How to Clean Urine in Carpet

Urine can leave stubborn stains and lingering odours in carpet if it’s not treated correctly. This step-by-step guide shows you how to clean both fresh and dried urine, remove smells properly, and protect your carpet fibres. The methods below are safe for most synthetic carpets—always spot test first, especially on wool or delicate fibres.

What You’ll Need

  • Clean white cloths or paper towels
  • Spray bottle with cool water
  • White vinegar (or a dedicated enzyme cleaner for urine)
  • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • Mild dishwashing liquid (clear, not coloured)
  • Soft brush (optional)
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Rubber gloves

Important Safety Notes

  • Do not mix chemicals. Never combine ammonia-based products with bleach.
  • Always patch test in an inconspicuous area before treating the stain.
  • For wool carpets, avoid peroxide and use cool water with gentle solutions only.

Method for Fresh Urine Stains

  1. Blot immediately. Place folded paper towels or a clean cloth on the spot and press down firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible. Work from the outside in. Do not scrub.
  2. Mist with cool water. Lightly spray the area to dilute the urine salts, then blot again to lift more moisture.
  3. Neutralise. Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts cool water. Lightly apply to the stained area until damp (not soaked). Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Blot thoroughly.
  4. Deodorise & dry. Sprinkle a generous layer of bicarbonate of soda over the damp area. Leave for 4–12 hours (overnight is best) to absorb odour. Vacuum thoroughly.

Method for Dried or Old Urine Stains

  1. Rehydrate the spot. Lightly mist with cool water to loosen dried residue.
  2. Use an enzyme cleaner (preferred). Apply according to the label, ensuring it reaches the carpet backing where odours linger. Cover with a clean, damp cloth and allow the enzymes time to work (often 10–30 minutes). Blot well.
  3. Alternative vinegar method. If you don’t have an enzyme product, use the vinegar mix (1:3). Apply, dwell 10 minutes, then blot thoroughly.
  4. Bicarbonate of soda. Apply a generous layer, leave to dry fully, then vacuum. Repeat once if odour persists.

Stain Booster (Optional)

For light residual discolouration on non-wool carpets only: mix 1 cup cool water + ½ tsp clear dish soap, dab gently, then rinse with cool water and blot dry. Avoid coloured detergents. For white/light synthetic carpets, a very mild 3% hydrogen peroxide dab can help, but always spot test and avoid on wool or dyed fibres.

Drying Tips

  • After blotting, place clean dry towels and weigh them down for 15–30 minutes to pull out remaining moisture.
  • Increase airflow with a fan or open windows. Avoid heat which can set stains.

Pet Urine vs Human Urine

Pet urine (especially cat urine) often has stronger, persistent odours due to uric acids and marking behaviour. Enzyme cleaners are the most effective option because they break down the organic compounds that cause smells. Black-light inspection can help locate older spots for retreatment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Scrubbing aggressively—this spreads the stain and damages fibres.
  • Over-wetting the carpet—soaking pushes urine into the underlay and subfloor.
  • Using strongly perfumed sprays to “mask” odour instead of removing it.
  • Skipping the blotting step—absorption is the quickest win.

When to Call a Professional

  • Repeated pet accidents or widespread odour throughout a room
  • Stains that return after drying (wicking from underlay)
  • Delicate fibres (wool, silk blends) or high-value rugs
  • Suspected subfloor contamination

Quick FAQ

What removes urine smell from carpet best?

Enzyme cleaners are most effective for persistent odours because they break down uric acids. For fresh accidents, a vinegar-water neutraliser followed by bicarbonate of soda works well.

How long should I leave bicarbonate of soda on the spot?

At least 4 hours; overnight is ideal for deeper odour absorption. Vacuum thoroughly afterwards.

Can I use steam on a urine stain?

Avoid hot steam initially—heat can set the stain and odour. Treat cold first; if using hot water extraction later, ensure odour neutralisation is complete.

Summary

For fresh urine, blot, neutralise with a mild vinegar solution, then deodorise with bicarbonate of soda. For older stains, prioritise an enzyme cleaner with adequate dwell time. Keep moisture low, avoid scrubbing, and dry thoroughly to prevent odour and staining from returning.

Green Lion Carpet clean provides professional steam carpet cleaningin Melbourne and surrounding suburbs including: Point Cook, Tarneit, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Truganina, Altona, Altona Meadows, Laverton, Williams Landing, Williamstown, Seabrook and Wyndham Vale

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