How to Get Dog Urine Out of Area Rugs

After a long, hard day at work, coming home to the foul stench of dog urine emanating from your favorite area rug is pretty unpleasant. There's no need to panic, but you must act fast to remove the smell so as not to attract your dog back to the same spot. But before you pull out the cleaning products, make sure you avoid using anything ammonia-based. Dog pee actually contains ammonia, and you could inadvertently be making the situation worse.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towel
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Baking soda
  • Wet/dry vacuum extractor (optional)
  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Liquid dishwashing detergent
  • Vacuum cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Blot up your dog's urine, if it is still wet. Place a generous amount of paper towel over the wet area and tread on it to soak up as much urine as you can. Repeat until no more urine can be soaked up.

    • 2
      Using your scrubbing brush, apply the solution liberally to ensure it penetrates deep into the carpet fibers.

      Mix a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water. Using liberally, work the solution in with a scrubbing brush to ensure it penetrates the rug fibers below.

    • 3

      Blot the area again using the paper towel. The white vinegar will neutralize the ammonia in the dog's urine.

    • 4
      It's not necessary, but vacuuming with a wet/dry extractor will help dry the treated urine spot more quickly.

      Sprinkle a large handful of baking soda over the soiled area when it has dried or is almost dry. Speed up the drying process if you wish by vacuuming the spot with a wet/dry vacuum extractor.

    • 5

      Mix 1/2 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent. Plain liquid dishwashing detergent is fine, but don't use caustic dishwasher detergent.

    • 6

      Allow the area to dry completely and then vacuum thoroughly. Your rug will smell fresh and free from urine odor.