Having a pet can provide a satisfying experience for people of all ages and lifestyles, but their care and cleaning can raise many concerns and questions. As the most common house pets, dogs and cats sometimes have a bad habit of urinating on sofas, recliners and other upholstered furniture. This habit becomes more common when your pet is young and hasn't been properly trained to urinate outdoors or use a litter box. However, if your pet is suddenly defecating in places it shouldn't, it may be a sign of an illness and need to be taken to the vet. For now, it is important for you to clean and remove urine and its odor so that the habit or behavior of open urination does not happen again in the future.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Enzymatic Cleaning Products
Step 1. Find the affected area as soon as possible
Urine will be very difficult to remove once it has soaked deep into the fabric and, even, the wooden frame of the furniture. Usually, you can immediately find the affected part of the urine. If not, there are a few steps you can try:
- Use your nose. Pet urine has a very distinct odor and usually smells like ammonia.
- Use ultraviolet light (blacklight). Because of its chemical content, especially odor-producing chemicals (even if the urine stain has dried or has been on the fabric for a long time), pet urine can be seen when exposed to ultraviolet light. When shining a light on furniture, mark the area around the urine stain with chalk or a note sticker so you can clean it easily.
Step 2. Absorb the urine using a hard newspaper or paper towel
After putting on the gloves, absorb as much urine as possible by pressing a newspaper or paper towel against the upholstery of the furniture. Press the newsprint firmly and deeply.
You can place newsprint or paper towels that were previously used to absorb urine in a place where your pet can defecate. This is a positive way to show your pet a place to go to the bathroom, as the smell of urine will also be transferred to where it needs to be
Step 3. Wet the affected area with an enzymatic cleaning product
Let the product sit for 10-15 minutes, then remove as much of the product as possible by dabbing newsprint, towel, or paper towel on the stained area. After that, let the product dry.
- You may need to repeat this step if the enzymatic cleaning products are unable to remove odors or stains on the first cleaning.
- Urine is made up of substances that require enzymes for chemical bonds to be broken. For example, when your pet urinates, the urea in his urine breaks down into bacteria, which produces the characteristic urine odor. When urine is allowed to rot, the smell will become sharper and worse. Fortunately, most of the chemicals in urine can be easily removed with water and other household detergents. However, uric acid is the only substance that is insoluble in water and can only be destroyed by enzymes.
Step 4. Cover the cleaned area while waiting for the cleaning product to work and dry
Some pet owners usually cover the soiled area with just aluminum foil or turn the clothesline upside down and place it over the soiled area to prevent the pet from urinating again in the area. It also helps remind other family members not to step on or sit on the stained area while the cleaning product is allowed to dry.
- It may take a long time (up to several days) for the stain to dry completely, especially if the stain is very deep and requires more enzymatic cleaning products to remove it.
- Aluminum foil can be a great repellent device to prevent pets from urinating again on the upholstery of furniture. Loud noises and a tactile “sensation” when a paper surface is stepped on are not pleasant for pets (and can even frighten them off) and can keep pets away from furniture (and upholstery).
- For pillows, you can dry them in the sun for as long as you want.
Method 2 of 2: Using Another Method
Step 1. Understand that only enzymatic cleaning products can completely remove urine odor
Uric acid can only be destroyed by enzymes. Unfortunately, cleaning agents like baking soda, soap, and vinegar only temporarily cover the smell of urine. The following alternative methods are suitable to follow if you don't have an enzymatic cleaning product on hand when your pet soils furniture with his urine. However, you should still clean the soiled area with an enzymatic cleaner.
Over time, the smell of urine will return and your pet will be able to smell it and associate the area with the smell as a good place to urinate
Step 2. Use baking soda and vinegar
When the two ingredients are mixed, they become water and sodium acetate (salt). Sodium acetate functions as an abrasive to remove stubborn urine residue. Meanwhile, baking soda helps remove odors and vinegar works to clean and remove deposits. There are a few steps to follow if you want to use both materials:
- Absorb as much urine as possible from the upholstery before you use any cleaning agents.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Baking soda works to remove odors from stains.
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Alternatively, you can use a container or bowl.
- Spray or pour the water and vinegar mixture directly on the stain that has been dusted with baking soda. Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Blot the stain with a towel or paper towel to dry.
Step 3. Mix hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide can destroy some chemicals in urine through the oxidation process. There are several steps to follow to use all three cleaning agents:
- Absorb as much urine as possible from the upholstery before you use any cleaning agents.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Baking soda works to remove odors from stains.
- Mix 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a bowl.
- Pour the hydrogen peroxide mixture on the towel and dab the towel on the stain.
Step 4. Use mouthwash (eg Listerine) as a deodorizer
Concentrated mouthwash solutions have a strong odor and can mask the smell of urine. Pour the mouthwash into a spray bottle and spray the solution on the urine affected area.
This method will not clean or remove urine stains, but will only add a fresh scent to the house
Tips
- If all methods fail or there are a lot of spots exposed to urine, it's a good idea to hire a carpet cleaning service that also provides installation and cleaning services for furniture upholstery, as well as odor eliminators. A service like this saves you the hassle of cleaning stains and keeps the upholstery looking like new.
- Spray a deodorizing product (eg Febreze) for more effective cleaning.
Warning
- Never use bleach as a cleaning agent, as the ammonia in it can attract pets to furniture and damage upholstery.
- Find out why your pet is urinating carelessly. Often, urinating indiscriminately is a sign of a urinary tract infection or other disease. The behavior can also be caused by stress or fear. Observe your pet and take him to the vet to resolve any health problems that may exist.
- Always wear gloves when you are cleaning urine.
