How to Remove Fresh & Set-in Urine Odors & Stains Using DIY Cleaners

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Safe & effective ways to remove urine from all surfaces
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Whether someone had a bedwetting accident or your pet peed on the carpet, there comes a time when you need to deal with urine odors and stains. Fortunately, it’s easy to treat most urine messes with simple, homemade solutions using natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. If that doesn’t work, a good enzymatic cleaner will do the job. In this article, we spoke with cleaning professionals to learn the best ways to remove fresh and set-in stains from soft and hard surfaces, as well as your clothes . Read on to learn more!

What is the best homemade urine cleaner?

For fresh stains, mix together 1 tbsp (15 mL) of dish soap, 2 c (470 mL) of cold water, and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of white vinegar. Then, blot the stain with the solution. For set-in stains, mix 3 tbsp (43 g) of baking soda, 10 oz (300 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, and 3 drops of dish soap in a spray bottle and spray the stain.

Section 1 of 3:

Cleaning Up Fresh Stains

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  1. As soon as you find a fresh urine stain, professional cleaner Susan Stocker says to use a clean cloth to soak up as much excess urine as you can. If it’s on a carpet , mattress , or upholstered furniture item, gently blot the stain instead of rubbing or pressing hard, since this can force the urine deeper into the fabric or cushion. [1]
    • If the urine is on a hard surface , like the floor, simply mop or towel it up.
    • A wet/dry vacuum is also a great option for absorbing the excess urine without forcing it deeper into your carpet or furniture.
  2. Once you’ve blotted up the urine, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap, 2 cups (470 mL) of cold water, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar together in a small bowl and stir to combine them. Stocker explains that the vinegar helps break down the uric acid that contributes to the urine smell and neutralize the ammonia-like odor. [2]
    • Combine the solution in a spray bottle, if you prefer.
    • If you’re washing a carpet, try using a commercial enzyme cleaner instead. Look for a cleaner designed to eliminate urine or pet odors.

    Warning : Some animal behavior experts recommend against using vinegar, ammonia, or any other strong-smelling chemical cleaner on urine stains left by pets. The strong odor, combined with the remnants of their urine, may simply encourage them to use the area again. Instead, stick to a high-quality enzymatic cleaner.

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  3. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and gently sponge the area. Start at the center of the stain and gently dab the stain with the cleaning solution. Then, slowly work your way toward the edges. Be careful not to press into the surface too hard so you don’t force the urine and cleanser deep into the fabric. [3]
    • If the urine is on a hard surface , like the floor, simply wipe the area with the cleaning solution and cloth.
    • If you can still see or smell the urine , go over the stain again with more cleaning solution.
    • If you’re using an enzyme cleaner , simply spray it onto the stain and the surrounding area, then let it sit until it is completely dry.
    • Warning : Test the cleanser on an inconspicuous spot before using it on the stain. If it stains or damages the surface you’re trying to clean, you may need to call in a professional cleaner.
  4. Get a clean, soft cloth and dip it in clean water. Wring out the excess water and gently dab the area until you get up all the cleanser. [4]
    • If you used an enzyme cleaner and let it dry, vacuum it out of your upholstery or carpet instead of rinsing it.
  5. After rinsing out as much of the solution as you can, take a clean microfiber cloth or towel and gently dab the area to soak up any remaining dampness. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the excess moisture. [5]
    • If you still see or smell the stain after cleaning and drying the area , you may need to repeat the process or try a solution for tougher stains and odors .
    • Alternatively, call a professional cleaner for help.
  6. 6
    Sprinkle the spot with baking soda. After drying the spot, Stocker highly recommends using baking soda to help absorb any leftover odors and moisture. She says to liberally cover the spot with baking soda and let it sit for at least 1 hour. Then, vacuum up the baking soda. [6]
    • For tougher, smellier stains, leave the baking soda on the spot for at least 8 hours.
  7. 7
    Leave the stained item in the sun for a few days, if possible. According to house cleaning specialist Laura Smith, another great way to help ensure urine stains and odors are gone is to expose the stained item to the sun—she says “the sun is really, really good at destroying odors.” If you’re dealing with a stained mattress, rug, or clothing item consider placing it outside for a few days to remove any leftover odor. [7]
    • Be careful if you’re dealing with brightly colored fabrics, as the sun can cause fading.
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Section 2 of 3:

