How do you get urine out of Carpet?
Urine stains and smells in carpet are common in busy homes, especially with pets or young children. With approximately 57% of UK households owning pets. Acting quickly and using the right method can remove both the stain and the odour effectively.
In this guide, we explain how to get urine out of carpet, how to remove urine smells, and when professional carpet cleaning is the best option.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh urine is easier to remove than dried urine
- Blotting is better than scrubbing
- Enzyme cleaners are most effective for pet urine
- Over-wetting carpets can cause damage or mould
- Professional carpet cleaning removes deep-set odours safely
Why Urine Smells Linger in Carpet
Urine contains uric acid crystals and bacteria that bind to carpet fibres. If not fully removed, these crystals reactivate when exposed to moisture, causing smells to return even after surface cleaning.
This is why simply masking the smell does not work long term.
How To Clean Fresh Urine Stains
Step 1: Act QuicklyThe faster you deal with urine on carpet, the easier it is to remove. Fresh urine has not yet bonded deeply into the carpet fibres or backing. Leaving it to sit increases staining, odour, and bacterial build-up.
Step 2: Blot the Area
- Use clean, absorbent kitchen paper or a white cloth. Steer clear of coloured cloths, since the dye might transfer and create an even bigger mess.
- Press gently to absorb the liquid. Do not rub or scrub, as this pushes urine deeper into the carpet pile and underlay.
Step 3: Clean the Area Properly
- Once excess liquid is removed, the remaining urine needs to be broken down.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or overly strong DIY mixes, as these can bleach or damage carpet fibres. Using the wrong techniques or cleaning products can often do more harm than good.
- Different carpets need specialised care, and without the right knowledge, it’s easy to cause discolouration or permanent damage.
- If you are unsure what products are safe, professional advice from a carpet cleaner is recommended.
- Allow carpets to dry naturally by opening windows or using a fan. Heat can set urine stains permanently.
How to Find Dried Urine
Getting dried urine out of carpet is more challenging than fresh stains, but it can still be done with the right approach.
- Look for slight discolouration
- Smell the carpet, especially near pet sleeping areas
- A UV light can help identify old urine stains
How To Clean Dried Urine in Carpet
Dried urine stains are harder to remove but still treatable. You may notice them after returning home, during hot weather, or in less visible areas.
How To Clean Dried Urine in Carpet
Dried urine stains are harder to remove but still treatable. You may notice them after returning home, during hot weather, or in less visible areas.
- When you find the dried urine stain
- Lightly dampen the area with warm water
- Use warm water to soak the dried urine, and try to pull out as much of the urine out of the carpet as possible. Repeat as many times as you need to for the stain and smell to become less apparent. Be careful not to over-wet the carpets as this can cause damage or mould
- Blotting is better than scrubbing
- Use a white or non coloured cloth. Steer clear of coloured cloths, since the dye might transfer and create an even bigger mess.
- Allow the carpet to dry fully
- Vacuum or gently brush fibres back into place
Homemade Solutions for Urine Smell and Stains
It’s always important to remember to patch test any solution before applying it to a large, visible area of your carpet. Here are are a few home remedies for urine odour & urine stains that can help your carpets and rugs.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps neutralise odours. Sprinkle over the affected area, leave overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. For vacuuming advice, see our guide on how to vacuum like a pro.
Vinegar and Water Spray
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, with a small amount of baking soda. Lightly spray the area, leave for a few minutes, then blot and rinse with water. Avoid using delicate fibres such as silk, rayon, or cotton blends.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Although often recommended online, hydrogen peroxide can be unsafe for pets and may bleach carpets. Dogs may lick treated areas, which can cause illness. This is not a preferred solution.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners break down bacteria and uric acid crystals rather than masking odours. They are generally safe for pets and effective on urine stains. However, natural fibres such as wool or cotton can react poorly, so always read labels and patch test first.
For further information, Better Homes and Gardens provides a helpful overview of enzyme cleaners and how they work.
When Is Professional Carpet Cleaning the Right Choice?
If urine smells keep returning or stains remain visible, professional carpet cleaning is often the most effective solution.
Professional equipment reaches deep into carpet fibres and underlay, removing urine residue that household methods cannot.
At Enviro Clean, we specialise in urine stain and odour removal using professional-grade tools and eco-friendly, pet- and child-safe products. We treat both fresh and old urine stains across all carpet types, restoring carpets without damage or harsh chemicals.
If you are deciding between cleaning or replacing your carpet, professional treatment is often the more cost-effective and long-lasting option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get urine out of carpet completely?
Urine can be fully removed from carpet by breaking down the uric acid crystals that cause lingering odours. Enzyme cleaners or professional carpet cleaning are the most effective methods. Blotting alone does not remove all residue.
How do you get rid of urine smell in carpet?
Urine smell is removed by neutralising bacteria and uric acid, not by masking the odour. Enzyme-based cleaners or professional deep cleaning are the most reliable solutions.
Why does urine smell come back after cleaning?
Urine smells return when uric acid crystals remain in the carpet. These crystals reactivate when exposed to moisture, releasing odours again even after surface cleaning.
Is dog or cat urine harmful in carpets?
Yes. Pet urine can harbour bacteria and affect indoor air quality. If not properly removed, it may also encourage pets to re-soil the same area.
Can baking soda remove urine from carpet?
Baking soda can help absorb odours, but it does not remove urine fully. It works best as a temporary deodoriser rather than a complete cleaning solution.
Are enzyme cleaners safe for pets and children?
Most enzyme cleaners are safe when used correctly and allowed to dry fully. Always read the label and patch test, especially on natural fibre carpets.
Can professional carpet cleaning remove old urine stains?
Yes. Professional carpet cleaning can remove deep-set urine stains and odours that DIY methods cannot reach. This includes urine trapped in the carpet backing and underlay.
When should I call a professional carpet cleaner for urine stains?
You should call a professional if the smell keeps returning, the stain has spread, or the urine is old. Professional treatment often prevents the need to replace the carpet.
Is it better to clean or replace urine-damaged carpet?
In many cases, professional cleaning is more cost-effective than replacement. Cleaning can restore carpets safely if the damage has not reached the subfloor.