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

Dog faeces on the couch is a terrible problem to have, particularly after the urine has dried. The smell, however, is a turn off that may tempt your pet to do it again. Fortunately, there are ways to get the stain and the odor out. In this tutorial, I’ll be sharing all the step by step instructions, my own insights and professional advice for you to fix this without worry.

What You Need to Know About Why Urine Smells From Dogs Last.

Dried dog excrement contains uric acid crystals, and those crystals are notoriously bitter and persistent. The regular cleaners don’t break down these crystals and thus it remains in the smell. Moreover, upholstery fabrics hold water and smells deep in them which makes it harder to deal with. Knowing this, the right cleaning techniques and products must be applied.

Step 1: Get Fast (if you Can)
While this guide addresses dried urine, accidents are one thing where you can really make a difference to getting on top of them immediately. After it’s fresh, dab the spot with paper towels or a clean piece of cloth to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Do not rub, as this pushes the urine deeper into the cloth.

Step 2: Prepare the Area
Don’t use any cleaning product without first trying it on a hidden part of the couch so that you know it won’t harm the fabric. Remove any removable cushions or covers and clean as directed by the manufacturer. For upholstered upholstery that is fixed, you will need to thoroughly disinfect the damage area.

Step 3: Clean it With an Enzymatic Cleaner.
Why It Works:
Enzymatic cleaners work to dissolve uric acid crystals and remove odours on the molecular level. In contrast to traditional cleaners, they neutralise, not cover, the smell.

Ethan Caldwell, as the author of this article and a home management expert, says :

I tried other home remedies and they were only part of the answer, then I came upon enzyme cleaners. My couch used Nature’s Miracle. It was easy to use and did away with the odour completely.

How to Use:

Fill the area with the enzyme cleanser. Make sure the product is deep in the fabric and padding.
Place the cleaner in for the time it suggests (10–15 minutes).

Scrub the site with a damp towel to dry it off.

You can also read these articles on our website:

• How to clean upholstery yourself
• Can Vinegar Ruin Your Couch ?

Allow the couch to air dry. This could take up to 24–48 hours, depending on the extent of the stain and ventilation in the room.

Step 4: DIY Solutions (Remedy Alternative)
If you are an at-home kind of person, then you can always opt for the natural option.

Option 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar.

Why It Works: Baking soda removes odours and vinegar neutralizes the alkaline side of urine.
Steps:

Put equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Mist it on the problem area and soak it for 5–10 minutes.
Pour a lot of baking soda on the wet surface.
Allow it to sit for 12–24 hours, then blow off the residue.

2: Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap.

What It Does: Hydrogen peroxide is bleaching which will blot stains and smells. Washing the urine with dish soap saps the oils and proteins.

Steps:

Combine 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 2 tablespoons baking soda.
Scoop the mixture on the stain and scrub lightly with a soft brush.

Scrub the surface with a damp towel and leave to dry.

Tip: Do not use hydrogen peroxide on dark textiles as this can turn them dark.

Step 5: Deep Cleaning by Steam Cleaning.

a steam cleaner will deep clean you by digging down into the fibers and scraping out poop crystals.

My Advice: If you don’t have a steam cleaner then rent one from a hardware store or use an upholstery cleaning service for a scrubbing job for stubborn spots and smells.

Step 6: Prevent Future Incidents

A couch wash is not the answer. Preventing other accidents is just as important.

Tips to Prevent Recurrence:

Get Your Dog to Toilet: Make it a habit to potty and take potty breaks regularly. Reward good behavior so that they can stay on track.

Use Deterrents: After cleaning, spray with a pet deterrant. Dogs have very dry noses, and they will not go in smelly areas.

Clean Your Couch: Washable couch covers or furniture protectors for your upholstery.

Expert Insights and Recommendations

1. The Role of Black Lights:
You can use a black light to locate dry urine spots that you can’t normally see. This is a handy tool if you are not sure of the area in question.

2. Professional Products:
Alongside enzymatic cleaners, look for an upholstery shampoo or a odor neutraliser. They are available in animal shops and online.

3. Importance of Ventilation:
You need to leave your couch completely dry. You may get mold and mildew if it sits and will also produce odors.

Personal Experience: Lessons Learned

I was initially unprepared for the challenge of getting rid of the odour after my Labrador puppy peed on our sofa a few times. I used simple cleaning chemicals but it always got a second wind after a couple of days. Only when I washed it with an enzyme cleaner, then rinsed with baking soda, did the odour vanish. This helped me realize the importance of using the right products and methods in the first place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ammonia Cleaners: Ammonia smells like urine and your dog will get confused, which makes him accident more often.
Blotting Stain: Blot only very lightly so the stain doesn’t get more pronounced.
Avoid the Test Patch: Some cleaners will leave your fabric dingy. Testing on an obscure spot is a must.

Final Thoughts

Getting dried dog urine smell off a couch takes time, the right product, and the right technique. Either you go with an enzyme cleaner, a home-made product or professional assistance, the key is completeness. If you take care of the underlying issue and prevent it, you can get your couch back to its best health and have a germ free, fresh and smell-free house.

FAQ :

1. How do you get the pee smell out of a couch that has been dried?
   To remove dried pee smell from a couch, start by blotting the area with a cloth dampened in a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Sprinkle baking soda over the spot, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. For stubborn odors, use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains, as it breaks down odor-causing bacteria.
2. How to get old dog pee smell out of couch?
   For old dog pee smells, deep cleaning is essential. Apply an enzymatic cleaner to the affected area, ensuring it penetrates the fabric. Let it sit for the recommended time, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary, and consider using a steam cleaner to remove deeply embedded odors.
3. How do you get rid of dog urine smell permanently?
   To permanently eliminate dog urine smell, use an enzymatic cleaner that targets and breaks down the odor-causing bacteria. Ensure the cleaner saturates the affected area and allow it to dry completely. Prevent future accidents by training your dog and using protective couch covers.
4. What neutralizes dried dog urine?
   Dried dog urine can be neutralized using a mixture of white vinegar and water, which helps eliminate odors. Baking soda is also effective; sprinkle it on the area, let it sit, and vacuum it up. For a more powerful solution, enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to neutralize urine odors at the source.

Article source:

How To Get Dog Pee Smell Out Of a Couch Without Damaging It