Expert guide to removing | urine in carpet how to get it out

Posted on 07 Jul 2023

Stain from urine in carpet. Need to learn how to get it out using enzymatic cleaner or DIY solutions

Having a pet is a great joy, so sure you ask yourself the urine in carpet how to get it out, but it can come with unique challenges – like pet stains on the carpet. These stains don’t just look unsightly but also damage the fibres of your carpet and create an unpleasant odour. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to remove these pesky blemishes and keep your carpets looking fresh and clean.

In this article, we’ll walk you through effectively removing pet stains from the carpet using DIY solutions or booking a professional cleaner. We’ll also provide tips on preventing future pet stains in the home so you can enjoy your beloved animal companions without worrying about the mess they leave behind. So, if you’re searching for ways to remove those stubborn pet stains quickly and easily, read on!

Understanding pet stains: The first step to a clean carpet

Pet stain removal from the carpet first requires you to understand the source of the stain. This means identifying what type of pet stain you are dealing with.

Most common types of stains

Urine

Urine in carpet how to get it out, and which of the most common pet stains. It can leave a yellowish mark on the carpet and a strong, unpleasant odour. Fresh urine stains are easier to remove, but old, dried stains may require a professional carpet cleaning service.

Vomit

Pet vomit can be acidic, damaging carpet fibres. It can also leave a stain and an odour. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the vomit from setting into the carpet.

Faeces

Like urine, faeces can leave a stain and a strong odour. Cleaning up the mess as soon as possible is essential to prevent the stain from setting in.

How to Remove Urine from Carpet

Urine stains and odours in carpets require immediate attention for successful removal. The longer urine sits, the deeper it penetrates carpet fibres and underlay, making it increasingly difficult to eliminate completely.

Act quickly

For fresh accidents, blot immediately with paper towels or a clean cloth, applying firm pressure to absorb as much liquid as possible. Work from the outside edges towards the centre to prevent spreading. Never rub the area, as this pushes urine deeper into the carpet fibres and padding.

Apply vinegar solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Generously saturate the affected area—the solution needs to penetrate through to the underlay where urine has soaked. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot thoroughly with clean towels. Vinegar neutralises the ammonia in urine, effectively eliminating odours at their source rather than just masking them.

Use bicarbonate of soda

Once the area is mostly dry, sprinkle a thick layer of bicarbonate of soda over the entire stain. This powder absorbs residual moisture and lingering odours. Leave it in place for several hours or preferably overnight, then vacuum thoroughly to remove all traces.

Try enzymatic cleaners

For persistent stains or older accidents, enzymatic pet cleaners specifically designed for urine work best. These products break down uric acid crystals that cause stubborn odours regular cleaners can’t eliminate. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, ensuring the cleaner penetrates deep enough to reach all contaminated areas, including the underlay.

Seek Professional Assistance

If odours persist despite thorough treatment, urine has likely seeped through to the underlay or even the floorboards beneath. In these cases, professional carpet cleaning or complete underlay replacement may be necessary to fully resolve the problem.

Preparing your carpets for pet stain removal

Preparing the carpet for cleaning is an important step in removing pet stains from the carpet. Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove dirt or debris that may have settled on top of the stain. This will make it easier to identify and treat the stain effectively.

DIY solutions: Tackling pet stains with confidence

Several DIY solutions can help you tackle pet stains on the carpet. These include using a paper towel or cloth to blot up as much of the stain as possible, rinsing the area with cold water, and pre-treating stains with homemade solutions.

Step by step guide for removing pet stains at home

Use a paper towel or cloth to blot up as much of the stain as possible.
When finished, rinse the area with cold water.
Pre-treatment of stains with homemade solutions
If needed, wait for the solution to work, and brush it into the fibres.
Vacuum the dirt & residue once dry.

Pre treatment of stains with homemade solutions

Vinegar and water

Mix one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle and spray on the stain. Leave it for five minutes before rinsing it with cold water.

