When a pet or baby accidentally urinates on a leather sofa, it can be a hassle when you need to clean up the remaining urine and clean the sofa. Luckily, you can prevent urine from hitting the sofa from leaving permanent stains. All you need to do is act fast and buy the right cleaning products to save the skin's surface and restore it to its original appearance.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Sofa for Cleaning
Step 1. Absorb any residual urine
Ideally, for you to be able to effectively clean the sofa, handle urine while it is still wet. Use paper towels to absorb any residual urine that has pooled on the sofa. Don't rub a towel on your urine, as this will only spread the stain. Instead, stick or dab a towel over the pool of urine.
- In this step, you may need to use several sheets of paper towels.
- If you don't have paper towels, use a clean washcloth or patchwork. However, be careful not to use colored fabrics with strong dyes as the dye can transfer to the leather and leave stains.
Step 2. Remove the seat or back filling
If urine gets on the seat or back of a leather-covered sofa, remove the stuffing from the seat. Usually, there is a zipper on the back or corner of the seat or back so you can remove the filling or foam. Save the filling or foam for later cleaning using an enzymatic cleaning product.
- It is important that you remove the filling or foam because even if you handle the urine directly while it is still wet or fresh, it can be absorbed into the filling or foam. If it is absorbed, the smell of urine will stick to the sofa longer, even after you clean the leather surface.
- If you can't get the stuffing or foam out of the seat or back, you may need to contact a professional furniture manufacturing company for help.
Step 3. Perform a cleaning test on a specific section
You are strongly advised to use a special leather cleaning product to wipe the surface of the leather sofa that is exposed to urine. These products can be obtained from pet supply stores, pharmacies, or large supermarkets. However, before using it on the stained area, it's a good idea to test the product on an invisible/hidden part of the sofa first.
- One of the most effective urine stain removal products is "Nature's Miracle". You can get it at most pet supply stores.
- Do a product test on a small area on the back or under the sofa. If the product has a negative effect on the leather finish, at least you won't spoil the appearance of the entire leather sofa with urine stains.
Part 2 of 2: Cleaning Leather Upholstery or Fabric
Step 1. Clean the skin surface
Use a washcloth dipped in the selected product to wipe the area with the urine stain. Carefully wipe the washcloth over the area. Do not let you rub the cloth against the surface of the sofa vigorously. Be sure to also wipe down the entire stained surface, from corner to corner and from seam to seam.
- It's important to wipe down the entire surface, as you can actually create new stains on your skin if you only clean certain areas. It would be better if you wipe and clean the entire seat or back of the sofa, rather than just the stained area.
- If you want to make your own cleaning solution, mix together 950 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 60 grams of baking soda and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap. Stir the ingredients in a bowl. Dip a washcloth in the mixture and wring it out before wiping it on the sofa.
- You can also use vinegar as a natural alternative to hydrogen peroxide. Vinegar can kill germs and neutralize odors on surfaces that are stained with urine.
Step 2. Wash the upholstery or backrest
Since the filling or foam may come into contact with urine, you will need to use an enzymatic cleaning product to remove urine and eliminate the strong chemical odor of urine. Wash the filling or foam as you would manually (by hand) wash clothes in a large bucket or soaking tub. Pour the enzymatic cleaning product over the filling or foam and use your hands to spread the product over the area where the urine is exposed. Squeeze out the filling or foam, then rinse under running water. Do this a few times to make sure you're rinsing the filling or foam thoroughly, and neutralizing any lingering urine stains and odors.
Dry the filling or foam outdoors naturally. If you can dry or dry the filling or foam with outdoor sun exposure, the urine odor will dissipate more quickly
Step 3. Re-insert the filling or foam
Return the filling or foam to the seat or back of the sofa once they are dry. Try to place the filling as it was in the previous position, and close the zipper again.
Step 4. Condition the skin
After the leather surface of the sofa is dry, use a leather conditioner on the leather surface of the sofa. Remove a small amount of the product on a soft patchwork, then use the cloth to wipe the entire surface of the sofa. Make sure you cover all sides of the seat or back of the sofa.
