How to Remove Urine Odors from Carpets and More

If you have pets or a toddler in the middle of toilet training, you might find yourself needing to eliminate urine odors from carpets, clothes, and upholstery. Accidents are a part of life, after all.

Fortunately, there are many effective carpet stain removers for quick spot treatment that also target pet odors. If you'd prefer not to do the work yourself, consider purchasing a carpet cleaner to handle the tough tasks for you.

Here are some helpful tips for removing urine from soft surfaces around your home using cleaning products you likely already have on hand.

Before You Begin

Since urine is acidic, the longer it sits on fabrics, the more harm it can cause, and the stronger the odor molecules become attached to the fibers. Cleaning it up quickly is always the best option and offers the greatest chance to completely eliminate pee smells from carpets and other soft materials.

What You'll Need:

For Removing Urine Stains and Odors from Carpets

• Paper towels or clean white cloths
• Distilled white vinegar
• Dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Vacuum cleaner

For Removing Urine Stains and Odors from Couches

• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Paper towels
• Microfiber cloth
• Vacuum cleaner

For Removing Urine Stains and Odors from Clothing

• Baking soda
• Laundry borax
• Laundry detergent
• Laundry sanitizer or bleach (for colorful versus white cotton fabrics)

How to Remove Urine Odor from Carpet Using a Homemade Cleaning Solution

Step 1: Blot

If the urine is still fresh, quickly blot it up with paper towels or a white cloth. Step on the towels to help soak up the moisture, using your weight to press it into the fibers until the towels stop absorbing liquid. Be sure to use a white rag, as colored ones could bleed dye onto the carpet. You don't want to deal with extra stains on top of the pee!

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

For fresh urine stains, mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of dish soap in a spray bottle. Label it and keep it ready for next time.

For older pee stains, combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. (This mixture must be prepared fresh each time, as hydrogen peroxide loses its effectiveness when exposed to light.) Shake well before use.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution to Carpet

For fresh urine stains, spray the vinegar solution directly onto the stain until the carpet is thoroughly soaked.

For older urine stains, apply the solution to the carpet and allow it to sit for 20 minutes to fully absorb.

Step 4: Scrub the Area with a Cloth or Brush

For fresh urine stains, begin at the outer edges of the stain and work toward the center to prevent spreading. Use a clean white cloth or a carpet scrub brush to work the vinegar solution deeper into the carpet fibers. Gently scrub and switch to a clean area of the cloth as it picks up discoloration. Once done, blot away the solution with a dry cloth or paper towels.

For older urine stains, use a white cloth to blot up the solution and rinse the area.

Step 5: Mist with Water

For fresh urine stains, fill a second spray bottle with plain water and spritz the cleaned area generously to rinse away any soap residue. Blot with dry cloths until no more moisture is transferred.

Step 6: Let It Air Dry and Vacuum

For both fresh and dried urine stains, allow the area to air dry completely. Once dry, vacuum the area to lift the carpet fibers.

For lighter-colored carpets, you can safely use hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using it on dark carpets, as it acts as a mild bleach and could cause discoloration.

How to Remove Pee Smell from a Couch Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Removing urine odors from couches and upholstered furniture is more challenging due to the variety of fabrics. This is also a good reason to opt for a kid- and pet-friendly sofa. If the fabric is suitable for wet cleaning (look for a W or WS label), you can proceed with homemade cleaning solutions.

If the care label advises S (solvent) or X (professional cleaning) only, your best course of action is to blot up the pee and/or sprinkle the area with dry baking soda, then contact a professional cleaner. For fresh stains on couches with a W or WS tag, follow these steps:

Step 1: Blot

Use a paper towel to gently blot the stain—avoid rubbing it. You don't want the fabric to absorb more of the urine. Continue until the area is nearly dry.

Step 2: Clean With Vinegar and Water

Combine one part distilled white vinegar with four parts water. For stronger odors, try using equal parts vinegar and water. Apply this mixture to the fabric to neutralize the scent. For microfiber couches, you can substitute rubbing alcohol for vinegar to avoid potential staining.

Step 3: Wipe the Stain With a Sponge

Start scrubbing from the center of the stain and work your way outward. Feel free to apply some pressure as you clean.

Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously cover the stained area with baking soda and let it sit overnight. If you're in a rush, aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of rest.

Step 5: Vacuum

Once the fabric has completely dried, use a vacuum to remove the baking soda. This mixture of vinegar and baking soda should effectively eliminate the odor of urine.

How to Remove Pee Smell from Clothes Using Detergent

As before, check the care instructions. If the garment is labeled as "dry clean only," take it to a professional cleaner and inform them of the stain's origin so they can handle it appropriately. For washable items, follow these instructions.

Step 1: Presoak

If you're unable to wash the fabric immediately or if the urine stains have already dried, prepare a presoak by filling a sink or plastic container with enough water to submerge the material. Add one cup of baking soda or half a cup of laundry borax for every gallon of water. Allow the fabric to soak until you're ready for a full cleaning.

Step 2: Wash With Hot Water, Detergent, and Baking Soda

Use the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric. Add one cup of baking soda to the water and select an enzyme-based, heavy-duty laundry detergent for the wash.

Step 3: Add Disinfectant

To sanitize fabric effectively, use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, which is safe for both white and colored clothes, or opt for chlorine bleach when cleaning 100% cotton white fabrics, ensuring you follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Step 4: Smell It

Give the fabric a quick sniff test. If the scent of urine remains, avoid putting the item in a heated dryer, as this can set the odor. If it smells fine, it’s best to let it air-dry, then check again to ensure the smell is completely gone.

Step 5: Repeat If Needed

If the smell persists, repeat the soaking and washing process. Make sure to use a quality detergent with enough enzymes to break down the odor molecules and remove them from the fabric.

Step 6: Drying

Hanging clothes to dry outside can also help to eliminate lingering odors.