How to Get Pee Smell Out of Carpet: 3 Effective Remedies

Published October 12, 2022
Woman holding vacuum standing with white dog

Did your puppy get a little overexcited and dibble happily on your carpet? We've all been there! Grab some paper towels, white vinegar, and baking soda. It's time to learn how to get the pee smell out of your carpet with a few easy methods to get rid of that smell for good.

Home Remedies to Get Pee Smell Out of Carpet

Pee has a distinct odor, especially old pee. It's also one of those smells that can be hard to track down. So, whether your toddler, dog, or cat had an accident on your carpet, you want to act fast. If you don't, getting the stain and smell to vanish completely is nearly impossible. Thankfully, when it comes to pee smells, baking soda and white vinegar are going to be the winning combo.

But before you can roll up your sleeves and get down to scrubbing your carpet, you need to raid your pantry.

Woman pouring baking soda in long hair fur carpet

How to Get Pee Smell Out of Carpet With White Vinegar

Your daughter had a diaper blowout all over your carpet. It happens to the best of us. While it might seem like a big deal at the time, it's a simple fix to remove the pee stain and smell. Just grab a little bit of white vinegar. However, different carpet fabrics react differently to white vinegar, so test an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause harm.

  1. If the stain is still fresh, grab a paper towel. Try to absorb as much of the liquid as you can.
  2. In a spray bottle, mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1 cup of water.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Spray it onto the area.
  5. Scrub with a bristle scrub brush.
  6. Blot with paper towels.
  7. Apply a generous coat of baking soda.
  8. Allow it to sit for 24 hours or more.
  9. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  10. Repeat as necessary for any lingering stink.

Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Urine and Urine Smell From Carpets

Did your best furry companion mark your new white carpet? Yes, it's frustrating, but dog accidents happen, right? With a white carpet, you can try the white vinegar method. However, you might also try hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and add a bleaching effect. Hydrogen peroxide is better than white vinegar for killing those odor-causing bacteria, but you don't want to use it on colored carpets. Again, you'll want to test an area before you get started, just in case.

  1. Blot up any fresh stains with paper towel, trying to eliminate as much urine as possible.
  2. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
  3. Add a teaspoon of Dawn.
  4. Shake well to mix.
  5. Spray down the stain.
  6. Scrub with a bristle brush.
  7. Blot up as much urine as you can.
  8. Add a generous amount of baking soda over the strain.
  9. Spray the baking soda with the solution.
  10. Leave on the stain for 24 hours.
  11. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  12. Repeat as necessary.

How to Get Cat and Dog Pee Smell From Carpet With Enzyme Cleaner

Sometimes pet pee, especially cat pee, can get a bit more potent. Therefore, completely getting rid of that odor can be a bit harder. For cat pee and old pet messes, you want to break out the enzyme cleaner. While you can buy an enzyme cleaner at the store, you can also make one pretty easily at home. If you've never used an enzyme cleaner, be sure to test it first.

Removing Stains From the Carpet
  1. Soak the blotted pee area in an enzyme cleaner.
  2. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes or recommended package time.
  3. Wet a white cloth and blot the stain and enzyme cleaner.
  4. Once the cloth is not pulling up any more cleaner or urine, cover the stain with baking soda.
  5. Let it sit for at least an hour, more if possible.
  6. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  7. Mist the area in a homemade or store-bought air freshener.

Precautions and Tips for Remove Urine Smell From Carpets

A little bit of white vinegar and baking soda go a long way to getting rid of urine smells for good. However, there are a few precautions and tips to keep in mind when it comes to pee stains and stink.

  • Clean up urine stains as soon as possible. This is going to avoid that eye-watering aroma.
  • Make sure to clean litter boxes and put down pads to avoid accidents.
  • Be sure to test carpets with your cleaner first. Some materials can react differently to cleaners.
  • If possible, give your carpet a good steam cleaning to remove any lingering odors.
  • Open a box of baking soda in the room with the stain to remove any odors from the air.
  • Seek professional help if you have a stain that refuses to budge.

Fresh Odor-Free Carpets

On a cold winter day, there is nothing better than a plush carpet under your feet to keep them warm. Carpets are also great for kids to run and play on because the padding gives a little if they fall. However, if you have a house full of rambunctious kids and pets, pee accidents can happen. From the excited dribble of Frank, the dachshund, to your potty-training toddler having an accident, it all happens. Now you have the tools to clean it up. You can also try a few methods on your couches and mattresses too.

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How to Get Pee Smell Out of Carpet: 3 Effective Remedies