How to get rid of dog pee smell - what neutralizes dog urine?

Dogs are the best! We love them so much, they’re just like little furry humans and they always know when you need a hug. However, it's inevitable that at some point your loyal friend is going to have an accident in the house, and you're going to want to know how to get rid of dog pee smell. Whether it's due to a bladder too full, excitement, or simple forgetfulness, dealing with the aftermath can be a challenge. 

If you're struggling with a dog pee smell problem in your home, don't despair! There are various things you can do to eliminate the odor and make your home smell fresh and clean again. At TrustedHousesitters – the largest online community for pet parents and sitters – we know your love for your pup goes deep. That's why we've found what neutralizes dog urine and put together this guide on how to get rid of dog pee smell, once and for all!

How can I get rid of dog pee smell?

Baking soda

So, what neutralizes dog urine? Baking soda is a great way to soak up and neutralize dog pee smell. Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the wet area and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the moisture and help to neutralize the odor. Vacuum up the baking soda when you're finished.

Wondering how to get dog pee smell out of a carpet? If the accident happened on the carpet, start by using a vacuum cleaner to remove as much of the urine as possible. If there's visible soiling, use a spot cleaner to treat it. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire area and let it sit for about 24 hours before vacuuming up the baking soda.

Enzymatic cleaner

Another great way to get rid of dog pee smell is to use enzymatic cleaners - they break down the urine and remove the odor. They work by chemically altering the structure of the urine, which breaks down the odor-causing components. Bio-enzymatic cleaners are biodegradable products that use "good" bacteria to break down the urine. These cleaners are safe to use around children and pets. Home-made citrus-enzyme cleaners are also an excellent alternative.

Paper towel

If the accident happened on a hard surface like linoleum, tile, or wood, start by blotting up as much of the liquid as possible with paper towels - sometimes starting with a simple approach can be the most successful if you're looking for how to get rid of dog pee smell.

Warm water and undiluted vinegar

If your problem is how to get rid of a dog pee smell on a sofa, a little warm water and undiluted vinegar should do the trick. Spray the vinegar directly onto the area and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and sponge it up until all of the vinegar has been removed. If you're wondering how to get dog pee smell out of carpet, this could also work.

Remove rugs and carpets

And how to get dog pee smell out of carpet? Sometimes, the only way to get rid of dog pee smell is to remove the rug or carpet entirely. If the item can't be washed or dry cleaned, then it may be best to replace it altogether.

Soak it up

Sometimes the most simple ways are the most effective. Get rid of dog pee smells by soaking up as much of the urine as possible to help to remove the bulk of the odor and make subsequent cleaning steps more effective.

Warm wash

If you're wondering how to get rid of dog pee smell out of your clothing or bedding, it's best to launder the item as soon as possible for a better chance of removing the odor.

Wet vacuuming

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. This uses strong suction to remove the urine from deep within the carpet fibers. To wet vacuum, start by mixing water with vinegar in a clean spray bottle. Next, liberally mist the affected area with the mixture and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove as much of the liquid as possible - a great method if you're searching for how to get dog pee smell out of carpet.

What neutralizes dog urine smells?

There are a number of different household products that can be used to neutralize dog urine smell. Baking soda, vinegar, and enzymatic cleaners are all effective at removing the 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.

How to get dog pee smells and stains out of carpets and couches

New urine stains on carpets or fabric

If the accident just happened, blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Pour a small amount of cold water on the stain and then apply a dry cleaning solvent, such as a spot shot, to the area. Blot the area with a clean cloth to soak up the liquid. If there is still any odor present after this process, mix baking soda with warm water and sponge the mixture onto the affected area. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

Dried dog urine on fabric or carpets

For old urine stains that have caused discoloration, use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the stains. You can also mix white distilled vinegar with cool water and sponge the mixture onto the affected area – let it sit overnight before rinsing it off with warm water.

How to remove dry dog urine stains and odor from hardwood floors or carpets

If your question is "how to get rid of dog pee smell on wood?" First, mix white vinegar with warm water. Next, use a sponge to apply the mixture to the affected area and scrub it in using a circular motion. Rinse the area with warm water when you're finished and dry it off with a clean towel. If the odor persists, you can try sprinkling baking soda on the area and vacuuming it up the next day.

How to get rid of dog urine smell in rugs, pillows, dog beds, and sheets

There are various ways to remove the smell of dried dog urine from fabrics. One way is to soak the fabric in a mixture of water and vinegar or water and laundry detergent for about 30 minutes. Then, wash the fabric and rinse in cold water. You can also try using an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to remove pet stains and odors.

Products to get dog pee smells out

• Baking soda: For new and dried urine stains.
• Enzymatic cleaner: Good if the urine has been left unattended for a while and has caused some discoloration on the surface/fabric.
• Vinegar and water: Best if your concern is how to get rid of dog pee smell on wood and hard surfaces.
• Wet vacuum: Helpful if your problem is how to get rid of dog pee smells in carpets, dog beds, or rugs.

Prevent future accidents

Redirect them away from the behavior

Dogs tend to mark their territory, so if you see your dog sniffing around an area where they've previously urinated, gently redirect them away from that spot. 

Reward good behavior

Use positive reinforcement when your dog goes to the bathroom in the appropriate spot. This could include treats, verbal praise, or petting.

Seek vet advice

Call a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if you're having trouble preventing accidents. Standard and Premium TrustedHousesitters members can call our 24/7 Vet Advice Line to get help from a licensed professional. Become a member today and get access to this valuable resource. 

Train your dog

If you have a puppy, take them out frequently so that they can learn where to go to the bathroom. You can also try using products like pee pads to help train your dog. 

Dogs are a part of the family and they always bring love despite accidents. With a little training and care, those accidents can be avoided and everyone will live happily ever after!

Find out how to toilet train a puppy

If you are starting out with a new pup, this guide offers some great tips on toilet training a puppy. While puppies take a while to develop control over their bowels and bladders, the right training plan will help prevent future accidents. Once your pup reaches 12 to 16 weeks of age, follow the steps to establish a routine, give positive reinforcement, and keep that dog pee smell to the minimum!