Cleaning dog urine is something every dog owner will have to do from time to time. Urine stains can be removed from even the most delicate fabrics, rugs and carpets, and how you clean urine stains is just as important as what you clean them with. Here are the steps you should follow to remove urine stains and the pet urine removers you should use to prevent more urination in future.
Absorb as Much Urine Out of the Stain
The most important step in cleaning dog urine is to remove as much of the urine from the stain. If you have rubber gloves, use them to make this urine cleaning step less unpleasant. If not, place a plastic bag between you and the paper towels you use to remove the urine. Press down hard with your elbows locked. And when the paper towel removes no more urine, stand up and press on it with your shoe (keeping the insulating plastic bag in place). When you are finished, the urine stain should be far less visible, or even gone from sight.
Clean the Dog Urine with a Urine Scent Remover
Pet urine removers are formulated to eliminate all urine scent. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell and will be able to sniff out traces of urine that humans will not. It’s important when cleaning dog urine to eliminate all urine scent or dogs will return to the same spot and urinate there again. You can use a pet urine remover or cleaners with odor eliminating properties. There are many cleaners on the market and you should make your choice based on the fabric or carpet you are trying to clean (more on this below).
Look for Hidden Urine Stains with a Black Light
Dry urine stains may become invisible once dry. This will spread urine stench through the home and cause a dog to urinate in the area again. To find these hidden stains buy a black light at your local pet store. Pass the light over the area and the urine stain will look darker.
For Delicate or Sensitive Fabrics Remove Urine Stains with Enzyme-based Cleaners
Many green cleaners are enzyme based and will remove urine stains without using chemicals that may cause discoloration of the fabric being cleaned. Charlie’s Soap or Nature’s Miracle are excellent cleaners for dog urine, which will have no fumes or unpleasant chemicals. However, even such cleaners should be tested before you try to remove the urine stain. Choose a hidden area of the fabric and be sure to leave the cleaner on for a few minutes, then dab with a paper towel and see if any color had come off the fabric. If it has, do not use this cleaner to remove the urine stain. If you can find no cleaner you can trust, you can make your own gentle dog urine cleaner.
Make Your Own Gentle Cleaner for Dog Urine
Mix four spoonfuls of white vinegar with half a glass of water, then spray the solution into the dog urine stain. The vinegar will eliminate the urine stench (if the scent is very strong, use more vinegar). dab the urine stain dry, then sprinkle it with a thick layer of baking soda. Keep the baking soda on the urine stain to absorb all the moisture and further eliminate any urine stench. After a few hours, vacuum the spot clean.
Other Cleaners for Dog Urine Stains
Though I recommend the green, enzyme-based cleaners mentioned above, cheaper dog urine cleaners can still do the job. In this case remove the urine stain by using the pet urine remover very sparsely. Such cleaners are very concentrated, and if you use too much, the urine stain my disappear at first, only to reappear in the form of a cleaner-based stain. It’s best to spray the pet urine remover, then rub it into the fabric with your fingers and dab with a paper towel. Repeat with more pet urine remove only if necessary.
Always Avoid Scrubbing the Stain
Scrubbing the urine stain endangers the surface you are cleaning. Scrubbing may fray the fabric, create discoloration or weaken the fibers so they become more likely to absorb dust and fresh stains in future. Therefore, always rub the cleaner in to the urine stain using your fingers, wait a minute, then dab with a paper towel or white cloth. Repeat if necessary, but do not lose patience and resort to scrubbing the urine stain.
Read more about keeping your home clean with pets, and discover inventive home decorating tips for pet owners.
