Bye-Bye Dog Pee Smell: 7 Effective Methods to Get Rid of the Odor

We’ve all been there — our pup pals have an accident and leave behind a stain and unpleasant odor. But worry not! There are ways to get rid of that stinky dog pee smell. Here are our tried and tested tips for dealing with all the places the pooch can leave his or her potent mark.

Before We Get Started, Prepare Your Tools

The exact tools you’ll need to get rid of the dog pee smell will depend on where the incident occurred and what you have available. 

With that said, these are all the tools you’ll need for all of the below methods:

• Paper towels, cloths, old clothes, or even rolled-up newspaper to soak up the excess urine
• Pet-safe enzyme cleaner to remove the odor
• Vinegar, baking soda, and pet-friendly dish soap as alternatives for an enzyme cleaner
• Pet-safe laundry detergent to wash machine-washable items
• A wet-dry vac to suck up the baking soda or excess urine
• Optional cinnamon for a nice after-smell
• A mop for cleaning the floors
• A spray bottle or a bucket
• Water 

Also remember that, with all of these methods, the key is to act fast in order to prevent lingering odors.

Problem #1: Removing Dog Pee Smell from Carpets

Accidents on the carpets are problematic because that ammonia funk can easily seep into the carpet fibers, soak into the padding underneath, and spread throughout your home. But, if you act fast enough, you can get rid of the dog pee smell at home without professional cleaning.

First, prepare your enzyme cleaner or make a DIY mixture using the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 cups of warm water

Mix the ingredients well. Baking soda will help you neutralize the dog pee smell, while vinegar helps dissolve stubborn buildups and kill bacteria.

Once you’ve got your cleaning solution, follow these steps:

• Soak up: Soak up as much urine as possible using old towels, cloth, or rolled-up newspaper.
• Apply the mixture: Scrub the carpet using your DIY mixture or enzyme cleaner in a circular motion, focusing on the saturated areas.
• Neutralize the odor: Sprinkle the baking soda over the carpet and leave it overnight.
• Clean up: Vacuum up the baking soda the next day.
• Apply extra care: Optionally, you can scrub your carpet using a pet-friendly dish soap to combat stains.

If the odor remains, simply repeat the above steps.

Problem #2: Removing Dog Pee Smell from the Couch

Oh no, your furry friend had an accident on the couch? Getting rid of the dog pee smell will be a bit more difficult, as fabric tends to trap odors. That’s why it’s recommended you use specialized enzymatic cleaners instead of DIY mixtures for this particular task.

With that said, we’ll show you both the recommended and the DIY method for removing the odors from your couch.

Follow these steps:

• Blot: Start by blotting (not rubbing!) the affected areas using a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much urine as possible. You can also use a wet-dry vac if you have one.
• Spray: Spray the entire couch with an enzymatic cleaner for pet odors. If you don’t have it, make a DIY mixture by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 
• Wait: Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes and work its magic.
• Blot vol. 2: Use a clean cloth to blot the area again. 
• Neutralize the odor: Sprinkle some baking soda on the spot to absorb any remaining moisture and neutralize the odor further. Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Clean up: Vacuum up the baking soda.
• Dry: Let the couch air dry. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.

Your couch should be as good as new!

Problem #3: Removing Dog Pee Smell from Clothes

Have your favorite shirt or jeans been victimized by a surprise dog pee attack? Here’s how to get rid of the dog pee smell from your clothes: 

• Rinse: Start by rinsing the affected area under cold running water. Try to remove as much of the urine as possible. 
• Soak: Soak the item in a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, spray a clothes-friendly enzyme cleaner on the affected area. 
• Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the item using water.
• Wash: Wash the clothes as you normally would. If possible, include a laundry detergent that contains enzymes to help break down the uric acid crystals in dog pee.
• Air dry: If possible, dry your clothes outdoors in direct sunlight.

If the smell still lingers after washing, try soaking the clothes in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for a few hours before washing them again, or try using a laundry detergent specifically designed to remove pet odors.

Problem #4: Removing Dog Pee Smell from a Dog Bed

If your furry friend had an accident in their bed, the first step is to soak up the urine using paper towels and rinse the bed with cold water. 

Next, you want to check if the bed is machine-washable. If yes, simply toss it into your washing machine and add pet-safe detergent. You can also add an enzymatic cleaner or baking soda and vinegar for extra odor-fighting power.

