To get dog urine smell out of carpet, blot up as much as you can, rinse with cold water, then treat the area with an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine and let it dry naturally. Avoid heat until the smell has gone, because it can set the odour.
If the accident has just happened
- Blot with kitchen roll or an old towel. Press down rather than rubbing.
- Pour on a little cold water and blot again. Repeat a couple of times.
- Apply a pet enzyme cleaner, following the instructions on the bottle.
- Leave it to dry fully, with a window open if possible.
If it has already dried
Dried urine can be harder to shift because it has soaked into the carpet backing. Find the full extent of the mark first; a UV torch in a dark room can help. Dampen the area with cold water, then use the enzyme cleaner and give it plenty of time to work. It may take more than one go.
What to avoid
- Ammonia-based cleaners, which smell similar to urine and can encourage a dog to go there again.
- Steam or hot water at first, as heat can set the smell.
- Strong perfumed sprays, which only mask the smell for a while.
Always test any product on a hidden area first.
Why the smell keeps coming back
Urine travels through the pile into the backing and the underlay. The surface can look clean while the source sits underneath, and damp weather can bring the smell back. This is the point where home treatment often stops working.
When to call a professional
If the smell returns, there are several patches, or you cannot tell how far it has gone, a professional treatment can work deeper than a home one. See our stain and odour removal service. If the underlay is badly affected, replacing that section may be the only full fix, and we will tell you if so.