Removing Dog Urine Stains From Carpet

Removing dog urine stains requires swift action, especially when the stain is on carpet. Pet urine is high in ammonia, and can leave a very strong odor in an entire room from just one small urine stain. By quickly addressing the stain, you can break up the ammonia in the urine that causes the odor before it sets in, leaving your home smelling fresh and odor-free.

  1. Absorb Excess

    • Use a few paper towels to absorb as much of the urine as possible. Repeat this process until you are left with dry paper towels that are absorbing no additional urine. By acting quickly, most of the urine can be absorbed, preventing bacteria growth on the carpet that leads to the strong urine odor.

    Vinegar and Water Solution

    • In a bottle, create a solution of one part vinegar and one part water (about 1 cup of each). Pour the solution over the stain until the carpet is soaked, then work it into the carpet using a scrub brush. Make sure to use pressure and scrub hard, as you need to work the solution into the fibers and padding beneath the carpet to prevent odor. The vinegar works to neutralize the ammonia found in urine, which leads to odor. After scrubbing, use paper towels to blot the area dry.

    Baking Soda and Peroxide

    • After the vinegar and water solution has dried, sprinkle an even amount of baking soda over the stained area--enough to cover the carpeting. Next, mix a solution of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) and 1 tsp. of liquid dish detergent. Slowly pour this solution directly over the baking soda, which will create a fizz. Work the solution in using a scrub brush until the baking soda is dissolved. When the area is dry, use a vacuum to absorb any excess residue. If it is a heavy, set-in stain that has been on the carpet for awhile, repeat this process two to three times to be sure the stain is completely dissolved.