Accidents happen. The best chance you have to get dog pee smell out of carpet is to act quickly.
But don’t panic if you just noticed it after coming home from working all day. There is still hope, just use the 3 easy steps below to clean up any potty accidents:
1. Soak up wet urine with paper towels
My trick is using my Little Green Carpet Cleaner to soak up the urine, then blot it with paper towels using my foot to get the most moisture up as possible. Tip: Place the paper towels in a plastic grocery bag and throw away outside when done.
2. Spray an enzymatic cleaner
My favorite and the best enzyme cleaner is Nature’s Miracle. Follow the product instructions, but it’s as easy as spray, wait, and blot. Don’t be shy on using too much, you need to soak the area with the solution to soak into the stain.
3. Sprinkle baking soda
If you use Nature’s Miracle, this step may not be necessary, but if you want to go the extra mile, go for it. I recommend allowing the spot to completely dry before using the baking soda. And do a spot test in a hidden area. Generously sprinkle the baking soda over the urine spot, let sit for 12-24 hours, then vacuum.
Sounds too easy right? Honestly, as long as you use the best enzymatic cleaner (i.e. Nature’s Miracle) it is that easy.
As a foster for rescue dogs, we’ve had more potty accidents than I care to count. I couldn’t live without my portable Carpet Cleaner and Nature’s Miracle.
The only thing better… is to get rid of your carpeting… which we did when we remodeled the house we live in now. But that’s an entirely different story.
Q&A
Q: How to get OLD dog urine smell out of carpet
A: Your best option is to either rent an industrial carpet cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning company to clean all of the carpets in your home. Make sure to let the professional know so they can pre-treat the stains. This will give you a fresh start and the opportunity to clean up any new accidents quickly.
The other option is to try the Nature’s Miracle Set-In Stain Destroyer. I have not tried this specific product, but the reviews are positive. I have used ECOS for pets, with great success, but it’s not always easy to find.
Q: I shampooed my carpet and now it smells like urine
A: Steam cleaning or shampooing carpet can reactive the ammonia and bacteria left behind from old potty accidents. The urine likely soaked down into the pad of the carpet and shampooing revived the smell.
The best way is to treat the carpet with a heavy-duty enzyme cleaner from Nature’s Miracle. They have a wide range of products based on your specific needs.
Use a black light to find hidden areas that have urine residue and treat those spots.
Depending on the size of your carpeting, you can also attempt to use baking soda. Generously sprinkle over the carpet and allow it to penetrate overnight before vacuuming.
Q: How to clean dog urine from carpet with vinegar and baking soda
A: I am all for going DIY all-natural. But I’m going to be honest, if you can afford to get Nature’s Miracle, it works much better.
But if you’re in a pinch, then mix 1 cup each of distilled white vinegar and water, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Spray the solution on the stain, allowing it to sit 5 minutes and then blot with clean paper towels.
If the stain or smell is still there, sprinkle baking soda over the damp spot and let it sit 12-24 hours and the vacuum.
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I hope that answers all of your questions, but if not, please feel free to ask below in the comments. And if you have a tried and true way of how to remove dog urine odor from carpet, please share. It could help many other dog parents struggling with the same problem.
I've been dealing with pet odors, and your article on removing dog urine odor from carpets is a lifesaver! Your tips are practical and easy to follow. Thanks a ton for sharing this valuable information!