If Zed has to choose to either pee on the hardwood floor or a carpet (or rug), he’s going to choose the carpet every time. I used to have a gorgeous designer rug that he delightfully ruined with his marking habits, and when we go to my mom’s wall-to-wall carpeted house, he loves to leave a little reminder of himself behind. That’s why I am an expert when it comes to how to get dog pee out of carpet.
Why dogs pee on the carpet
When dogs urinate inside the house, it can be due to several factors. Territorial marking is a common reason, particularly among male dogs who want to claim their space. However, both male and female dogs may exhibit this behavior. Another significant cause is anxiety or stress, which can manifest as indoor urination. Dogs may feel anxious due to changes in their environment, separation from their owners, or other stressors.
Medical conditions shouldn’t be overlooked when addressing indoor urination issues. Problems such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney disease could be the underlying cause. If your dog suddenly starts urinating indoors or shows changes in their bathroom habits, it’s important to schedule a veterinary check-up to rule out any health concerns.
While dealing with carpet accidents can be frustrating, there are effective cleaning methods available. With the right approach and cleaning products, you can successfully remove both stains and odors from your carpeting.
Related: Why does my fluffing dog pee on my bed?
How to clean dog pee from carpet
Pet urine accidents on carpets and rugs can be a frustrating issue for pet owners. Not only do these incidents leave unsightly stains, but they can also create persistent odors that become more challenging to eliminate if not addressed promptly. The key to successful cleanup lies in quick action and thorough sanitization.
Follow these detailed instructions to effectively clean and deodorize areas where your dog has urinated on your carpeting or rugs:
- Remove moisture
Start by using paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the affected carpet area. Place the paper towels over the stain and press down firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible. Once complete, apply your chosen cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After applying the cleaner, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution. Use fresh paper towels or a clean white cloth to blot the spot until it’s mostly dry. To speed up the drying process, run a vacuum over the area several times. This methodical approach will help ensure the stain is properly treated and the carpet is thoroughly cleaned.
- Remove Stain
There are several effective methods to remove dog urine stains from carpet. Commercial carpet cleaners designed specifically for pet accidents can be found in most grocery stores. For those who prefer natural solutions, common household items can be just as effective. One such solution is white vinegar, a natural disinfectant that works well for various household cleaning tasks, including removing pet urine from carpets.
To create a natural cleaning solution, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply this mixture directly to the stained area and use gentle circular motions to clean the carpet fibers.
- Odor removal
When pets urinate on carpets or rugs, the odor can become a persistent problem that affects both homeowners and visitors. Without proper cleaning, these unpleasant smells can permeate throughout your living space, creating an uncomfortable environment that requires immediate attention.
One natural and effective method for neutralizing pet urine odors is baking soda. Simply spread a generous amount over the affected area and allow it to remain undisturbed for at least 15 minutes. This common household ingredient works by absorbing odors and moisture from the carpet fibers.
- Soak it up
When your dog has an accident on the carpet, quick action is essential to prevent long-lasting odors and stains. The sooner you can clean up the urine, the better chance you have of completely removing both the stain and smell. If the spot has already dried, you may face a more challenging cleaning process as the urine can seep deep into carpet fibers.
For the most effective odor removal, apply baking soda generously to the affected area and allow it to sit overnight. This natural deodorizer works by absorbing unpleasant smells. Alternatively, enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed for pet accidents – these specialized solutions contain beneficial bacteria that naturally break down organic matter at the molecular level. You may need to apply these cleaners multiple times until both the stain and odor are completely eliminated from your carpet.
- Vacuum
After the carpet has thoroughly dried, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all traces of baking soda from the treated area. Once complete, examine the spot where the stain was located to ensure it has been successfully removed.
Related: How to get that fluffing dog pee smell out of the couch
Where is the smell coming from?
Finding dried urine stains on the carpet can be challenging since the liquid has already penetrated deep into carpet fibers. However, using a blacklight can help identify these hard-to-spot urine marks on your carpet.
To locate the stains, turn off all lights in the room and hold a blacklight about two feet above the carpet surface. Under the blacklight, dog urine stains will appear as faint yellowish or greenish spots. To verify that these discolored areas are indeed from dog urine, you’ll need to perform an odor test. After confirming the spots, mark them with tape so you can treat them with appropriate cleaning methods.