Nobody wants to think about their dog peeing on the couch, but if it happens, you need to know how to clean it. Urine is a powerful cleaner and can remove stains and odors quite easily. However, it is important that you act quickly to clean up the mess. In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean dog pee from your sofa to get your furniture looking new again!
This may be happening for numerous reasons. For one, dogs might have issues controlling their bladder as they get older. Or, this could be due to young dogs struggling with a change in their environment. Other factors, such as illness, can also be causing these accidents.
Fortunately, if your dog urinates on the sofa cushions, you don't have to worry. We'll show you how to address the problem in this step-by-step tutorial so that your furniture continues to look new and attractive. On the following page, for more information, please take a look at the section entitled "another cause".
How to Clean Dog Urine Off Couch Cushions Using a Vinegar Solution
After your dog urinates on the couch cushions, you may think they are ruined. For many people, it's a convenient excuse to get rid of their sofa and start over. However, you don't have to go to such extremes. It all boils down to knowledge
Step 1: Blot The Urine
The first step is to blot the urine with an absorbent material. Many people prefer using a washable rag or a disposable kitchen towel from their kitchen. However, it doesn't matter much which method you use as long as you do something that removes as much dampness as possible.
If you have a microfiber cloth with you, we suggest you use it. Microfibre cloths generate a positive charge (as a result of the way manufacturers arrange their fibers) that literally draws water out of the material. As a result, they "suck" extra liquid out of your sofa cushions, making the chore of cleaning them up later much simpler.
You can also try using a wet/dry vacuum. These use the power of suction to draw liquids away from fabrics. However, you’ll need to carefully clean the cylinder afterwards to prevent any odors from lingering.
Step 2: Spray And Reblot
The next step is to spray and reblot the urine stain site. To begin, use a normal spray bottle to wet down the area. Then, blot it dry with your cloth. Repeat this procedure as many times as needed.
The goal of re-wetting the spot is to remove as many odor-causing particles from the material as possible. Dilute the remaining particles in the cloth and by respraying and blotting the afflicted area.
Step 3: Create A Cleaning Solution
Blotting and reblotting can remove a large number of urine stains. Some particles, on the other hand, will always be present. If you don't get rid of these pronto, they'll start to emit foul odors.
Making your own cleaning solution is very helpful. Follow the steps below:
- Add half a cup (125 ml) of plain white vinegar
- Fill a bowl with half a cup of warm water (about 125 ml)
- Add a quarter of a cup (70 ml) of dish soap
Mixing these components should result in a foaming, frothy (and rather pungent) combination If you're concerned about the vinegar leaving a scent behind, don't be. Once it's gone, no smelly particles will remain. The aroma will dissipate when it dries.
Because vinegar interacts with a wide range of odorous substances in dog urine, it is classified as a unique chemical. It generates odor-free byproducts once it enters the fabric because of the reactions it causes. It also destroys any existing germs in the stain (ideal if it has been there for some time).
Step 4: Spread The Cleaning Solution Over The Affected Area
You may use a dry cloth to wipe your cleaning solution over the surface. As you spread it out, it will produce foam. For the time being, don't be concerned about the foam. Instead, concentrate on getting the solution into the fabric. The aim is for any remaining pee trapped deep within the material to come into touch with the solution.
Some people prefer to brush the foam into their cushions with a toothbrush. The soft bristles of a toothbrush don't harm the fibers in the upholstery.
When you use the dish detergent, you will notice that it produces foam because of its additives. Although you may think manufacturers just use this as a display, the foaming technique really assists when cleaning up dog urine. You'll see discolored foam emerge from the cloth as you brush, collecting any stains along with it.
Step 5: Remove Dirty Foam With A Spatula
You'll be left with large amounts of foam to scrape out with a spatula . Run the spatula through the surface and dispose of excess foam. If squeezing the soap out of the fabric is an option, you can try it. Don't be concerned if only a little remains. You may deal with it later.
Step 6: Spray With White Vinegar
Vinegar has a high concentration of acetic acid, making it an excellent cleanser. Because of its strength, the acid can dissolve dirt, grease, and mineral deposits - components of dog pee. It also destroys germs, making it an ideal choice for cleaning up after your pet.
Spraying a solution of pure vinegar on the problem area is a good start. Then, just spray it onto the afflicted region. Don't worry, it won't harm your upholstery if you apply it directly.
Surprisingly, many store-bought cleaners contain acetic acid because it is both mild and efficient. Other varieties of vinegar, such as balsamic, include stain-inducing components that are not good to use.
Make a paste of the vinegar and water, as you did before. Allow the vinegar to seep into the cloth. This time, don't try to wipe it away. Because it reacts with mineral salts in the fabric, it actually cleans the dog urine.
