Most dog owners have to deal with dog urine on the floor or the carpet at some point. Unfortunately, no matter how well-behaved your pup may be, accidents happen, and the smell from those accidents tends to stay if not adequately handled.
Dried urine has a strong ammonia odor that can be difficult to eliminate. However, by treating fresh urine promptly, preventing accidents, and removing old odors in the first place, you can remove the dog urine smell and make your home smell fresh again. If you’re wondering how to clean dog urine from carpet, floor, or anywhere, keep reading to learn the best methods to help you out.
Table of Contents
What Equipment is Required to Remove Dog Urine Smell?
If you see your dog’s urine in the house or find a wet urine stain, immediately blot the spot with a clean towel. This will soak up as much pee as possible, reducing the possibility of urine soaking into your carpet or upholstery. If the accident happened on carpet or fabric, use firm pressure to blot the area until it is as dry as possible. Then, to avoid lingering smells, immediately dispose of the paper towel, preferably in an outdoor trash can.
Enzymatic cleaners can break down the molecules of pet urine to eliminate odors. Several types are available, and you should use them according to the proper instructions. Use these cleaners as quickly as possible to minimize odors or lasting stains.
Opt for baking soda
Baking soda can naturally neutralize odors. Sprinkle the baking soda on the damp area or even on the old urine stain, and gently work the powder into the fibers of any carpet, fabric, or rug. Let the baking soda sit overnight for maximum urine odor absorption, then vacuum it up to eradicate the smell.
Keep it dry
Dog’s urine will smell stronger immediately after the accident, and the more extended fabrics remain wet, the more intense the smell will seem. After cleaning up the pee, you must thoroughly dry the fabric, rug, or carpet. Use a fan to improve air circulation in the area and open windows, if possible, to help fresh air circulate and remove odors.
Use a black light to find old stains
After you clean the new puddles, there may be old, smelly stains, and the odors may remain. Use a black light to figure out old urine stains on fabrics and carpets, and treat them with the methods mentioned above.
Try wet vacuuming
An intense carpet cleaning may be necessary when a stain is older or more profound in a rug or carpet. Use only cold water for this cleaning (higher temperatures could bond the urine to the fabric, so you cannot remove it). Then, add an enzymatic cleaner to break down odor-causing proteins more thoroughly. After vacuuming, allow the site to dry thoroughly.
Remove carpeting and rugs
Professional carpet and fabric cleaning services have more powerful equipment and can detect and remove old urine stains that may still smell. While hiring a professional cleaning service may be more expensive, it can be worthwhile if many stains need to be cleaned or areas need more complex treatment. Consider trashing the carpets and rugs if the odor is more profound.
Avail of Professional Cleaning
Professional carpet and fabric cleaning services have more powerful equipment and can detect and remove old urine stains that may still smell. While hiring a professional cleaning service may be more expensive, it can be worthwhile if many stains need to be cleaned or stubborn areas need more complex treatment.
Keep the Litter Clean
Even if a dog urinates in the proper area, occasional near-misses can cause odors to stay and grow stronger. Therefore, clean the litter box, puppy pad area, or similar location frequently, using enzymatic cleaners and other deodorizing agents. Bear in mind, however, that some slight odors may remain in this area and can help remind your pet about the right place for their business.
Schedule and Continue Training
Once a dog is housebroken, his training shouldn’t be over. Frequent refreshers for their potty training can help reinforce where it is appropriate for them to urinate. In addition, letting dogs outdoors more often or scheduling more frequent walks and potty breaks can help minimize accidents that lead to unwanted odors.
Chart out Diet and Health
While an animal’s urine naturally smells, those scent markers help designate one’s territory; a strong odor or abrupt odor change may indicate health issues. A change in diet can also affect urine odor, and offering certain foods to your pet can reduce odors. However, if a terrible smell persists, consult with a veterinarian to investigate any digestive or other problems or health issues.
Pro Tips
Your dog may suffer from chronic issues such as:
Submissive urine
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary incontinence
Frequent urination
Please do not consider it an accident and ignore it. Instead, kindly consult with your vet to ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pet.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with occasional dog urine accidents and odors is part of being a dog parent. Still, by acting promptly during accidents and taking these steps to minimize those odors, it is possible to remove the smells and keep your home fresh and dog-friendly at the same time.
