how to get dog pee out of a carpet

Unleashing clean carpets: No more dog pee and pet odour

Step-by-step solutions for spotless carpets at home.

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What to know when getting dog pee out of carpets

  • Blot pee immediately.
  • Wash the soiled area with a neutralising solution.
  • Use baking soda to absorb moisture.
  • Rinse and cleanse to remove residue.
  • Dry out completely.


Welcoming a furry friend into your home brings joy and turns your space into a happy haven. But amidst the laughter and companionship, the all-too-familiar challenge of dog pee and urine stains on carpets can arise, dampening the experience. This issue is a common frustration of many pet owners.

Luckily, this guide shares tips on how to get dog pee out of the carpet. As you bid farewell to the stubborn pee stains and lingering odours, you’re sure to get a fresh, spotless home for both you and your beloved pet.

Preparing to clean your carpet: What you’ll need

To remove pet urine stains and odours, gather the following essential 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 to do. A thorough approach ensures you remove pet stains from the carpet.

Quick cleanup tactics

Swift action is your best ally in the frantic aftermath of your pet’s accident. Dried dog urine is tougher to get rid of. 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 fibres.

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

How to clean pet urine from carpet: A step-by-step guide

Washing away dog urine on your carpet can be a daunting task. Besides the pee, you must also clean pet stains and banish the urine smell. Before you book rug cleaning services, try restoring your carpets with these easy-to-follow steps:

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 down firmly, absorbing as much pet urine as possible. But avoid rubbing, as this may spread the stain.

Step 2: Wash the surface

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

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

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

Sprinkle baking soda to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. You can also mix one part water and one part baking soda to form a paste. This combination further combats dog pee smells, cat urine, and other pet odours, including pet vomit. Let the baking soda sit overnight to do its magic. The following day, vacuum to remove the dried paste.

Alternatively, consider using an enzymatic agent. These cleaners wipe out the compounds in pet urine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring thorough coverage of the affected area. Another DIY agent you can try is dish soap and hydrogen peroxide (only used for light-coloured carpets).

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.

Step 4: Rinse the area

After correcting the stain with the vinegar solution and baking soda, rinse it with cool water. Avoid hot or warm water, as heat can set the carpet stain and make it harder to draw out. This rule applies to blood in case your pet discharges any. Blot the area again with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures no cleaning solution residue is left behind.

Repeating steps two to four may be necessary to eliminate pet urine stains and odour completely. 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 cleanse or let experts do the carpet steam cleaning for you.

Step 5: Dry thoroughly

Allow the cleaned area to completely dry to prevent mould or mildew growth. Use fans, open windows, or hang to dry outside to speed up the drying process.

How to remove dog smell from carpet

To banish that unpleasant dog smell from your carpet, you should:

  • Focus on neutralising the odours

  • Clear out visible stains following the steps above.

  • Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the carpet, let it sit, and then vacuum.

A pro home cleaner can also get the job done for you.

Overall, regular vacuuming and ensuring proper ventilation aid in odour elimination. Remember, addressing stains and smells is key to achieving a tidy living space.

What to do to prevent another dog pee incident

Although you now know how to get urine smell out of the carpet and other cleaning tricks, preventing future dog pee accidents is still crucial. Be consistent in reinforcing positive behaviours or rewarding your pet for bathroom breaks in designated areas. 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.

During the potty 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 behaviour. If necessary, work with an experienced dog trainer.

Pawsitively spotless

Having a pet at home doesn’t have to translate to a dirty or messy space. Speed is the key against dog pee stains and urine odours. It’s also crucial to potty train your furry companion and clean accidents promptly.

For squeaky clean carpets that look and smell brand new, reach out to a professional carpet cleaner. As you take care of your carpets, you also foster a healthier, more hygienic home for you and your pet. Find an Airtasker to help you today!

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FAQs on cleaning dog pee out of carpets

Combine one cup each of distilled white vinegar and water with two teaspoons of baking soda. Shake the mixture thoroughly, then spray it onto the yellow stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before blotting the area with towels until it’s clean.

Dog urine, or even cat urine, resembles that of ammonia. But vinegar can easily neutralise this pee smell. Mix equal parts with water and wait for the vinegar smell to do its trick.

Use other cleaning agents like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap to get rid of dog pee or a pee stain.

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