What Is Effective in Cleaning Dog Urine?

Cleaning up dog messes may seem easier said than done. Dog urine indeed is one of the most challenging substances to clean up, especially when you're dealing with urine seeping into carpets, rugs and mattresses--not to mention the smell that often accompanies these unwanted outputs from man's best friend. Thankfully, there are many products specially designed to clean up these messes.

  1. Considerations

    • Dogs are equipped with powerful noses.

      One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a commercial product designed to remove urine is its effectiveness in removing odor. Lingering odors can be picked up easily by dogs thanks to their sophisticated sense of smell, and this may be a cause of trouble. Indeed, a dog that detects urine smell on a carpet is likely to soil the area again and again because it feels the need to mark territory. Using the wrong products therefore may actually encourage bad habits. Only when you totally remove the odor will the dog will no longer feel compelled to hit the same spot again.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The best way to prevent the urine from seeping into carpets or rugs is to act as quickly as possible. Quickly blot the fresh urine stain thoroughly with absorbent material such as a dry cloth, sponge or paper towel. Don't rub, because you can spread the urine around to a bigger area. Another good option is to use some special granules that can be applied directly in the urine-soaked area, according to Marty Smith, DVM.

    Enzymes

    • Testing the carpet for color changes is recommended before using any products.

      After having soaked up as much urine as possible, pour a good urine-removing product containing enzymes should be poured or sprayed on the area. Enzymes are live bacteria that will ''eat away'' and break down the stain after allowing it to saturate into the deep fibers for some time. Enzyme products work by attacking the stain and removing the odor rather than masking it with perfumes or detergents. It is always a good idea to test a concealed area of the carpet for color changes before applying the product directly to the stain.

    Time Frame

    • While fresh stains are much easier to clean up, dog owners are not always capable of catching their dog right after the deed. Dried, set-in stains are therefore much more challenging to clean up, often requiring special formulas characterized by stronger and more-effective enzymes. Such products are meant to penetrate deeper in the fiber, allowing special enzymes to take action. Often, a second treatment is required after 24 hours.

    Home Remedies

    • Professional carpet cleaning may be needed for tough old stains.

      Fresh urine stains may also be removed by blotting the stain with paper towels until dry. After ward, a solution of three parts warm water to one part vinegar can be poured on the stain. Allow the solution to sit for five minutes and then remove it, with paper towels. The smell can be neutralized by sprinkling a liberal amount of baking soda on the area. Finally, work a mixture of 1/2 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 tsp. natural dish soap into the carpet with the baking soda and allow it to dry for two hours.Then vacuum the area. This should remove most stains and odors, even though older stains may be more challenging to clean up, according to Vetinfo.com.