If the dog bed needs to be hand-washed, follow these steps:

• Prepare the mixture: Prepare your pet-safe enzymatic cleaner or mix a solution of one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. 
• Spray: Spray the solution onto the affected areas and let it sit for up to 15 minutes.
• Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any stubborn stains or odors.
• Soak: Soak the bed for half an hour in a mixture of water and pet-friendly dish soap. 
• Rinse: Rinse the bed with cold water again and let it air dry.

If the smell still lingers, try sprinkling some baking soda on the bed and letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. 

The bed should now be clean, fresh, and ready for your furry friend to snuggle up in. 

Problem #5: Removing Dog Pee Smell from Bedding

Oh, the joys of sharing your bed with a furry friend! But let’s face it, accidents happen, and that unmistakable dog pee smell can sneak into your bedding. 

Here’s how to get them back to smelling as fresh as a daisy:

• Rinse: Rinse the affected area under cold running water to remove as much of the urine as possible.
• Pre-treat: You can pre-treat your bedding using an enzymatic cleaner or a DIY solution of one part white vinegar and four parts water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Wash: Wash the bedding as you normally would. Use a laundry detergent that contains enzymes if possible.
• Air dry: Line dry your bedding outside in the fresh air and sunshine if possible.

If the smell still lingers after washing, try soaking the bedding in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for a few hours before washing it again. You can also try using a laundry detergent specifically designed to remove pet odors.

Problem #6: Removing Dog Pee Smell from Hard Surfaces

So your pup decided to turn your sleek hardwood floor, shiny tiles, or counters into their personal bathroom? No judgment here — let’s just focus on getting rid of that lingering dog pee stench. 

• Blot: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the affected area to remove as much of the urine as possible.
• Mix a cleaning solution: Use either a spray bottle or a bucket to mix a cleaning solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. 
• Clean up: Apply the solution to the affected area using a mop or clean cloth.
• Wait: Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes to allow the vinegar to work its magic.
• Neutralize the odor: Sprinkle some baking soda over the area and let it chill for a few minutes.
• Clean up vol. 2: Vacuum up the baking soda and let the surface air dry.

If the smell still lingers, try spritzing the area with a mixture of a few drops of pet-safe essential oil and water.

Problem #7: Removing Dog Pee Smell From Your Car

If your car is suddenly doing a not-so-pleasant impression of a doggy bathroom, fear not. We have just the trick for banishing that unwanted odor from your vehicle. 

• Blot: Soak up as much dog pee as possible using a paper towel or, better yet, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. That way, even the stray dog hairs and dirt particles won’t stand a chance!
• Rinse: Rinse the affected area using water to remove as much of the remaining urine as possible.
• Apply the main mixture: Either use your enzymatic cleaner or make a baking soda paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Clean up: Use your vacuum cleaner to suck up the remaining baking soda.
• Apply the secondary mixture: Now dilute white vinegar in water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Blot vol. 2: Blot the area.
• Aromatherapy: Hang a pet-friendly air freshener in your car for a nice aroma.

If the smell still lingers, try using a car deodorizer specifically designed to remove pet odors, or consider steam cleaning your car’s upholstery.

How To Prevent Future Accidents

While accidents can happen to even the best pups, there are several steps you can take to prevent your home or possessions from smelling like a doggy bathroom! Here are some of our best tips:

• Train your dog: Teach your puppy the art of “going outside.” Establish a routine, set up a designated potty spot if you need to, use cue words such as “go potty,” and provide a ton of positive reinforcement. Also, avoid punishment at all costs!
• Watch for signs: Put on your detective hat and watch for telltale signs that your dog needs to go, such as sniffing or circling. Take them outside to do their business as soon as you notice such behaviors.
• Provide enough opportunities: Give your furball regular chances to do their business outside. A general rule of thumb is to take them outside three to five times a day, or immediately after meals, naps, or playtime. However, apartment-based pups can definitely learn to go only twice or thrice a day.
• Use puppy pads or newspapers: If you’re unable to take your dog outside, use puppy pads or newspapers in a designated area indoors.
• De-clutter your home: Keep your home free of clutter to notice potential accidents more quickly. Remember: the faster you act, the higher the chances of successfully removing both the stains and the smell.
• Be patient: Potty training can take time, so be patient with your dog. Don’t get discouraged (or angry) if accidents happen. Your dog is probably doing their best!