3 Odor-Eliminating Methods to Get Pee Smells Out of Carpet

Have a puppy piddle or cat pee accident on your rug? Urine luck! We've got all the tips and tricks you need to clean pee smells out of your carpets.

Updated December 22, 2023
Woman holding vacuum standing with white dog

As pet parents who raised puppies, we certainly can understand what it's like to have a beloved family member piddle a little on the carpet. Urine luck (ha!). You're not doomed to have your home smell like puppy pee forever.  Grab some paper towels, white vinegar, and baking soda. It's time to learn how to get the pee smell out of your carpet with a few easy methods that'll banish urine odor for good.

Woman pouring baking soda in long hair fur carpet

How to Get Pee Smell Out of Carpet With White Vinegar

Your first line of defense is something you probably have in a cupboard right now — white vinegar and baking soda. That stuff will clean almost anything, and urine is no different.

Need to Know

Different carpet fabrics react differently to white vinegar, so test an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause harm.

You'll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Spray bottle
  • 1 teaspoon Dawn dishwashing liquid
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • Bristle scrub brush
  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum

Instructions

  1. If the stain is still fresh, grab a paper towel. Try to absorb as much of the liquid as you can.
  2. In a spray bottle, mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1 cup of water.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Spray it onto the area.
  5. Scrub with a bristle scrub brush.
  6. Blot with paper towels.
  7. Apply a generous coat of baking soda.
  8. Allow it to sit for 24 hours or more.
  9. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  10. Repeat as necessary for any lingering stink.

Remove Urine Odors From Carpet With Hydrogen Peroxide 

If you have a white carpet, first off congrats. You're braver than us! In the case of a white carpet, hydrogen peroxide can help. Always do a patch test first just to make sure.

You'll Need

  • White paper towels
  • Spray bottle
  • 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Dawn dishwashing liquid
  • Bristle brush
  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum

Instructions

  1. Blot up any fresh stains with a white paper towel, trying to eliminate as much urine as possible.
  2. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
  3. Add a teaspoon of Dawn.
  4. Shake well to mix.
  5. Spray down the stain.
  6. Scrub with a bristle brush.
  7. Blot up as much liquid as you can.
  8. Add a generous amount of baking soda over the strain.
  9. Spray the baking soda with the solution.
  10. Leave on the stain for 24 hours.
  11. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  12. Repeat as necessary.

How to Pee Smell From Carpet With Enzyme Cleaner

If you've got a set-in stain or lingering odor, particularly if it's cat urine, enzyme cleaner works like magic. We love Nature's Miracle enzyme cleaner. It works wonders on urine odors. You'll also need paper towels or a cloth, baking soda, a vacuum, and a fabric refresher. 

Removing Stains From the Carpet
  1. Soak the blotted pee area in an enzyme cleaner.
  2. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes or the recommended package time.
  3. Wet a white cloth and blot the stain and enzyme cleaner.
  4. Once the cloth is not pulling up any more cleaner or urine, cover the stain with baking soda.
  5. Let it sit for at least an hour, more if possible.
  6. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  7. Mist the area with a fabric refresher, such as Febreze. 

Precautions & Tips When Removing Urine Smell From Carpets

A little bit of white vinegar and baking soda go a long way to getting rid of urine smells for good. However, there are a few precautions and tips to keep in mind when it comes to pee stains and odors.

  • Clean up urine stains as soon as possible. This is going to avoid that eye-watering aroma.
  • Make sure to clean litter boxes and put down pads to avoid accidents.
  • Be sure to test carpets with your cleaner first. Some materials can react differently to cleaners.
  • If possible, give your carpet a good steam cleaning to remove any lingering odors.
  • Open a box of baking soda in the room with the stain to remove any odors from the air.
  • Seek professional help if you have a stain that refuses to budge.

Fresh, Odor-Free Carpets

If you have a house full of rambunctious kids and pets, pee accidents can happen. From the excited dribble of Frank, the dachshund, to your potty-training toddler having an accident, it all happens. Now you have the tools to clean it up. You can also try a few methods on your couches and mattresses, too.

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3 Odor-Eliminating Methods to Get Pee Smells Out of Carpet