Housekeeping

how to get dog urine smell out of couch after it has dried

There’s no owner who likes the smell of dried urine on their furniture, especially one with the strong scent of dog poop. Dogs are wonderful animals, but even the cutest puppies, the old dog, or a sick or stressed dog might get hurt. Dog urine after drying is particularly difficult to remove as it bonds with the fibres in the cloth and a careful method must be used to remove it completely. We’ll cover in this article a few effective ways to get rid of the smell of dried dog pee on your couch and some helpful tricks to help you avoid it in the future.

 

Finding Out Why Dog Urine Odors Lingers.

Before moving on to remedies, let’s learn why dog poo smells so sullied. Uric acid and bacteria in dog uric acid makes urine smell like ammonia. The uric acid in the urine becomes crystallized as it dries and may not be removed easily with just regular cleaning. Without treatment, the crystals embed themselves into the upholstery and cushions of the couch, which is even harder to access and fully eliminate. Further, because dogs are very keen on smell, they can be tempted to mark the same spot once again if they can smell any reminiscence of their former odour.

 

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Essential Tools and Materials

So you need basic household products and sometimes, pet odor neutralizers to get started removing dried dog urine smell from your couch. Here’s some stuff that might come in handy:

White vinegar
Baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide
Dish soap
Enzymatic cleaner
Soft cloths or sponges
Vacuum cleaner
Spray bottle
Clean water
The majority of these are okay for fabrics, but always try a small, hidden section of the couch to make sure that nothing is going to ruin the fabric with any cleaner.

 

Table 1: Essential Tools and Materials for Cleaning Dried Dog Urine

Tool/Material Purpose Additional Notes
White Vinegar Neutralizes alkaline elements in urine Always test on hidden fabric areas
Baking Soda Absorbs odors and helps eliminate smells Safe for most fabrics
Hydrogen Peroxide Breaks down organic materials in urine Can bleach certain fabrics
Dish Soap Assists in removing organic residue Use mild versions
Enzymatic Cleaner Dissolves uric acid crystals and eliminates odor Best for deep and thorough cleaning
Soft Cloths/Sponges Helps apply solutions and blot stains Avoid harsh scrubbing
Vacuum Cleaner Removes dried baking soda and debris Use with caution on delicate fabrics
Spray Bottle Evenly applies liquid cleaning solutions Reusable for different solutions
Clean Water Rinses out residues after cleaning Essential for final clean-up steps

Table 2: Step-by-Step Remedies for Odor Removal

Method Key Components Duration Notes
Vinegar & Baking Soda Vinegar, Baking Soda, Water 15-20 mins soaking time Effective for mild cases
Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap 15-20 mins soaking time Use cautiously; may bleach fabrics
Enzymatic Cleaner Enzymatic Cleaner 10-15 mins application Pet-safe, deep-cleaning solution
Steam Cleaning Steam, Water As per device usage Ideal for stubborn stains and odors
Odor-Absorbing Sprays Fabric fresheners Final step Mask lingering odors temporarily

 

How To Get Dog Urine Odor Out In No Time Step by Step Instructions.

Let’s walk through how to do each one, if you need, we will start with mild treatments and escalate to stronger techniques when the smell comes back.

 

1. Make a start with Vinegar and Baking Soda.

One of the best home remedies for eliminating odors is vinegar and baking soda that can really cut through the stench of dried dog pee.

: Prepare an Solution: In a spray bottle, combine equal amounts of white vinegar and water. Vinegar is acidic, which neutralizes the alkaline elements in dog poop.
Spray the Vinegar Solution On the Stain: Liberally apply the vinegar solution on the stained portion of the couch. Soak for about 10-15 minutes. Vinegar is also an odourant and its alkaline nature reduces the uric acid in dry urine.
Baking Soda: Sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda on the wet area. Baking soda is an odour-fighter and will absorb the smell as it dries.
Wait and Vacuum: Let the baking soda stand a few hours, or overnight, and then vacuum it up. This will keep in the smell and moistness.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap for Deep Cleaning — Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap to Clean Deeply.

In case the vinegar and baking soda treatment doesn’t take care of the smell, hydrogen peroxide can help. Be sure to use hydrogen peroxide on cloths, as it bleaches the fabric slightly.

Make a Cleaning Solution: Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of baking soda and some drops of mild dish soap to a spray bottle. Shake gently to combine.
Streak the Infected Spot: Pour this solution on the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. A powerful oxidiser called hydrogen peroxide, it dissolves organic materials in urine.
Rub with a Cloth: Rub the area with a clean cloth and absorb as much liquid as possible. Don’t scrub, as that carries the urine deeper into the couch cushions.
Wash and Blot: Wash the residue away with a clean cloth wet with water, then pat dry with a towel.