Baking soda

Add two tablespoons of baking soda to three tablespoons of water to prepare a paste to apply to the stain. Let this paste stay on the stain for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. After this, air-dry your carpet.

You can also sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda directly onto wet pet stains to absorb excess moisture from the carpet fibres.

Allow this mixture to sit for several hours before vacuuming up any residue on top of your carpeting once completely dried.

Mix one part detergent, four parts water, and one part white vinegar for stubborn stains. Gently scrub this mixture on dirt using an old toothbrush or soft bristled brush before rinsing with cold water. Allow to dry before vacuuming.

Frequently asked questions

What gets pee out of carpet?

Several effective solutions can remove urine from carpets. White vinegar mixed with equal parts water neutralises ammonia in urine and eliminates odours—spray generously, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot thoroughly. Bicarbonate of soda absorbs moisture and odours when sprinkled over the affected area and left for several hours before vacuuming. Enzymatic cleaners specifically designed for pet urine break down uric acid crystals that cause persistent smells, making them highly effective for stubborn stains. For immediate treatment, blot fresh urine with paper towels first, applying pressure to absorb as much liquid as possible before applying any cleaning solution. Commercial carpet cleaners formulated for pet stains also work well. Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) mixed with dishwashing liquid can tackle tough stains, but test on an inconspicuous area first as it may lighten some carpet colours.

Can urine soaked carpet be saved?

Yes, urine-soaked carpet can often be saved if treated promptly and thoroughly. Fresh accidents respond well to immediate blotting followed by vinegar solution treatment and bicarbonate of soda application. The key is ensuring cleaning solutions penetrate deeply enough to reach all contaminated areas, including the underlay. For heavily saturated carpets, you may need to lift the carpet and treat the underlay separately, or use a wet vacuum to extract as much liquid as possible. Enzymatic cleaners are essential for saving badly soiled carpets, as they break down urine compounds at a molecular level. Multiple treatments may be necessary for severe cases. However, if urine has repeatedly soaked through to floorboards, caused significant deterioration, or the odour persists despite thorough professional cleaning, replacement may be more practical and cost-effective. Old, set-in stains that have crystallised are more challenging to remove completely.

Does the smell of urine go away on carpet?

The smell of urine doesn’t naturally disappear from carpet without proper treatment—it typically worsens over time. Urine contains uric acid crystals that bond strongly with carpet fibres and underlay, creating persistent odours that intensify with heat and humidity. Simply masking the smell with air fresheners or surface cleaning won’t eliminate it. To permanently remove urine odour, you must break down these uric acid crystals using enzymatic cleaners or neutralise them with vinegar solutions. The cleaning solution must penetrate as deeply as the urine soaked—surface cleaning alone won’t work if urine reached the underlay. Fresh accidents are easier to deodorise completely than old, set-in stains. If you’ve thoroughly treated the carpet multiple times and odours persist, urine has likely penetrated to the underlay or floorboards, requiring professional extraction cleaning or underlay replacement.

Professional pet stain removal: Call the experts

Professional cleaners can access powerful cleaning products and equipment that regular household cleaners lack. They can also identify the stain’s source and treat it accordingly. This means they can quickly assess whether the stain is fresh or old and what type it is (urine, vomit, faeces, etc.).

They can help prevent future pet stains and add a protective layer to your carpet.

Scotchgard

The best way to clean pet stains from carpets is to hire a professional cleaner. They can access powerful cleaning products and equipment that regular household cleaners don’t have. Also, they can better identify the stain’s source and treat it accordingly. For example, if your pet has urinated on the carpet and the stain has dried and set in, a professional cleaner will use a special enzyme cleaner to break down the stain and eliminate the odour.

Preventing future pet stains: Tips for a cleaner home

To ensure carpets remain looking clean and fresh, it is essential to prevent pet stains from occurring in the first place. Quick action and consistent maintenance are key to successful stain prevention.

Tired of battling stubborn pet stains? Let the professionals handle it. Book our expert carpet cleaning services today and say goodbye to unsightly pet stains. Schedule your appointment now.

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