How to Get Rid of Urine Smell From a Carpet

The smell of urine can be hard to get out of carpets regardless of the source; be it an accident caused by children, pets, or some other mishap within the home. It usually becomes even more difficult to deal with the smell if the urine has penetrated further than the carpet material and has spread to the underlay that sits below it. Applying air fresheners or some other strong-scented cleaning agent on it will simply make it smell differently without removing the source of the smell.

What You Will Need

• Paper towels or a clean cloth

• Warm water

• White vinegar

• Baking soda

• Spray bottle

• Vacuum cleaner

Step 1: Blot the Area

If the urine is still fresh, start by blotting the area with paper towels or a clean absorbent cloth. Press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible.

Avoid rubbing the carpet, as this can push the urine deeper into the carpet fibres and underlay.

Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the affected area and allow it to sit for several minutes.

The vinegar can help neutralise the alkaline compounds responsible for the strong urine odour.

Always test the solution on a small, hidden area of the carpet first to make sure it does not affect the colour or material.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda

Once the area has been treated, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the carpet.

Leave it for several hours, or ideally overnight, to absorb remaining moisture and odours.

Once completely dry, vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

Step 4: Allow the Carpet to Dry

Good ventilation is important. Open windows and doors where possible and allow the carpet to dry completely.

Do not leave the carpet damp, as trapped moisture can create another unpleasant smell and may contribute to mould growth.

What If the Urine Smell Won't Go Away?

If the smell returns after cleaning, the urine may have soaked through the carpet and into the underlay or flooring underneath. In this situation, surface cleaning may not be enough.

A professional carpet cleaning machine can provide a much deeper clean by extracting moisture, dirt, and odour-causing residue from the carpet.

For older or severe stains, an enzyme-based pet or urine odour cleaner may also be more effective than household remedies because it is specifically designed to break down the organic compounds causing the smell.

How to Prevent Urine Smells From Returning

The key is to treat accidents as quickly as possible. Blot fresh urine immediately rather than allowing it to soak into the carpet. Regularly vacuuming your carpets and arranging a professional deep clean can also help maintain freshness.

If you have pets or young children, keeping a suitable carpet cleaning product at home can be useful for dealing with accidents quickly.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of urine smell from a carpet is usually easier when you deal with it quickly and clean more than just the surface. Blotting, treating the affected area, absorbing the odour and allowing the carpet to dry properly can make a noticeable difference.

However, if the urine has penetrated deep into the carpet or underlay, professional carpet cleaning may be the best option.

Professional Cleaning Services Across London

If a urine smell or stubborn carpet stain is proving difficult to remove, professional cleaning may be the best option. Go London Cleaners provides professional cleaning services across Central London, West London, South West London, North London, North West London, East London and South East London.

You may also be interested in our Domestic Cleaning Services for regular help keeping your home fresh, clean and well maintained.

At Go London Cleaners, we provide professional cleaning services across London, including deep cleaning and specialist carpet cleaning. If a stubborn smell or stain is proving difficult to remove, our team can help restore your carpets and leave your home feeling fresh and clean.