Urine odors and stains are usually annoying, whether it's because someone wet the bed or the meow is pooping on the carpet. Fortunately, these stains and odors can be treated with a simple homemade cleaning mixture or an enzymatic cleaning product. If the stain has been on the fabric for a long time, you can treat it with hydrogen peroxide. You can also wash dirty clothes or bedding with a little vinegar.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Fresh Urine Stains
Step 1. Remove excess urine as soon as possible
Once you see a fresh urine stain, immediately use a clean washcloth to absorb as much of the urine as possible. If urine is pooling on carpet, mattresses, or upholstered furniture, dab the washcloth over the stain (rather than rubbing or pressing too hard) to prevent the urine from sinking deeper into the fibers or padding.
- If urine pools on a hard surface, you can mop it up or remove it with a rag.
- A wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be a great option for removing residual urine without making it go deeper into the carpet or furniture fibers.
Step 2. Make a cleaning mixture of dish soap, cold water, and vinegar
Once the urine has been removed, put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap, 480 ml of cold water, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) into a small bowl and mix well. Vinegar works to destroy uric acid which causes urine to smell.
If you want to clean the carpet, use an enzymatic cleaning product. Look for products formulated to eliminate urine or pet odors
Warning:
Some animal behaviorists advise against using vinegar, ammonia, or other strong-smelling cleaning agents when cleaning pet urine. The combination of a strong odor and residual urine can actually make the animal to return to urinate in that place. Instead, stick to high-quality enzymatic cleaning products.
Step 3. Dip a microfiber washcloth in the mixture and apply it on the problem areas
Absorb the urine in the center of the stain and gradually, wipe it towards the center from the sides. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to prevent urine and cleaning products from going deeper into the fibers of the fabric.
- If you can still see or smell the urine, clean the stain again.
- Test the cleaning mixture on an inconspicuous area first before using it to clean the stain. If the mixture stains or damages the surface of the fabric, it's a good idea to contact a professional cleaner.
- If you use an enzymatic cleaning product, spray the product on the stain and the area around it, then allow it to dry.
Step 4. Use a damp cloth to rinse the cleaned area
Prepare a soft and clean cloth, then dip it in clean water. Squeeze the rag to remove excess water and dab on the cleaned area to remove any remaining cleaner.
If you used an enzymatic cleaning product and left it to dry, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the excess cleaner from the upholstery or carpet instead of rinsing it
Step 5. Pat the cleaned area with a microfiber cloth to dry it
After removing the remaining cleaning mixture and rinsing the area, take a clean microfiber cloth or towel and dab it over the cleaned area to absorb any remaining moisture. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove any moisture.
If you still see or smell urine after the stain has been cleaned and dried, repeat the cleaning process or contact a professional cleaner
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Old Urine Stains and Smells
Step 1. Make a mixture of baking soda, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap
Place 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of baking soda, 300 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 3 drops of dish soap in a bowl and mix until the baking soda dissolves. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are powerful odor neutralizers. In addition, hydrogen peroxide also helps remove visible urine stains.
- You can use this mixture on hardwood floors or furniture upholstery, but be aware that the mixture can cause discoloration or fading.
- For carpets, use an active oxygen enzymatic cleaning product.
Step 2. Test the cleaning mixture on an inconspicuous area first
Since hydrogen peroxide can change or discolor surfaces, it's important that you test the mixture before using it. Find a small, inconspicuous area (eg the back of the sofa) and spray the mixture on that area. Allow to dry, then check for discoloration.
If you notice stains or discoloration, it's a good idea to have it cleaned by a professional
Tips:
When cleaning hardwood floors, you can sand them and re-varnish them to deal with any discoloration.
Step 3. Spray the cleaning mixture on the stain and let it sit for an hour
If you're not worried about the discoloration, spray the mixture on the area where the urine stain is. After letting it sit for an hour, come back and check to see if the urine smell is still there and the stain is still visible. If it still does, re-spray the mixture on the stain and wait an hour.
If you are using an enzymatic cleaning product, allow the product to dry
Step 4. Rinse the cleaned area using a damp cloth
After the cleaner has worked, prepare a clean cloth and dip it in water. Squeeze the rag to remove excess water and dab on the stain to remove any remaining cleaner.
- It is important that you remove as much of the mixture as possible, as hydrogen peroxide can continue to damage the surface of the fabric over time if left unchecked.
- If you use an enzymatic cleaner, remove it using a vacuum cleaner after it dries. You also don't need to rinse the cleaned area.
Step 5. Pat the cleaned area with a clean microfiber towel to dry it
Once the stain is rinsed, take a cloth or microfiber towel and pat it over the cleaned area to absorb as much of the remaining water as possible. You can also remove moisture using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
If the stain is still visible, repeat the process or use a professional cleaning service
Method 3 of 3: Washing Urine Stained Fabrics
Step 1. Wash the item that was recently stained with urine using vinegar
If urine gets on washable items (e.g. bed sheets or clothes), put them in the washing machine immediately. Add 240 ml of vinegar to the washing machine tub, then wash the garment in a full wash cycle using cold water.
Alternative steps:
Mix 450 grams of baking soda with detergent (in the amount usually used for washing clothes), then add it to the washing machine tub.
Step 2. Repeat the second washing cycle with detergent
After cleaning the clothes with vinegar, wash the clothes again as usual with detergent. This time, use the hottest water setting, according to the material or fabric of the clothes being washed.
If you still see or smell urine after a second wash, add an enzymatic cleaning product to the wash cycle. There are a variety of enzyme-based detergents, pre-soaks, and stain removers available in the market
Step 3. Soak the stained clothes in the vinegar and water mixture overnight
If the stain has been on your clothes for a long time, you will need to work harder to remove it. Put the clothes in a sink or soaking tub filled with cold water and 240 ml of vinegar, then soak overnight. In the morning, wash clothes with detergent as usual.
Repeat the process as many times as possible to remove urine stains and odors from the fabric
Tips
- If you're having trouble locating the source of the odor, make the room as dark as possible and turn on an ultraviolet light. Urine stains on fabric or furniture will glow in a pale green or yellow light.
- If you're cleaning pet urine stains, take the washcloth or towel that was used in the urine cleaning process and place it in the litter box or appropriate "defecation" area. This step encourages the animal to go to the appropriate place when it wants to defecate.
Warning
- Before trying to clean any furniture upholstery, check the fabric label or label to see which products are safe to use. Some plants can be seriously damaged if you use the wrong type of cleaner.
- Do not use a steam cleaner or steamer to remove urine stains from fabrics, upholstery, or carpets. The steam produced by the tool will actually bind the protein from the urine to the fabric fibers.
