Accidents happen, and when they do, knowing how to properly clean up dog urine is essential—not just for your carpet, but for your potty training success. A dog’s sense of smell is 100,000 times stronger than ours, so if any urine odor remains, your dog might think it’s okay to keep using the same spot.
TL;DR: How to Remove Dog Pee Smell from Carpet
Clean up the urine as soon as possible by blotting it with paper towels. Use an enzymatic cleaner or an all-natural vinegar solution to neutralize odors. For stubborn smells, sprinkle baking soda onto the dry carpet and vacuum after letting it sit overnight. Repeat as needed to completely eliminate the odor.
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Tools You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these tools for the best results:
- Paper towels or white rags
- A spray bottle
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- A high-quality enzymatic cleaner (e.g., Nature’s Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, or OdoBan)
- Optional: A UV light to find hidden spots
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Dog Pee from Carpet
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, so even a faint trace of urine can encourage repeat accidents in the same spot. That’s why cleaning thoroughly and correctly is critical… not just for your carpets but for reinforcing potty training.
1. Act Quickly and Blot the Area
If the urine is fresh, soak up as much as possible by blotting with paper towels or a white rag. Avoid scrubbing, which can push the urine deeper into the carpet fibers.
I use my Mini Carpet Cleaner to suck up the pee, then blot it with paper towels using my foot to get as much moisture up as possible. Then place the paper towels in a plastic grocery bag and throw them away outside when done.
2. Choose Your Cleaning Method
Two main ways to clean dog pee from the carpet are using a natural vinegar solution or a professional enzymatic cleaner.
Option 1: Vinegar and Water Solution
The vinegar neutralizes the ammonia in the urine, removing stains and odors.
- Mix a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water.
- Pour the solution directly onto the urine stain, soaking the area.
- Scrub gently with a clean white rag.
- Blot the area dry with paper towels, stepping on them to apply pressure.
- Let the area dry completely and then sprinkle baking soda over the area.*
- Vacuum thoroughly after letting the baking soda sit for several hours (or overnight).
💡 TIP: *Always test a small, inconspicuous area of carpet first. I once tried the baking soda/vinegar trick on a cream-colored carpet and ended up with a bleached spot—thank goodness it was in the basement!
Option 2: Enzymatic Cleaner
Enzymatic cleaners break down the proteins in urine, effectively eliminating odors and discouraging repeat accidents.
- Blot up as much of the urine as possible before applying the cleaner.
- Thoroughly soak the stain with the enzymatic cleaner.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes (or follow the product’s instructions).
- Blot the area with a clean cloth and let it air dry for 24 hours.
- Let the area dry completely and then sprinkle baking soda over the area.*
- Vacuum thoroughly after letting the baking soda sit for several hours (or overnight).
3. For Set-In Stains or Stubborn Odors
If the smell persists or the stain is old, try these steps:
- Soak the area again with your vinegar solution or enzymatic cleaner, allowing it to penetrate deeply.
- Cover the spot with a clean towel and place something heavy on top to encourage absorption.
- Let the area dry completely and then sprinkle baking soda over the area.*
- Vacuum thoroughly after letting the baking soda sit for several hours (or overnight).
- Repeat as needed.
Baking soda works by absorbing moisture and neutralizing odor molecules trapped in the carpet. Sprinkle it generously onto the dry carpet, work it into the fibers, and let it sit overnight before vacuuming. Repeat this process if needed for stubborn smells.
💡 TIP: A UV light can help you locate hidden urine spots that might be contributing to odors.
Steam cleaning or shampooing carpet can reactive the ammonia and bacteria left behind from old potty accidents. The urine likely soaked into the carpet pad and shampooing reactivated the smell. Unfortunately, it may be time to replace the carpet at this point. The best decision we made was to replace all our carpeting with hardwood floors!
My Favorite Enzymatic Cleaners
After fostering countless dogs, I’ve tested a lot of products. These are the ones I recommend:
- Nature’s Miracle
- Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
- OdoBan Pet Oxy Stain Remover
💡 TIP: I use OdoBan not just for accidents but for cleaning everything in my house. It disinfects, deodorizes, and works wonders on washable surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and floors.
Bonus: Preventing Future Accidents
Once your carpet is clean, take steps to prevent future accidents:
- Reinforce potty training by taking your dog outside frequently and rewarding them for going in the right spot.
- Block access to areas where your dog has had accidents until they are fully trained.
- Use a potty training schedule and trackers, like my Puppy Potty Training Pack Printable, to stay on track.
Accidents happen, but they don’t have to ruin your carpet… or your potty training progress. With the right cleaning techniques and tools, you can remove both stains and odors completely, ensuring a fresh, clean home for you and your dog.
P.S. Struggling with potty training? Check out my step-by-step guide: How to Potty Train a Puppy Fast.
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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!