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4 Sure Ways To Get Old Urine Smell Out of Carpet For Good

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If you have ever had a pet, then you know that an occasional accident happens. And when they do, it can be a pain to know how to get old urine smell out of carpet once and for all.

Pet owners know that having pet odors is one of the drawbacks to having a furry friend in our lives.

With a new puppy or an older dog or cat, it’s bound to happen sooner or later. But that doesn’t mean we want our home to have a pee smell.


In this blog post, we will discuss four different methods that you can use to get rid of that nasty odor.


I have included a few remedies using natural ingredients as well as a few of the best products you can buy to use when your cat or dog pees on the rug.

Old Urine Smell Out of Carpet

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pet products

What if the pet accident just happened and the rug is still wet?

Old Urine Smell Out of Carpet
Photo by Ryan Walton on Unsplash

The sooner you address the urine-soaked carpet or area rugs the better chance you have of keeping the pet urine smell from returning and having your house filled with the unpleasant odor of animal pee.


To Clean Up the Carpet After a Pet Urine Accident You Will Need:

  • Absorbent material such as paper towels, a few clean towels, or rags
  • Baking soda, (a natural odor eliminator)

Step 1: First you must soak up as much of the urine as possible.

  • Roll back the carpeting if possible.
  • Clean and dry the floor if any of the urine made it all the way through.
  • Place an absorbent clean towel folded up into layers between the carpet and the hardwood floors.
  • Lay the carpet back down, keeping the towels in place under the urine-soaked area.
  • Take another towel, or paper towels and place it on top of the wet urine spot.
  • Push or step down onto the towel to maximize the amount of urine you soak up.
  • You may need to repeat this process depending on how much urine is on the carpet. Repeat, until the paper towel or rag is no longer drawing out more dog pee.
  • Check the towel underneath to make sure it isn’t soaked and releasing more urine back into the carpet or onto the floor. Change if necessary.

Step 2: Next, apply baking soda

Let sit to absorb any leftover liquid and aid in absorbing the urine smell.

Step 3: Wait 30 minutes and remove any wet baking soda

Preferably by hand since the wet urine-soaked baking soda will clump up in your vacuum

Step 4: Add fresh baking soda

This will continue to help soak up the urine and get out the smell.

Step 5: Let the area dry until the next day

  • Vacuum up the baking soda
  • Use a nylon brush to make sure all the baking soda is removed to avoid leaving any urine odor behind.
  • Don’t forget to empty your vacuum cleaner to prevent it from releasing bad odors into the room each time you use it.

How to get old urine smell out of carpeting?

Of course, for the best results, it’s a good idea to address the affected area immediately.

But sometimes that doesn’t happen. The cat or dog has an accident on the rug in a hidden area that isn’t discovered right away or we are simply not home and it has dried.

Method 1: Getting old urine smells out of the carpet with baking soda

picture of baking soda

Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors.

  • Apply baking soda to the carpet
  • Let it sit for at least a few hours, or until the next day for maximum odor absorption
  • Vacuum up baking soda to avoid leaving any urine odor behind.

Method 2: Getting old urine smell out of the carpet using vinegar

vinegar
  • If possible, place a folded towel under the carpet to protect the floor.
  • Apply a solution of one cup water, one cup white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
  • Let the solution soak into the spot for 5 minutes,
  • Finally, use a paper towel or rag to soak up the solution.
4

Method 3: My favorite way to get old urine smell out of carpet

shaving cream
Photo by Scurtu Corina on Unsplash

Sometimes you try multiple methods and the urine smell is still there.

Or more than likely, you notice it on a damp or muggy day.

  • Using non-scented shaving cream, rub it into the carpet fibers using a nylon brush or your hands.
  • Moving in circular motions scrub the spot going about an inch or two beyond the area to be sure you got the whole thing
  • Wait until it dries and if there are any lingering smells after a sniff test, repeat the process.

I’ve never had to do this more than twice.

Method 4: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove old urine smell out of carpet

spray bottle

If you are looking for an enzyme cleaner to remove an old urine smell from carpets try Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator

Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor - Enzyme
  • Eliminates stains, odors, and residue
  • Certified gentle and safe for kids, pets, and carpets
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed


Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

You can find it at the local hardware store, grocery store, or here on Amazon.

Not all pet urine odors are created equal

cat

Cat urine odors are typically much harder to remove. This can be due to age or unneutered male testosterone, as well as how long the urine sat before being cleaned.

You may need to try the methods more than once or get a cleaner specific to cats.

If your dog or cat has frequent accidents be sure to speak with your veterinarian since it can indicate a serious health problem.

Finally, if you have a carpet cleaner or can hire a professional carpet cleaner, use a regular carpet cleaning schedule to keep up with any strong odors that may be lingering.

This will allow you to address any times that accidents have resulted in creating pet urine stains.

Related Reading: Embracing the Joy of Gotcha Day: 11 Ideas for Honoring the Unbreakable Bond with Your Pet

Pet Urine Odor Solution Kits for Carpet, Cement, Patios, Garages, Basements, Yards, and Artificial Grass

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you get dog urine smell out of carpet?

Apply a homemade solution of one cup cold water, one cup white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the stained area. (undiluted vinegar can damage carpet fibers)Let the vinegar solution soak into the spot for 5 minutes, then blot it dry.

Getting old urine smells out of carpet without vinegar?

Mix a tablespoon of mild dish detergent, like Dawn, with warm water. Pour directly onto the urine stain. Blot the carpet with a rag or paper towel until dry.

How do you get urine smell out of carpet without baking soda?

Soak a rag in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water (1:1 ratio) Pour directly vinegar and water solution onto the urine stain. Blot the carpet with a rag or paper towel until dry.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on carpet?

I have seen on others recommend using hydrogen peroxide as a way to get old urine smell out of carpeting.
I don’t recommend it.
Simply, most household-use hydrogen peroxide has only a 3% dilution which should be safe for colored carpets.
However, higher concentrations will bleach dyed fabrics.
If you are mixing this yourself, you could ruin the carpet. For that reason, I just don’t recommend it. If you really want to try it, be sure to test in an inconspicuous area first.

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Aman

Wednesday 19th of July 2023

Thanks so much for the shaving cream trick, worked an absolute treat. You're a legend! I would have never have thought of that and am kind of amused by how well it worked! No more breathing in pee vapour for me, happy days ;-)

Laurie O'Rourke

Monday 31st of July 2023

Hi Aman, So glad it worked!

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