How To Get Pet Urine Smell Out Of Carpet: Essential Carpet Cleaning Tips
- Joao Nsita
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
As Brits, we love our pets, whether a dog, cat, hamster or otherwise. Integrating an animal into our homes can sometimes be anything but smooth, especially in the early stages. For those that have experience house training puppies or kittens, accidents do happen. Luckily when they do, you can rely on Wrennalls to provide a quick and effective cleaning service. We specialise in domestic carpet cleaning in Preston and the wider northwest area, so you can rest assured that even the most severe of accidents can be eradicated, saving you from splashing out on expensive new carpets. But what about the more minor, less severe accidents? Luckily there are some great tips on how to deodourise a carpet in your home best.
Whether you're dealing with a new puppy or an older cat, knowing how to tackle these messes is crucial. These tips will help you maintain a clean and fresh home, ensuring that your carpets stay in top condition.
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10. Mop up with Paper Towels
The Method: This is the first step for fresh accidents.
Detailed Description: This method involves using paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible and then blotting the stain with another towel until it disappears. The first step in this process is to use a clean paper towel and blot up as much liquid as possible without spreading it or making it worse. You may need to repeat this step several times before all of the liquid has been absorbed into the towel, and no more can be absorbed by it.
Why It's Important: Removing as much liquid as possible immediately prevents the urine from soaking deep into the carpet padding, where odors can linger. Once the liquid has been absorbed, take another clean paper towel and blot up any remaining stain until it disappears entirely from view. This process should only take about 30 seconds per stain, but if it does not work for you on your first try, try again with a fresh set of towels until you get rid of all traces of moisture from your carpeting.
9. Soak Up the Pet Urine In The Carpet
The Method: For when paper towels aren't enough.
Detailed Description: If you have no paper towels, use a towel or cloth to soak up as much urine as possible. If you have a carpet cleaner, use it to extract any remaining moisture from the carpet and pad. When using a carpet cleaner, be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water so that no soap residue remains behind.
Why It's Important: Extracting moisture is key to preventing mold and lingering smells. Rinsing with clean water is essential because it removes all traces of soap used in the cleaning process, which could irritate your pet’s skin. Also, rinsing will remove any urine residue from your pet’s paws before he/she walks on the carpet again. If necessary, use more towels or rags to wipe up any remaining moisture in hard-to-reach areas like corners and edges. Keeping your home clean is a great way to start the new year fresh, just like these 13 cozy morning routines.
8. Water, Vinegar & Bicarbonate Of Soda
The Method: A natural, homemade solution for odors.
Detailed Description: A simple water and vinegar mixture can remove the pet urine smell from a carpet. Simply use tissues to soak up as much excess urine as possible to dry the carpet. Next, make a solution of 50% warm water and 50% white vinegar and gently work this into the stained area. Take a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda, sprinkle it on the stained area where you have just applied the vinegar/water solution, and work it in gently with a sponge.
Why It's Important: The reaction between the alkaline bicarbonate of soda and acidic vinegar will produce a powerful reaction to displace the odours from the carpet. The benefit of using these ingredients is that they are not chemically engineered or harsh, reducing the likelihood of damage to your carpets. This is a great DIY solution for maintaining a healthy home environment, similar to the 10 mental health habits we recommend.
7. Remove The Smell Using Hydrogen Peroxide & Detergent (On Light Carpets)
The Method: For tougher stains on lighter carpets.
Detailed Description: Removing the smell of pet urine can be difficult, depending on how long it has been present. Getting rid of the stench can be tough for patches that have been dried for quite some time, so we recommend giving a professional carpet cleaner a call. If the soil is relatively fresh, you may be able to beat the odour yourself. Simply combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, one tablespoon of scented washing-up liquid and 200 ml of warm water. Dampen the carpet area where the smell comes from using warm water and a sponge. Next, apply the hydrogen peroxide/washing-up liquid solution and work this in gently using a sponge. Leave this to soak for 2-3 hours and then rinse with warm water.
Why It's Important: This method can tackle more stubborn odors but requires caution. Ensure you don’t include too much hydrogen peroxide into the mix or leave it on the stain any longer than 2-3 hours, as it may bleach your carpet a lighter shade. It's a powerful cleaning hack, much like finding a great Amazon deal.
6. Baking Soda for Pet Urine in Carpets
The Method: An absorbent powder for fresh or old stains.
Detailed Description: Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to clean up pet urine, as it can absorb the smell and neutralise it. Baking soda is also a very safe product, which makes it ideal for use in homes with pets. You can use baking soda to clean up fresh pet urine stains, or you can use it to get rid of an old odour problem.
Why It's Important: If you want to remove an old urine stain, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit overnight. In the morning, vacuum up the baking soda and then rinse thoroughly with water. If your carpet has been stained by repeated use of pet products such as carpet cleaner or shampoo, sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit overnight before vacuuming in the morning. Using simple ingredients can be as effective as a gentle morning routine.
5. Avoid Using Household Carpet Cleaners
The Method: Knowing what not to use is just as important.
Detailed Description: If you have a pet, you know that accidents are bound to happen. Even the most well-trained pets will have an accident now and then. The problem is that when your pet soils your carpet, you want to get it out as quickly as possible. However, many people make the mistake of using household cleaners to remove pet urine from their carpets. While this may seem like an easy solution initially, it’s not a good idea for several reasons.
