how to get dog pee out of a carpet

Carpet intervention: How to get dried dog pee out of carpet

Keep your carpet clean and fresh, even after a dog pee incident.

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What to know when getting dog pee out of carpets

Combat dog wee woes with these key steps:

  • 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.


Are you struggling with the occasional dog urine stain and smell at home? Perhaps your furry friend is still figuring things out and needs time in potty training. As lovely as it is to have a pet, pee accidents can make happy moments unpleasant.

That urine stain and scent is a nightmare for every dog owner, especially when it gets on the carpet, hardwood floors, and other furniture. But fear not because this how to get dried dog pee out of carpet guide gives expert advice so you can say goodbye to pee problems and hello to a fresh home.

Preparing to clean your carpet: What you’ll need

Gather these materials to jumpstart your mission of removing urine stains and odours:

  • 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

In the frantic aftermath of your pet's accident, swift action is your best ally. New urine stains are easier 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 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 clean dog wee from carpet: A step-by-step guide

When you don’t have a dog wee cleaner, a carpet cleaning machine, or rug cleaning services nearby, you can always turn to DIY agents. One example is the classic vinegar and water solution. 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 affected area. Press 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 harsh 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 add baking soda to equal parts water 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 enzymatic agents designed to eliminate the compounds found in pet urine. Follow the application instructions from the manufacturer, ensuring thorough coverage of the soiled area. Another DIY option is a concoction 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 be mindful that it's only suitable for light-coloured 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. This rule applies to blood in case your pet discharges any. Blot the area again with a dry towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures no cleaning solution residue is left behind.

Repeating steps 2 to 4 may be necessary for the pet urine stains and odour to be entirely gone. 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 leave the pros to do carpet steam cleaning. They can also offer dry carpet cleaning services for you.

Step 5: Dry thoroughly

Allow the cleaned area to completely dry to prevent the 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

When it comes to getting rid of the dog smell, turn to odour eliminators or neutralisers. Baking soda always works wonders, along with the DIY solutions mentioned above. Generally, you can freshen up your carpet and home by regular vacuuming and having proper ventilation.

You can also try placing a dish containing 1/2 inch of undiluted vinegar in a room. Leave it in the room until the dog smell dissipates. Keep in mind that addressing both stains and odours is crucial for maintaining a clean living space. But if you don't have the time, you can call up a professional local cleaner to do the job for you.

What to do to prevent another dog pee incident

Although you now know how to remove urine smell from 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 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. Grasping your pet’s motivations can guide them back to the correct behaviour. But the best course of action is to let an expert dog trainer lead the way.

Fur-ever fresh: Wee-free and clean carpets

With handy tips to back you up on dog urine accidents, there's no need to worry anymore. Speed is the key to fighting that distressing dog urine smell and stain. Plus, potty training your furry friend will save you much of the trouble. If you want to ease your burden even more and free up your hours, hire someone to handle carpet time.

A professional carpet cleaner can transform dirty rugs into spotless ones, letting you and your pet have a cleaner home to bond in. They’re also affordable and worth every penny. So, call up an Airtasker today!

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FAQs on cleaning dog pee out of carpets

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

It depends on the carpet's material and how long the dried urine has been sitting there. But, the longer it stays uncleaned and soiled, the higher the chances of the carpet fibres being permanently damaged.

Old dog pee usually leaves a stain. When you don't have carpet cleaners, turn to easy home remedies. 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.

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