Dried urine crystallises, which then sticks to carpet and is very difficult to remove. These crystals smell when they're wet, so humid days and steam cleaning can make the smell return.
To get the smell of urine out of a carpet, use a high-quality pet odor neutralizer once the area is clean. Use carpet stain remover if the area still looks stained after it's completely dry.
The carpet padding takes longer to dry after carpet cleaning. Sadly, when the carpet padding takes too long or doesn't dry thoroughly, it creates a conducive environment for mildew and mold growth, and can even cause your carpet to be lumpy or rippling after carpet cleaning. The two fungi result in a musty odor.
So, why does my carpet smell like urine after shampooing? The urine spreads out and the ammonia and bacteria present reactivate once the carpet is cleaned with water. That's how you get a smelly carpet after cleaning.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize the urine smell. Blot the area: Using a clean, dry towel, blot the vinegar to remove as much liquid as possible. Apply baking soda: Once the area is dry, sprinkle it generously with baking soda. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors.
Vital Oxide is a powerful odor neutralizer that can help remove pet urine stains and odors from carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other soft surfaces.
Vinegar Cleaning Solution– Add one part white vinegar to one part water. Urine smells like ammonia, and this is neutralized with white vinegar. After blotting the area dry, pour the vinegar solution on the affected area, and let the solution soak for 10 minutes to reach the deepest fibers in the rug.
Baking soda is considered as one of the best carpet deodorizers. To use this carpet deodorizer powder, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the stinky area. Let it sit for 15 minutes for a quick fix and overnight for a deep clean.
It's important to note that although a professional carpet cleaning crew can often do a more thorough and effective job when removing pet urine odors from carpet, there are certain factors that may impact just how effective the process will be.
Add the essential oils to the top - if you're using something like rosemary, tea tree or peppermint, I suggest starting with 20 drops. Other essential oils like lavender and citrus can use a little more - I used 30 drops in my carpet deodorizer.
Steam cleaning is a method that can be used periodically but should not be used regularly, as it can wear on the carpets unnecessarily. Finally, steam cleaners can often leave moisture in the carpet, which can take upwards of 24 hours to dry.
Step 5: Rinse Your Carpets (Optional)
An optional step that we recommend if you have time is to go back over the cleaned carpet again with only hot tap water in the tank (no formula this time). This will remove any leftover formula and give your carpets an extra clean.
Baking soda works like magic. All you need to do is to spread a thin layer of baking soda on the urine spot and leave it overnight or for at least six hours. Next, vacuum the area thoroughly. It's essential to make sure there are no remains of baking soda.
It could be a wall, an AC vent, a spot on your floor, or any room in your house that has poor ventilation. If you have a cat, examine the rugs, carpets and furniture, as well as spots in which your cat likes to hang around. In case there have been some litter box accidents, check out these spots as well.
Hydrogen Peroxide Based Products
Products containing hydrogen peroxide can be effective on urine odors and stains.
Our expert, Dr. Bonk, recommends a cleaner with enzymes—proteins that help break up urine molecules and dissolve lingering smells. “Enzymatic cleaners such as Rocco and Roxie or Angry Orange work well and are quicker and easier to use [than baking soda],” she says.
While vinegar might have a strong smell, its deodorizing power is unparalleled in eliminating carpet odors. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, and lightly mist the solution onto the carpet. Be careful not to saturate the carpet, as too much of the solution can damage the fibers or backing.
Stanley Steemer Odor Out Plus neutralizes offensive odors on contact, and then uses natural bacterial enzymes to eliminate the source.
Dried urine crystallises, which then sticks to carpet and is very difficult to remove. These crystals smell when they're wet, so humid days and steam cleaning can make the smell return.
As you've likely noticed, the smell of urine can linger long after the mess has been cleaned up. While it might seem like nothing gets rid of it, it's actually pretty easy to get rid of urine smell. You just need to get something that will break down uric acid—that's what causes the odor.
Thankfully, OxiClean™ Carpet & Rug Pet Stain & Odor Remover Spray can help you navigate the challenges of pet ownership and clean dog and cat pee stains and odors from carpets and rugs. Before use, test a hidden area of carpet for colorfastness. Do not use on wool, leather, or silk.
Vinegar & Water
Whether cleaning up urine from the carpet or the couch, the first step is to blot as much of it as possible using a paper towel or absorbent cloth. The easiest method to try is a vinegar and water mixture. Fill 1/3 of a spray bottle with white vinegar and the rest of the way with water.
Urine is mostly waste products and water and normally has a mild smell and a light yellow color. If you have more waste than water in your urine, it can smell more strongly. In most cases, a strong smell isn't a sign of disease. It's usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water.
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.