer.

Spotless carpets, happy pets

Learning how to remove dog urine stain from carpet and potty training your best friend makes it possible for you to have the best of both worlds. Just remember that speed is your ally to fight off that pesky urine scent mark, so act fast.

But in case there's too much on your plate, you can always have a professional carpet cleaner over to remove pet urine stains and odors. With affordable rates and a great track record, you can find your reliable helper from Airtasker.