Treating Old Stains and Odors

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  1. Combine 3 tablespoons (43 g) of baking soda, 10 fluid ounces (300 mL) of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 3 drops of dish soap in a bowl and mix them until the baking soda is dissolved. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle. [8]
    • Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are both good odor neutralizers. Hydrogen peroxide also helps eliminate visible stains and disinfect the spot.
    • You can use this solution on hardwood flooring or upholstery, but be aware that it may cause discoloration.
    • For carpets, use a commercial oxygen-activated enzyme cleaner instead.
  2. 2
    Use an enzyme cleaner as an alternative. According to house cleaning professional Guy Peters, you usually “need an enzymatic cleaner in order to truly get rid of pet urine smells.” He says enzyme cleaners “break down the odor-causing components of pet urine and actually remove it instead of just covering it up.” [9]
  3. Since hydrogen peroxide and enzyme cleaners can discolor or bleach many surfaces, it’s important to test them out before using them. Find a small, inconspicuous area (such as a spot on the back of the couch) and spray on a little of the solution you’re using. Let it sit until it dries, then check for discoloration. [11]
    • If you see a stain or discoloration, you may need to have the surface cleaned professionally.

    Tip : If you’re cleaning a hardwood floor, you can sand and refinish the area to treat any resulting discoloration. [12]

  4. If you don’t notice any discoloration, generously spray the stained area with the solution. After allowing the cleanser to sit on the stain for 1 full hour, come back and check if you can still see or smell any obvious urine. If you can, spray the area again and wait another hour. [13]
    • If you’re using an enzyme cleaner , let it sit until it dries.
  5. Once the cleanser has had time to work, take a clean cloth and dip it in plain water. Wring out any excess water and blot the area until you rinse out all of the cleanser residue. [14]
    • It’s important to clean up as much of the cleansing solution as possible, since the hydrogen peroxide could continue to damage the surface over time if you let it sit.
    • If you used an enzyme cleaner , there’s no need to rinse it out. Instead, Smith recommends that you simply vacuum over it once it’s dry. [15]
  6. After rinsing out the stain, take a clean microfiber cloth or towel and gently dab the area until you soak up as much water as possible. You can also remove the excess moisture with a wet/dry vacuum. [16]
    • If the stain or odor is still there , you may need to repeat the process or have the surface professionally cleaned.
  7. 7
    Treat the area with an ozone machine if the odor won’t go away. If you’re having trouble removing the urine odor from an item or it’s lingering in a room, Smith suggests using an ozone generator. These machines release ozone gas that kills odors in the area where you run them. While ozone machines are safe to use, Smith says it’s very important to follow the proper safety instructions: [17]
    • Remove all people, pets, and plants from the area while the machine is running. Ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, or reduced lung function. [18]
    • Let the machine run for 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the space.
    • Allow the area to air out for 2 to 3 days to ensure all of the ozone is gone.
    • Rent or buy an ozone machine—Smith says most generators are no more than $100. Or, call a professional to treat your space for you. [19]
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Section 3 of 3:

Laundering Urine-Stained Clothes

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  1. If urine has gotten onto something washable, such as a bedsheet or article of clothing, put the item in the washing machine immediately. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar to the wash, and wash the item for a full cycle using cold water. [20]
    • While vinegar has a strong odor, house cleaning professional Kadi Dulude says not to worry. She says vinegar odor dissipates quickly and “tends to ‘take’ all the bad smells with it.” [22]

