How to get dog pee out of carpet, the couch and more

Updated on 21 May 2024

Maybe it’s a bladder too full, excitement that their pet sitter is staying or simple old age, our furry friends are bound to have little accidents every now and again. That’s why here, we’re exploring how to get dog pee out of carpet and other materials. 

So whether you’re doing your homework before a house sit or you’re a pet parent to be, let’s learn how to get rid of dog pee smell and stains once and for all (or until next time!).

How to get dog pee out of carpet and other fabric

1. Blotting
2. Baking soda
3. Enzymatic cleaner
4. Vinegar and water
5. Wet vacuum
6. A warm machine wash

1. Blotting

If your pooch has had an accident inside the house and you’re wondering how to get dog pee out of carpet or another soft fabric, the first port of call should be blotting with paper towels or an old rag until it’s completely dry. This will get the majority of the liquid away from the surface and reduce the chances of a urine stain.

2. Baking soda

The next step in how to clean dog urine from carpet and other soft fabrics is to sprinkle baking soda to remove excess liquid. This will soak up the remaining pet urine if you leave it overnight. Simply vacuum the baking soda the next day and apply a carpet freshener, following package instructions.

3. Enzymatic cleaner

If you need to know how to get rid of dog pee smell and pee stains fast, enzymatic cleaners are your friend. They act as an odor and stain remover chemically alter the structure of the urine on the carpet fibers, which breaks down the odor-causing components. Bio-enzymatic cleaners are biodegradable products that use "good" bacteria to break down the urine.

4. Vinegar and water

If you’re wondering how to get dog pee smell out of the couch or the sofa without a removable sleeve, a little warm water and undiluted white vinegar is a great cleaning solution. Pour the vinegar solution into a spray bottle, spray it on the area and let it sit for 20 minutes, then sponge it up afterwards.

5. Wet vacuum

If you're still struggling with how to get rid of the smell of dog pee in the house, you may want to try wet vacuuming. Mist the area with vinegar and water, wait for 20 minutes then use a wet vacuum cleaner to remove the liquid. If that won’t work for your carpet, consider hiring a carpet cleaner for a deeper clean or invest in a steam cleaner for hard surfaces.

6. A warm machine wash

If you need to remove pet stains and smells from something that can be put in the washing machine, start by removing the odor with an enzymatic cleaner, then put it in a warm wash with a pet-safe laundry detergent.

What neutralizes dog urine? 

Baking soda, vinegar, and enzymatic cleaners are all effective at removing the dog urine odor. In some cases, you may want to avoid steam cleaning fabrics, as it can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove, especially if you’re after how to get dog pee out of carpet that’s on show.

How to get rid of dog pee smell from wood

If you’re wondering how to get rid of dog pee smell on wood, mix white vinegar with warm water. Next, use a sponge to apply the mixture and scrub it using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and dry it off with a clean towel.

How to get rid of dog pee smell outside

If you’re wondering how to get rid of dog pee smell in your yard, it’s pretty simple. We’d recommend rinsing the area with a garden hose and turning the soil - it’s totally pet-safe and will get rid of any pet urine odors coming from your back yard.

Best enzyme cleaner for dog urine

On your quest to find out how to get dog pee out of carpet, we’ve mentioned enzyme cleaners a fair bit. And while homemade concoctions can work, we wouldn’t blame you if you’re after something pre-made. Below are a few highly-rated dog urine cleaners as a starter for ten.

• Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator
• Nature’s Miracle Urine Remover
• Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle
• Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula
• Biokleen Bac-Out Enzyme Stain & Odor Remover
• Angry Orange Stain Remover Enzyme Cleaner

How to stop your dog from peeing in the house

1. Figure out the cause
2. Interrupt your pup
3. Increase walkies frequency
4. Crate train your doggo
5. Consider spay or neutering
6. Get rid of dog pee scents
7. Never use negative reinforcement
8. Seek vet advice

1. Figure out the cause

Maybe it’s anxiety caused by visitors, excitement before walkies, or nervousness around certain noises around the house - find why and you’re halfway there.

2. Interrupt your pup

If you notice your pup squat or raise their leg to pee inside, distraction is key. That way, you’ll have time to get them outside before the accident happens.

3. Increase walkies

The reason your pup is peeing inside the house could simply be that they’re not being walked quite as much as they need to be. To prevent accidents, try to take your pup around the block once or twice more per day.

4. Crate train your doggo

Crate training certainly takes some getting used to, but once you and your pup have nailed it, the crate should be your dog’s happy (mess-free) place while you’re out.

5. Consider spaying or neutering

If you’re thinking about welcoming a pup home and you want to prevent mess, you might be wondering - will neutering stop a dog from peeing in the house? Well it can help - spaying and neutering decreases the hormones that encourage dogs to mark their territory.

6. Get rid of dog pee scents

Ever noticed that dogs pee in the same place on every walk? It’s because their scent is left behind. And if you don’t get rid of the dog pee smell in your home, they’ll be doing it indoors, too.

7. Positive reinforcement

Our furry pals thrive on praise and treats, so always provide a good belly rub when they pee outside, and never punish your pup for going indoors.

8. Seek vet advice

If everything you’ve tried doesn’t seem to work, call a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. And just FYI - Standard and Premium TrustedHousesitters members can call our 24/7 Vet Advice Line to get help from a licensed professional.

Puppy toilet training

If you’re welcoming a new furry friend into your life, you’re hopefully all clued-up now on how to get dog pee out of carpet and other surfaces. And as we’ve mentioned, dogs (especially young pups excited by their new household) are likely to have a few accidents. So, to save your carpets, rugs and couches, check out our guide on how to toilet train a puppy.