Whether you have toddlers or new pets, you can safely assume that accidents are going to happen. The noxious but unfortunately typical urine stench is also one of the most frequent. This might be difficult to remove, but all it takes is a little know-how to resolve this issue head-on. In this guide, we’re going to show you some at-home remedies you can use to remove urine odours from your carpets and couches.
Why is the smell of urine so strong and hard to remove?
The smell of urine is so potent because it contains the waste products of the body. Fortunately, if you know what to do, removing these odours is not impossible.
11 Steps to Remove Urine Smell from Your Couch
Step 1
Begin by allowing the cushions to air out for at least three days before cleaning them. By airing them, you remove all moisture that has soaked into the fabric and give yourself the best chance of removing the smell.
Step 2
Take a cloth and dampen it. Be sure not to saturate it too much – just enough so that it is wet. The water helps to dissolve the urine and spread it throughout the cloth, helping you to extract more of the fluids.
Step 3
Use a white rag, like an old shirt or sheet which you do not mind ruining. Dampen it as well and place it under your cushion to help soak up some of the urine from below. You may need to change out the clothes throughout this process.
Step 4
Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Vinegar is one of the most effective cleaners for removing pet odours. Spray it on your cushions, especially in any areas where there are visible stains or spots. Allow it to air dry for around 30 minutes before repeating the process.
Step 5
Mix one cup of warm water, a quarter cup of baking soda, and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in a bowl. If you have any blotch marks on your cushion from the urine, be sure to rub them with this solution as well.
Step 6
Take an old toothbrush or scrub brush and use it to scrub the cushions all over. A toothbrush is perfect for the nooks and crannies in your cushions.
Step 7
Once you have scrubbed all of your cushions, leave them to dry in the sun for a few hours. If you do not have access to direct sunlight, use a fan or heater to circulate air around the cushions. Remember, you want to dry them completely!
Step 8
Once the cushions are dry, vacuum them thoroughly. You can either use a hand brush attachment or wrap one around your vacuum hose if your vacuum does not have one built-in. If there are any remaining stains on your cushions after cleaning, try using a paste of baking soda and water as a scrub to remove them.
Step 9
Vacuum all of the upholstery on your couch thoroughly, being sure not to miss any spots. Removing dirt and dust from all crevices will help ensure that it is completely clean. If you have a removable cover for your cushions, take this off and vacuum both sides.
Step 10
If you have a good vacuum with an upholstery attachment, hit all of your cushions, chairs, and sofas with it. This will help to remove any hidden dirt or dust that the vacuum may have missed.
Step 11
Once everything has been cleaned thoroughly, you should find that the majority of the smell is now gone. If not, try repeating the entire process. If there is still a faint smell when your cushions have dried, leave a bowl of white vinegar in an area where air usually passes through. This will help to remove any remaining odors.
8 Steps to Remove Urine Smell from Carpets
Step 1:
Begin by applying baking soda to all affected areas of the carpet. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming up the debris. By doing this, you will make sure that you have soaked up as much of the urine and smells as possible. The longer it dries, the more pleasant your carpets will begin to smell.
Step 2:
Mix two cups of lukewarm water, two tablespoons of vinegar, and about 20 drops of lemon juice in a bowl. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and use it to spray all affected areas on the carpet. If the carpets are still slightly damp after allowing them to air dry for 30 minutes, reapply the spray.
Step 3:
Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes before scraping up all of the baking soda with a plastic spatula. Be sure not to rub too hard on any affected areas. This will only cause the urine smell to return since you are spreading it around rather than removing it completely.
Step 4: Take an old toothbrush and scrub in the areas where you were unable to remove all of the baking soda fully. This will help break up any remaining stains and spots that baking soda may have missed.
Step 5: Take a washcloth and dip it into your vinegar mixture, then squeeze out the excess liquid before using it to wipe down all of the affected areas one more time. If you feel that the smell is still present after allowing the mixture to dry, you can repeat this step as many times as needed until the smell has gone.
Step 6: Once you are completely done wiping down your carpets, leave them to air out for at least an hour. If you have a fan or heater available, aim it directly into the areas that need the freshest air. If the areas that smell still smell after an hour, try to leave them overnight.
Step 7: Removal of carpet stains will need to be done with a solution of ½ dishwasher detergent and ½ hydrogen peroxide. Apply this solution directly onto any stained areas before rubbing it in with a clean cloth. Allow the solution to sit for about an hour before rinsing it with cool water. Once all of the stains have been removed, wipe down the area with a clean, dry towel. If you want to be sure that your carpets are really clean, use a black light to look at them once they are completely dry. This light will make any leftover spots aware to you so that they can be removed.
Step 8: If you are trying to get rid of dog urine smells from your carpet, vinegar is very effective. Make sure that you thoroughly soak the area and allow it dry. It may take multiple applications to completely remove the smell, but doing so will make your house less smelly and will also help prevent your dog from going to the bathroom in that spot again.
Still, noticing urine odours in your carpets and couches?
If you still find that there are still some lingering urine smells after trying the at-home remedies we suggested, it may be time to call in the professionals. Austech carpet cleaners are extremely qualified at removing smells from fabrics, meaning that they should be able to lift the problem completely. Learn more about our carpet cleaning services here
It’s important to also remember that, the longer a urine smell or stain is left unattended in your carpets and upholstered furniture, the more likely it is that it’ll become permanent over time.
Speak to one of our qualified technicians today for a free, no-obligation quote to see how best we can help you.