Step 7: Sprinkle Baking Soda Onto The Area
The final step is to sprinkle a tiny bit of baking soda over the afflicted area. Baking soda is a strong neutralizing and drying agent because of its chemical attributes. Its chemical properties enable it to return both acidic and alkaline subjects back to normal pH levels. This gives it a great ability to remove odors. Rather than masking scents, it alters their chemical make-up so that they don't smell at all.
It can also be used as a drying agent. Because it reacts so strongly with vinegar, it aids in the removal of the liquid by drawing it to the surface. As this happens, the couch cushions begin to dry out. When baking soda is combined with vinegar, two chemicals are released: H and OH. The baking soda neutralizes the acidity, resulting in non-harmful by-products.
Baking soda and baking powder are not the same thing, so you should avoid mixing them. Always utilize baking soda when cleaning as it contains the chemicals needed to convert vinegar back into the water.
Step 8: Allow Baking Soda To Dry And Vacuum
The last stage is to let the baking soda sit on the couch naturally and vacuum it up. It usually takes about two hours for the sofa to completely dry. During this time, it will continue reacting with pollutants and removing them from the fabric. You may remove it with a vacuum as you would any other debris on your sofa when it is totally dry.
How to Clean Dried Dog Pee Stains Off Couch Cushions
Step 1: Create The Cleaning Solution
For old, dried-on stains, you'll need something more powerful than ordinary vinegar and baking soda. Here's a formula you can try:
- 300 ml hydrogen peroxide pure cleaning fluid
- 45 ml baking soda
- A few drops of dish soap
- Once you have the mixture, pour it into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Test The Fabric
Because hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive substance, you'll want to test the spray on a small area first. Spray it on an unnoticeable area of your sofa and check whether it stains or changes the fabric in any way. If it does, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Spray Onto The Affected Area And Allow To Dry
If you’re confident that you’re not going to damage the fabric, put the solution onto the affected area and then allow it to dry. You should notice that after about an hour or so, the stain begins to look faded. If it doesn’t disappear entirely, wait for it to fully dry and then respray it. The stain should fade a little more each time you spray it.
Step 4: Blot The Solution
Cleaning agents can be removed from the feather cushions by blotting them with a damp cloth once the stain has disappeared. Apply more mixture and watch as the detergent residue will cause your microfiber towel to draw it back out again. Because of all of the grease and grime on your cushions, you may notice that the residuals are rather filthy.
In rare circumstances, you may not be able to get the stains off your sofas, beanbags, and other dog-friendly surfaces. If this happens, expert cleaners can be hired. However, it isn't always essential in all cases, particularly if you use the techniques outlined above.
The Best Way To Get Pee Stains and Odor Out of Your Sofa
After cleaning and drying the wetness of the urine thoroughly from the couch, now is time to do magic with the pee stain and odor. Clean+Green effectively eliminates stains and odors left behind by your pets. Works to clean and remove odors associated with urine, pet markings, pet spray, pet food stains, or vomit.
How it Works: This non-toxic formulation uses a patented encapsulation technology to help permanently eliminate difficult stains and odors. It's quick and easy! Just spray. No need to soak, scrub or rinse.
Kid and Pet Safe: All Clean+Green natural formulations are non-toxic, fragrance-free, unscented, non-flammable, and hypoallergenic. They do not contain ammonia, bleach, dyes, phosphates, fragrances, or other petrochemicals.
Eco-Friendly: Naturally derived and biodegradable ingredients include purified water, cane sugar derivatives, hydrated cellulose, and a blend of botanical. Nitrogen, a natural propellant, does not deplete the ozone. Cruelty-free.
About Clean+Green: A certified minority-owned business, Clean+Green has a mission to create effective pet odor and stain eliminator products for busy parents and pet owners that balance performance, ease of use, and Eco-Friendly sensibilities. Made in the USA.
How To Clean Dog Urine: The Bottom Line
Dogs will occasionally pee where they shouldn’t, but it needn’t spell disaster for your upholstery. Yes – it isn’t very pleasant. But ultimately, urine is a natural stain and something you can use simple methods to remove. The biggest risk with dog urine is the lingering smell, so any cleaning formulation you concoct must contain antibacterial agents. (White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are the two examples that we list here).
If you decide to experiment by making your own cleaning solutions, make sure that you avoid using any chemicals containing bleaching agents. Bleach is great for killing germs in your toilet. But if you apply it to upholstery, you risk discoloring the material and permanently damaging your seating. Use Clean+Green’s stain remover to eliminate stains and odors instead.
New urine stains are easy to find and clean. However, older ones can be more difficult. If you’re struggling to identify the source of smells emanating from your sofa, you can use a UV urine-finder. This simple light bounces off dog urine patches and reflects in visible light, allowing you to see it.