Why It's Important: Harsh chemicals can irritate your skin and lungs if you breathe in the fumes while cleaning up after your pet. Some household cleaners can make things worse by causing the urine to spread throughout your carpet instead of absorbing it. You could ruin your carpet if you don’t use the right cleaner or follow instructions carefully. Taking care of your home environment is a form of self-care, much like the rituals in our 12 self-care rituals guide.
4. Dishwashing Liquid
The Method: A gentle yet effective cleaning agent.
Detailed Description: Dishwashing liquid is an effective solution for removing pet urine from the carpet. Anionic detergents break down the organic compounds in urine and help remove stains quickly. It also has a neutral pH level, which means it will not alter the colour of your carpet. To use dishwashing liquid to remove pet urine from carpeting, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with 1 gallon (3.8 litres) of water. Apply this solution to the affected area using a clean sponge or cloth.
Why It's Important: Let the solution soak the carpet for 15 minutes before blotting it with a clean towel or cloth. Repeat this process until all of the stains are removed from your carpeting. This simple solution is often readily available, making it a convenient option for quick cleanups, just like a quick and easy recipe.
3. Laundry Detergent
The Method: Using laundry detergent for carpet stains.
Detailed Description: If you’re unsure about how much detergent you should use, err on the side of caution. You’ll have more cleaning power than needed if you use too little detergent, but if your carpet still smells after cleaning, you can constantly reapply more detergent at that time. You’ll want to ensure that you thoroughly soak the area with water before applying any liquid solutions or powders that may help remove pet urine stains and odours.
Why It's Important: This prevents them from being absorbed into the carpet fibres or backing material instead of being lifted out by the liquid solution or powder. Once this is done, let the area dry without foot traffic over it for at least 24 hours before walking on it again. Patience is key here, just like in building a strong relationship.
2. Use Rubber Gloves & Disinfectant
The Method: Essential safety and hygiene gear.
Detailed Description: When cleaning pet urine, rubber gloves and a good disinfectant are your best friends. Rubber gloves keep the smell of urine from transferring to your hands, and you can use them to pick up the mess instead of touching it with your bare hands. The disinfectant will kill germs and bacteria that may be present in the urine.
Why It's Important: Using a safe disinfectant for pets is essential because some disinfectants can be harmful if they get into their eyes or mouths while cleaning up after them. You should use disposable gloves when cleaning up pet urine — and any other time you’re working around potentially hazardous material — because regular rubber gloves require hand-washing when they get dirty. This makes them less convenient than disposable ones, which can be thrown away after each use without worrying about getting dirty again. Staying safe and clean is a priority, similar to setting healthy boundaries.
1. Professional Carpet Cleaning For Dog and Cat Urine
The Method: The ultimate solution for stubborn stains and odors.
Detailed Description: Is your carpet stained with dog urine? Or do you have a cat that has urinated on your carpet? This is a common problem for pet owners, but there is a solution. Professional carpet cleaning can help remove the stains and odours caused by pet urine. Cat urine causes a strong, pungent odour that can be difficult to remove from your home. Dog urine is even worse because it contains ammonia, which reacts with the carpet fibres to create a permanent stain.
Why It's Important: Pet urine can be removed from the carpet using steam cleaners or spotters, but these methods don’t always work well. Steam cleaning requires time and equipment, while spotters only remove the top layer of carpet fibres without removing the actual stain or odour. The best way to get rid of pet urine stains and odours is by hiring professional carpet cleaners who use special equipment to deep clean your carpets and upholstery. When you hire professional carpet cleaners, they will come to your home and evaluate the extent of damage caused by pet urine in your home’s carpets. They will then use special tools to extract all traces of pet pee from each fibre in your carpets before applying an enzyme cleaner that will neutralise any remaining smells or stains. The good news is that professional cleaners at Wrennalls are trained specifically for this job. We use unique products designed specifically for removing pet stains from carpets. Our cleaners will examine your carpeting before they begin any work. Then they’ll use their special products to help remove all traces of the stain or odour.
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FAQs
Why does pet urine smell so bad? Pet urine contains ammonia, which has a strong, pungent odor. As it dries, it becomes more concentrated, and bacteria can grow, making the smell worse.
Can I use bleach to clean pet urine? No, bleach should not be used on carpets as it can damage the fibers and remove color. It can also be harmful to pets if ingested.
Why do old urine stains smell again when it gets humid? Urine salts left behind in the carpet can absorb moisture from the air, reactivating the odor-causing bacteria.
Is baking soda safe for pets? Yes, baking soda is generally safe for pets, but it should be vacuumed up thoroughly so they don't ingest large amounts.
How often should I get my carpets professionally cleaned if I have pets? It is recommended to have your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months if you have pets to maintain hygiene and appearance.
Can vinegar damage my carpet? White vinegar is generally safe for most carpets, but it's always best to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
What is an enzyme cleaner? An enzyme cleaner contains biological enzymes that break down the proteins and organic matter in urine, effectively removing the stain and odor at the source.
Why shouldn't I use a steam cleaner on fresh urine stains? The heat from a steam cleaner can set the stain and the odor into the carpet fibers, making it much harder to remove later.
How do I find old urine stains? You can use a blacklight to detect old, dried urine stains that may not be visible to the naked eye.
What if the smell persists after cleaning? If the smell persists, the urine may have soaked into the carpet padding or the subfloor. In this case, professional cleaning or replacing the carpet and padding may be necessary.
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