 

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3. Enzymatic Cleaner: The Pet-Safe Solution

Enzymatic cleaners are best if you want to do a thorough and pet-safe clean. They have natural enzymes in them that dissolve crystals of uric acid and dispel, not mask, the smell.

Utilize Enzymatic Cleaner: Just use the directions on the bottle and rub enzymatic cleaner well into the problem area. Enzymatic cleaners are effective if left to get deep inside the fabric and degrade odour causing molecules.
Allow to SIT: To get the best result, let the enzymatic cleaner stand for 10-15 minutes, or according to product’s instructions.
Fluff and Air Dry: Blot the surface and dry it with a dry cloth. Do not wash the couch. Be sure not to rinse the enzymatic cleaner with water as this can weaken it.

 

4. Deep Cleaning for Odor Removal Steam Cleaning.

Steam Cleaners can deodorize and scrub stubborn odours out of the couch fabric and pillows, if that smell doesn’t go away. Steam cleaning is best used to take away stubborn stain and odour from upholstered furniture.

Prepare the Steam Cleaner: Fill the machine with water as directed by the manufacturer. Use no cleaning agents in the steam cleaner if the fabric is chemical sensitive.
Steam the Affected Surface: Scrub the affected surface with the steam cleaner on where the dog’s poo was found, moving the cleaner slowly so the steam penetrates the fabric.
Blot Out: Once steam cleaned, air dry the couch before replacing. This will keep any mold or mildew in the fabric.

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5. Odor-Absorbing Sprays and Fabric Fresheners

When you’re finished with the couch, apply fabric freshener or an odor repellent spray to remove lingering odours. These products won’t obliterate the urine smell in its entirety, but can give you a fresh odour and help cover up some of the lingering urine smell while the other steps kick in.

 

Other Advice For Avoiding Dog Urine Falls on Your Couch.

After cleaning up the dried dog’s poo, you’ve solved the immediate problem but you also need to do something about it so it doesn’t happen again. Here are some practical tips:

Training and Schedule: If your dog is young or not fully trained, train him/her on a regular bathroom schedule and reward good habits when he/she urinates where it should go.
Place a Furry Dog Bed in the Direct Area: Pets always like to have soft surfaces, such as couches, where they can lay down. With a soft dog bed next to your couch, your canine may not seek the couch as his or her own.
Couch Covers or Pet Blankets: If your dog is allowed on the couch, try a machine washable couch cover or pet blanket. They are simpler to clean and save the couch from accidents and spills.
Keep it Clean & Maintain: Vacuum & Spot-Clean your couch often and do not let the smells build up over time. This can be used to catch small accidents early before they dry out and are harder to manage.
Check With Your Vet If Accidents Keep Happening: If you dog starts suddenly having frequent accidents, then it may be due to a chronic medical condition such as a urinary tract infection or bladder problem. You can talk to a vet about diagnosis and treatment.

 

How to Remove the Smell of Cat or Dog Urine

EthanCaldwell (Housekeeping)

Ethan Caldwell is a home improvement enthusiast and writer specializing in quick, cost-effective solutions for household maintenance and design. With a background in handyman work and a knack for creating step-by-step guides, Ethan offers actionable advice that empowers readers to tackle chores and projects with confidence. His writing is engaging and filled with practical examples, making complex tasks approachable for all.

6 Comments

  1. Sarah

    I didn’t realize the role of uric acid crystals in making the smell so persistent. Can anyone recommend a good enzymatic cleaner that’s worked well for them?

    1. Ethan CaldwellEthan Caldwell

      Hi Sarah! Enzymatic cleaners are a fantastic choice for tackling stubborn odors. I recommend brands like Rocco & Roxie or Nature’s Miracle—they’re effective and pet-safe.

  2. Mike

    I’ve tried the vinegar and baking soda method before, but the smell came back after a while. Does steam cleaning really eliminate the odor permanently, or is it just a temporary fix?

    1. Ethan CaldwellEthan Caldwell

      Steam cleaning can be a great long-term solution if done properly. The key is ensuring the couch is thoroughly dried afterward to prevent any lingering moisture from causing mold or mildew. It’s worth giving it a shot!

  3. Emily Carter

    Thanks for breaking this down step by step! I’ve always been worried about hydrogen peroxide bleaching my couch. Does anyone know if there’s a specific fabric it’s safe to use on?

    1. Ethan CaldwellEthan Caldwell

      Hydrogen peroxide can bleach certain fabrics, so it’s always a good idea to test it on a hidden spot first. For sensitive materials, sticking with enzymatic cleaners or just vinegar and baking soda might be safer.

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