    Alternative: Mix a 1 lb (0.45 kg) box of baking soda with the amount of detergent you would normally use to wash your clothes, and add that to the wash. [21]

  2. Once you’ve washed the item with vinegar, put it through the wash again as you normally would, using your regular detergent. This time, use the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric you’re cleaning. [23]
  3. If the stain has been sitting on the fabric for a long time, you may need to do some extra work to help get it out. Place the item in a sink or tub filled with cold water and 1 cup (240 mL) cold white vinegar and allow it to soak overnight. Then, wash the item with detergent as you normally would. [24]
    • Repeat this process as many times as necessary to get the stain or odor out.
  4. 4
    Use an enzymatic cleaner if you can still see or smell the urine. If washing the item a second time doesn’t remove the urine stain or odor, add an enzymatic cleaner to the wash. These products completely break down the urine to treat the spot and smell. [25]
    • There are a variety of enzyme-based products to choose from, such as laundry detergents, pre-soaks, and stain removers.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I get rid of urine odors after I've cleaned up the mess?
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Expert Answer
    Once the urine is cleaned up, sprinkle baking soda over the area. Let the baking soda sit for at least one hour, although you can leave it out for longer if you'd like. This will give the baking soda time to absorb the odors. Vacuum up the baking soda when you're done and inspect the area. The smell should be gone, but you can repeat this process if it isn't.
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  • Question
    How can I get a urine stain and odor out of a mattress without letting my parents know?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If the stain is fresh, you can try cleaning it up with a detergent, vinegar, and cold water solution. Toss any towels or cleaning cloths you use into the laundry and wash them immediately. You'll need to let the mattress air out until it's completely dry before putting fresh sheets on it. For older stains, you might need to use a little hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme cleaner.
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  • Question
    How do you remove the smell and stain of human urine on driver's side seat?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Try the vinegar, dish soap, and cold water solution to clean up the stain. Leave the windows open if possible to let the car air out as you work, and make sure to blot up as much excess moisture as you can. If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, you might try using that to help get the moisture out. For an older stain, you might need an enzyme cleaner or some hydrogen peroxide (if you can use it without damaging your upholstery).
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      Tips

      • If you’re having trouble finding the source of the smell, darken the room as much as possible and shine a black light around. Any urine stains should glow pale green or yellow. [26]
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      • If you’re cleaning up a pet stain, take any urine-soaked cloths or towels that you used in the cleanup process and place them in an approved bathroom area. This will help encourage your pet to go in the right place. [27]
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      Warnings

      • Before attempting to clean any type of upholstery, look at the tag to check what kinds of cleaning products you can safely use. Some fabrics will be badly damaged if you use the wrong type of cleanser.
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      • Don’t use steam cleaners to clean urine stains on fabric, upholstery, or carpet. The steam will help bind the proteins from the urine to the fibers in the fabric. [28]
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      References

      1. ↑ Susan Stocker. Professional Cleaner. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      3. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      4. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      5. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      6. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      7. ↑ Laura Smith. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2022.
      8. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      9. ↑ Guy Peters. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
      1. ↑ Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT. Certified Dog & Cat Trainer. Expert Interview. 12 April 2023.
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-remove-stains-from-wood-floors/
      4. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      5. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      6. ↑ Laura Smith. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2022.
      7. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      8. ↑ Laura Smith. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2022.
      9. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners
      10. ↑ Laura Smith. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2022.
      11. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      12. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors
      13. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.
      14. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      15. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-pee-urine-stains-clothing-furniture-t108472
      16. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors
      17. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors
      18. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors
      19. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-remove-pet-stains-and-odors

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove urine odor and stains permanently, start by mixing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish detergent together and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Next, spray the solution on the stain generously and let it sit for an hour. Once the solution has had time to work, dip a clean cloth in plain water, wring out the excess, and blot the area to rinse the solution away. Finally, pat the area dry with a clean microfiber towel or use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the remaining moisture. For tips on addressing fresh urine stains, read on!

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