Can you clean dog urine with Dawn?

Author: Theo Jacobson MD  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Fully mix one-part hydrogen peroxide and one-part Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area with the mixture. Let the solution sit on the stain for one minute. Begin scrubbing, making sure to work bristle brushes deep into the carpet or rug to remove any waste that had previously soaked into the fibers.

Does Dawn work on dog urine?

Unless your dog has been in a chemical- or oil-spill site, you should not use Dawn. It's harsh, drying and the last resort. If you can't afford a natural dog shampoo, use a low-ingredient, low-scent human shampoo. Don't use the cheap flea/tick type shampoos. Most big-box stores carry something you can use.

What is the best homemade cleaner for dog urine?

Mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and apply to the soiled area. Blot lightly. You may need to do this a couple of times to remove a tough stain.

How do you clean dog pee with dish soap?

In a spray bottle, combine 4 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons warm water, and a few drops of dish soap. Spray on the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then repeat as necessary. Rinse the area and towel dry when the stain is gone.

What not to clean dog pee with?

Avoid using steam cleaners to clean urine odors from carpet or upholstery. The heat will permanently set the stain and the odor by bonding the protein into any man-made fibers. Avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar.

Remove Pet Urine Odours From Carpet

What kills the smell of dog urine?

One of the best ways to get rid of the dog pee smell is to make a pup-safe cleaner by mixing white vinegar, baking soda, and water. To learn other ways to handle pet urine messes, we consulted Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers.

What is the best thing to get rid of dog urine?

How to Get Rid of Dog Pee Smell and Stains in Carpets and Couches
  • First, manually soak up excess moisture with a towel.
  • Next, soak another towel with a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner. ...
  • After 15 minutes, blot and soak up the remaining moisture with a dry towel.

What is the best detergent to clean dog urine?

The best laundry detergents to remove pet urine from soiled laundry include Tide and Persil, but you can also find special detergents designed specifically for removing dog urine, including Alpha Tech Pet and Nature's Miracle. If you need to remove pet urine from soiled laundry, Rattle & Hum Laundry Co. can help!

Will dish soap get rid of urine smell?

Deep clean the toilet

You can use either a store-bought cleaning product or simply some dish soap and warm water. (We know this is so extra, but you can use a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies if you really need to.)

Will Dawn get dog poop out of carpet?

How to Get Poop Stains Out of Carpet and Upholstery. For furniture and rugs, you can stir up a three-ingredient homemade solution to remove the mess: Start by mixing ½ tablespoon of dishwashing liquid like Dawn and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into 2 cups of warm water.

What is a natural remedy for dog pee?

Dog spots can be “cured” by sprinkling the affected area with baking soda, gypsum, dishwashing detergent, etc. to neutralize the urine.

Does dog urine smell ever go away?

That unpleasant stench lingers long after the liquid has been absorbed, and can last months unless treated properly. To effectively remove these offending odors, you'll want to make sure you're eliminating them, not just covering up the smell (as many products do).

What scent will keep dogs from peeing on carpet?

Citrus. The citrus smell is arguably the best dog repellent there is. You do not have to do a lot. Simply peel an orange or a lemon next to your dog and you will observe it leaving the spot immediately.

Why not to use Dawn on dogs?

Dish soaps, including Dawn, are formulated for human use and are often too harsh for your dog's skin. Using Dawn regularly can disrupt the natural pH balance of your dog's skin, leading to irritation, dryness, and potentially more serious skin conditions.

What is the best natural cleaner for dog urine?

Another method adds one more household staple, vinegar. In a clean spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Shake it up to mix the ingredients, and then spray on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot with towels until clean.

Can I shower with Dawn dish soap?

2. Use It as a Clarifying Shampoo Substitute. First, let's get this straight: replacing your regular shampoo with Dawn is definitely not recommended. However, some people swear by using a very small amount of the dish soap a couple of times a year to get rid of stubborn buildup that conventional shampoos can't touch.

Is Dawn an enzymatic cleaner?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is an enzyme cleaner! This soap is created with enzymes and biodegradable surfactants. Surfactants work to spread out the surface tension of the liquid (in this case, pet urine).

What do hospitals use to remove urine smell?

Hospitals, nursing homes, health care clinics, and other facilities have relied on ZORBX® as the guaranteed odor remover for urine, bile, human waste and other body fluids.

How to eliminate dog urine smell in yard?

One effective method is to use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Spray the solution generously on the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with water. This helps to neutralize the ammonia in the urine and minimize long-term staining and odor.

Does Dawn get rid of dog pee smell?

Dawn dish soap has a million uses, including removing urine stains and odor from carpets. When combined with hydrogen peroxide, this disinfectant mixture will break down stains on a molecular level and kill bacteria, making it one of the best pet stain removers.

What do nursing homes use to get rid of urine smell on laundry?

Baking soda is a powerful option, as it absorbs the unpleasant odor. Sprinkling baking soda directly on the urine stain before laundering can significantly reduce the smell.

How to stop a male dog from peeing in the house?

Here are some ways you can stop all that indoor peeing.
  1. Determine the trigger. ...
  2. Interrupt your dog. ...
  3. Increase potty breaks. ...
  4. Confine your dog when you're not home. ...
  5. Spay or neuter your dog. ...
  6. Eliminate urine odors. ...
  7. Don't hit or yell. ...
  8. Get a professional opinion.

What neutralizes the smell of dog urine?

Neutralize the smell Then you're going to want to douse the spot with an enzymatic cleaner or simply make your own cleaning solution by combining (white or apple cider) vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Because the vinegar is acidic, it will neutralize the bacteria in the dog pee, offsetting its odor.

How toxic is dog urine in a house?

Health Hazards

When left unattended, these pathogens can thrive and spread, leading to the risk of infections for both humans and other pets in the household. Airborne Allergens: Over time, dried urine and feces can release allergens into the air, exacerbating respiratory issues in susceptible individuals.

What can I give my dog to neutralize his urine naturally?

If you have ever asked yourself, "what are the home remedies or what can I give my dog to neutralize his urine" the answer is simple: water. This hydrating compound is famed as a universal solvent, able to dilute most solutions, including body fluids such as urine.

Previous article
Is baking soda safe for HE washers?
Next article
Can a carbon monoxide detector go off for no reason?