How to Eliminate Urine Smell from Carpet
The key to success in tackling urine stains is acting quickly. Carpets are highly absorbent, so the longer the urine sits, the more it will soak into your carpet fibres. If the stain dries, it becomes harder to remove and the smell may become more persistent. The main sources of urine odour in carpets are:
- Human accidents
- Dog urine
- Cat urine
Learn More About: Why does my carpet smell worse after a deep clean, and how to get it out?
Cleaning Fresh Urine Stains
The moment you discover a urine stain, your first priority should be blotting up the moisture as quickly as possible. Begin by using a clean towel or tissue to absorb the liquid. You can also use an old cloth or some newspaper as an extra layer for more absorbency. For your safety and hygiene, always wear gloves during this process and thoroughly wash your hands after cleaning.
The idea is to let the tissues or cloth absorb the urine before the carpet has a chance to. If the area is still wet, you can add another layer of tissues to continue absorbing the urine. To speed up the process, you might want to place something heavy over the tissues to help them soak up even more moisture. Afterward, rinse the spot with clean water. Using a wet vacuum can also make the cleaning process quicker and easier.
Learn More About: How to Clean a Very Dirty Car Carpet
Tackling Urine Odour
To eliminate the urine smell, there are two proven methods you can try: baking soda and vinegar solutions.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a tried-and-true method for neutralising unpleasant odours. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the urine spot, and let it sit for at least six hours, or overnight if possible. After that, vacuum the area thoroughly. If the urine smell persists, try mixing hydrogen peroxide with dish detergent and water. Apply this solution over the baking soda and gently scrub the area to lift the stain and eliminate the odour.
White Vinegar and Water
Create a mixture using equal parts distilled white vinegar and tap water. If desired, you can also add a small amount of baking soda to the mix for added effect. Apply this mixture to the affected area, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes. After that, use towels or tissues to blot the area dry. If needed, repeat the process until the smell is gone.
Learn More About: How to Clean Carpet with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Book a professional cleaner?
We are happy to offer you some of the most competitive prices in the industry.
How to Clean Old Urine Stains
Coming home to discover a dried-out urine stain can be frustrating, but don’t worry—there’s still hope for your carpet. Even older stains and odours can be successfully removed with the right technique.
Finding Dried Urine Stains
Locating dried urine stains can be challenging, especially if your carpet is dark in colour. In these cases, you can use a blacklight to help pinpoint the areas emitting the most odour. Alternatively, walk around the room to detect where the smell is strongest.
How to Clean the Carpet
For dried stains, apply a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part water over the affected area. Use a soft brush to scrub the area gently, being careful not to damage the fibres of your carpet. A softer approach will ensure that you’re deep cleaning without risking harm to your carpet.
Getting Rid of the Urine Smell
Baking soda can also help neutralise the odour from dried stains. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the spot and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming thoroughly. If you’re dealing with persistent odours, you may also want to consider using a specialised pet odour eliminator.
How to Handle Stubborn Urine Stains and Smell
For more challenging stains, enzyme cleaners are an excellent choice. Enzyme-based products break down the proteins in urine, helping to eliminate both the stain and the smell. Simply spray the cleaner on the stain and let it sit for around 10 minutes before blotting it with paper towels or a rag. For optimal results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. For extremely tough stains, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water may be powerful enough to tackle the job.
FAQs
Still have questions? Here are some of the most common queries regarding urine stains and odour removal:
What neutralises the scent of urine?
Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish detergent are the most effective household solutions for neutralising urine odours.
What if the urine smell doesn’t go away?
If you’ve tried everything and the smell persists, it might be time to call in a professional carpet cleaning service. Professional cleaners have the right tools and expertise to tackle even the most stubborn odours and stains.
Conclusion
Urine stains can be a real nuisance, especially when you can’t seem to eliminate the smell. The first step is to act quickly by blotting the area with tissues or cloths to absorb as much urine as possible. Then, use a solution of baking soda or vinegar and water to neutralise the odour. For older stains, enzyme cleaners and hydrogen peroxide may be necessary. And if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert carpet cleaning team. We specialise in removing even the toughest stains and odours, leaving your carpets fresh and spotless.
Useful Carpet Cleaning Tips
How to Get Ink Out of Carpet
Whether your child’s creative masterpiece resulted in an ink stain, or you accidentally stepped on a pen, a stubborn ink stain on your carpet doesn’t have to ruin its appearance. Removing ink from...
How to Get Hair Dye Out of Carpet
At South West Cleaners, we understand that hair dyeing can be an exciting yet messy process. While many people take precautions by covering carpets with protective sheets or plastic, accidents still...
How to Safely Remove Dog Urine Stains from Your Carpet in 7 Simple Steps
Having a dog brings so much joy to your life, but it also comes with its challenges—one of which is dealing with the occasional urine stain. Whether you have a puppy in training or an older dog...
