How to Get Dog or Cat Urine Smell Out of Rugs?
Rugs at home can be challenging to maintain, especially if you have a pet dog or cat urinating on them. Of course, home-training the furballs is a long process. In the meantime, you can learn how to get pet urine smell out of a rug. Whether it is a fresh or an old stain, the cleaning process for either is similar. So, let's get started!
Why Does Pet Urine Smell Bad? How to Identify the Spots?
Urine consists of waste compounds, like uric acid, which starts to smell as it decomposes. So, after a dog or cat is done urinating on a rug, it will eventually smell. Identifying the spot is easy. Simply use your sense of smell and sight. The stain may look yellowish or pale green, and have a strong ammonia odor. If there isn't an odor, use a backlight—such as a UV light—to make it easier to identify.
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Options to Get Pet Urine Out of the Rug!
There are many ways you can get urine smell and stains out of the rug. You can use commercial or household products. Both help remove dog or cat urine stains and odors from a rug.
Enzyme-based Cleaner
Enzymes and bacteria can help break down the crystals of uric acid. When microorganisms in the cleaning solution engage with the urine stain, they produce enzymes. The enzymes can break down uric acid into simple, odorless substances. This will help get urine out of the rug. Apart from the enzyme-based cleaner, there are other products you can use.
White Vinegar + Water
Diluted white vinegar should help remove urine stains and stench from the rug because of its acidic nature. You can prepare this by,
- Mixing one part white vinegar with four parts water.
- If the stain has a strong odor, you can blend equal amounts of the two.
Hydrogen Peroxide + Water
Hydrogen peroxide contains bleaching properties that can remove a urine stain and smell from the rug. Remember that this ingredient is also a bleaching agent. So, you must,
- Mix equivalent parts of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Test it on a small area and only use it on light-colored rugs.
- If it doesn't bleach the area, apply it to the urine stain.
Hydrogen Peroxide also removes paint from a rug.
Lemon + Water
Diluted lemon juice can help neutralize the ammonia in urine. You must,
- Mix identical parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on the urine spot.
- This solution may even leave a citric fragrance on the rug.
Dishwashing Liquid + Water
Another effective solution for urine stains is a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid.
- Combine a teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid with one quart of warm water.
- Apply it to the stain to lift the urine from the rug’s fibers.
You can also remove coffee off a rug with dishwashing liquid and water.
Baking Soda
After applying any of the dilutes,
- Blot them out for about 10 to 15 minutes with a clean, dry cloth.
- The smell of urine can often linger.
- To address this, sprinkle baking soda on the spot.
- Let it sit for a while before vacuuming.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a great home ingredient that can absorb moisture and odors from a rug. It can even remove stains and smells that occur if a pet urinates on the rug. If you do not have baking soda,
- Sprinkle cornstarch instead on the dry urine spot.
- Let it sit for a few hours.
- Then, vacuum it up for a clean and fresh rug.
How to Get Urine Smell Out of Rug using Commercial Products?
An enzyme-based commercial product is a common choice to get dog or cat urine smells and stains out from a rug. When you pick one, look for non-toxic products labeled safe for children and pets. The cleaning solution may come scented. But, avoid overpowering fragrances. They may only mask odors, not remove them completely. With that in mind, you can follow these steps to use a commercial cleaner:
- Apply the cleaner to the urine stain on the rug, per the label's instructions. A bigger stain will need more saturation. This will ensure it penetrates deep into the rug fibers and padding.
- Next, let the enzyme-based solution sit as long as the label indicates. This will help the cleaner break down the urine compounds.
- After the solution has seeped into the rug, blot the area with a clean and dry towel to absorb excess moisture.
- You may need to rinse the area with water once more, then blot it dry with a dry fresh cloth. Other enzyme-based products might need vacuuming after the product dries.
- Follow this step by letting the treated area air dry, which could take hours or a few days. Until then, keep children and pets away from the rug.
- Then, inspect the area for any stains or lingering odors.
- If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process until it disappears.
Steps to Use Home Remedies
Home remedies are another way how you can get cat or dog urine smells and stains out of the rug. These steps will help with a natural approach. First, pick the cleaner of your choice. After that, pre-test it on a less noticeable part of the rug with a relevant ingredient. If there is no discoloration,
- Saturate the urine-stained area with one of the home-based ingredients mentioned earlier. For instance, you could apply white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice to the rug. Or, you could blot the area with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water.
- Next, let the concoction rest for 10 to 15 minutes until it seeps into the rug’s fibers.
- Take a clean cloth and blot the solution to remove as much as possible.
- Once the area dries, you must apply baking soda to absorb the odors.
- Let the powder dry for a few hours, then vacuum it to remove residue.
Expert Tip: If you do not have baking soda handy, use cornstarch as an alternative. This home ingredient works similarly to baking soda.
Dealing with Persistent Urine Smell
You might have tried all the methods to get cat or dog urine smell and stains out of a rug. But to prevent lingering smells or lasting stains, you must,
- Train your dog or cat to avoid urinating on the rug. Training takes time, but patience is key. Most dogs or cats may eventually learn to stop urinating on a rug with time, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
- Cleaning up accidents, fast, is another way to prevent stains or long-lasting odors.
- Frequent cleaning and maintenance can remove urine stains and odor from a rug.
- Deep clean your rugs every 12 to 18 months to keep them free from stains, odors, and other dirt and debris.
Professional Cleaning Options
If your pet’s urine smell lingers on the rug, expert intervention is how you can get it out of the rug. Professional cleaners use industrial-strength equipment to remove dog or cat urine stains. The expert can also handle delicate or expensive rugs with care.
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FAQs
The information above should help you navigate through cleaning a urine-infested rug. But if you have other questions, our experts have answered some of the most common ones below.
What Kills the Smell of Urine on the Carpet or Rug?
Commercial enzyme-based cleaners can remove urine stains from a carpet or rug. You can also use ingredients available at home. These include diluted white vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, or dishwashing liquid. Baking soda or cornstarch helps remove remaining urine odors.
Why does my Rug still Smell like Pee after Cleaning?
A rug may have an unpleasant odor if the urine has penetrated deeply into the fibers or padding, which surface cleaning cannot reach. In these situations, you may need to hire a professional rug cleaner to remove the stench and stain.
How do You Get Dried Urine Out of a Rug?
Blot the area for 10 minutes with a cleaning solution, such as diluted white vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, or dishwashing liquid. Then, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch. Once the area is dry, vacuum the powder to remove any residue.
Does Dog Urine Smell Ever Go Away?
Yes! You can get urine smell out of a rug. Simply follow the cleaning steps mentioned earlier in this blog. If that does not work, hire an expert to manage and remove the tough urine stain and its odor.
