How to Get Rid of Urine Smell in House (My Best Methods)

Have you ever entered a room and been greeted by the unpleasant smell of urine? It’s a common issue that affects most homes, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem.

What if I told you there are practical and effective ways on how to get rid of urine smell in house.

In this blog post, I will explore the causes of urine odors and share my best tips for how to get rid of urine smell in house, including immediate actions to remove fresh urine smells, cleaning solutions for stubborn odors, and preventative measures to keep your home smelling fresh

Say goodbye to nasty pet urine smells and urine stains and hello to a clean house smell!

How To Get Rid of Urine Odor Key Takeaways:

Tackle the urine spill straight away with paper towels, and then sprinkle baking soda directly on the pet urine, or other.
Put your soiled bedding or clothes in a cold wash cycle with a cup of vinegar (no detergent), followed by a hot wash cycle with laundry detergent.
Take preventive measures such as proper pet training and using high quality incontinence products for long term odor elimination.

Immediate Actions to Remove Fresh Urine Smells

When it comes to fresh urine odor, immediate action is key. The faster you address the issue, the easier it will be to prevent the odor from seeping into your home. Start by absorbing as much pet urine as possible with clean towels or paper towels.

Then, sprinkle baking soda on the damp area to help neutralize the odor. Quick action can prevent urine smells from becoming a lingering issue in your home.

Absorbing the urine

Absorbing urine is the first step in addressing fresh urine smells. Here are some options for soaking up urine:

Paper towels
Newspapers
Disposable wipes
Absorbent pads
Underpads (Chux)
Urine super absorbent solidifier granules

Using these absorbent materials can quickly soak up and contain the urine, preventing it from seeping into surfaces.

To utilize these materials effectively, adhere to these simple steps. First, position them over the affected area, ensuring they cover it completely. Next, apply firm pressure to secure their contact with the surface. Allow them a few minutes to absorb the urine effectively. Finally, promptly remove the materials, checking to see if any urine remains. Dispose of them in your outdoor trash can

This quick simple step can help you remove the smell of urine quickly and get rid of lingering urine smells in your home.

Applying baking soda

After absorbing the urine, applying baking soda can help neutralize strong urine smells. Here’s how to do it:

Sprinkle the baking soda on the soiled areas.
Let it sit until it’s completely dry.
The baking soda will absorb any remaining moisture and help neutralize the odor.
Once the baking soda is dry, simply vacuum it up to leave the area clean and odor-free.

This simple, affordable, and eco-friendly solution can make a significant difference in tackling strong smelling urine smells, preventing them from becoming a lingering issue in your home.

Understanding the Causes of Urine Smell in the House

The most common reasons for unpleasant urine odors include pet accidents, incontinence issues, and improper cleaning techniques. By understanding these causes, we can take the necessary steps to address and prevent them from becoming an issue in our homes.

Accidents are inevitable for pet owners, but managing them effectively can minimize lingering odors. Individuals with incontinence issues face additional challenges in managing urine smells, but there are products and techniques that can help. Lastly, using improper cleaning techniques can exacerbate the problem, making it crucial to learn the correct methods to eliminate urine odors efficiently.

Pet accidents

As a pet owner, dealing with accidents comes with the territory, but that doesn’t mean your home has to suffer from lingering dog or cat pee smells. The key to managing pet accidents is addressing them immediately and using the right cleaning techniques. Pet urine, especially dog pee, contains ammonia, which has a strong odor and can be an irritant to the lungs, causing that unpleasant dog pee smell.

My dog turns 15 this year, so we unfortunately have lots of accidents in our house. If I’m being honest, not all of them are accidents! Sometimes we come home to dog pee just to let us know she wasn’t happy being left behind!.

To tackle pet accidents, follow these steps:

Absorb as much dog pee or cat pee as possible using paper towels, rags, or sponges.
Apply baking soda to the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to help neutralize the odor.
For more persistent smells, consider using enzymatic cleaners or vinegar solutions, which are designed to break down the proteins in pet urine and neutralize the odor.

Incontinence issues

Incontinence issues can also contribute to lingering urine smells in the house. Incontinence refers to the inability to control bladder or bowel movements and can be caused by age, disability, or medical conditions. To manage incontinence-related urine odors, it’s essential to use absorbent products such as pads and briefs, and wash regularly and change the absorbent products frequently.

There are plenty of incontinence products available, including absorbent pads, bed and chair pads, and protective underwear. These help to control any stains or messes. To help control the odor, consider using deodorizing sprays and air fresheners, which can nremove urine odor from your home.

Using the wrong cleaning techniques or products

Improper cleaning techniques or products can exacerbate urine odors rather than eliminating them. Common mistakes include using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, scrubbing too hard, or using steam cleaners. These methods can intensify an unpleasant odor and make them even harder to remove.

Instead, opt for an enzymatic cleaner, vinegar solutions, or homemade odor-fighting mixtures to effectively tackle a urine odor. These gentle yet powerful solutions break down the proteins and bacteria responsible for the dog pee smell, leaving your home fresh and odor-free.

Cleaning Solutions for Stubborn Urine Odors

For stubborn urine odors that persist even after immediate action, specialized cleaning solutions can help. Enzymatic cleaners, vinegar solutions, and DIY odor-fighting mixtures are all effective options for tackling persistent urine smells.

These solutions can help maintain a fresh and odor-free home, even in the face of stubborn urine odors.

Enzymatic cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are powerful cleaning products that contain enzymes designed to break down uric acid crystals and bacteria. These cleaners are highly effective in removing a strong urine odor, pet urine stains and an unwelcome urine odor. Popular enzyme products include:

Using enzymatic cleaners is easy, all you need to do is just follow the instructions on the product label. Typically, you’ll need to spray the cleaner to the spot, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it up with a paper towel. These cleaning supplies are an excellent option for tackling stubborn urine odors and keeping your home smelling fresh.

Vinegar solution

Vinegar solutions are another effective way to neutralize urine odors. Mixing one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle creates a simple yet powerful cleaning solution. To use the vinegar solution, spray it onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Vinegar is a natural cleaner and disinfectant, making it an eco-friendly and non-toxic option for tackling stubborn urine odors. It’s versatile enough to use on various surfaces, including:

Carpets
Hardwood floors
Upholstery
Fabrics

DIY odor-fighting mixtures

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can create your own odor-fighting mixtures using household items like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish detergent. To make a homemade solution, mix three tablespoons of baking soda, two to three drops of dish soap, and about three ounces of hydrogen peroxide. This mixture works well to remove old urine stains.

Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide, as it could lighten or change the color of fabrics or surfaces. I would recommend testing on an inconspicuous place first, allow it to dry completely, if the fabric does not change color, proceed.

Spray the mixture onto the affected area. Wait for 1 hour before dabbing the soiled areas with a damp cloth, and blotting with a dry towel.

This DIY solution is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for tackling stubborn urine odors in your home.

How to get rid of urine smell in house on different surfaces

Urine odors can get into various surfaces in your home, including:

Carpets
Hardwood floors
Upholstery
Clothing and bedding

It’s important to know the right cleaning techniques for each surface to effectively remove urine stains and odors.

In this section, we’ll discuss carpet cleaning, hardwood floor treatment, and upholstery care to help you tackle urine odors on different surfaces and keep your home smelling fresh.

How to remove pet urine from your carpet

Carpets can be particularly challenging when dealing with urine stains and odors. The fibers can hold onto the smell, making it difficult to remove completely. To tackle urine odors in carpets, you can:

Use a carpet cleaner specifically designed for removing urine stains and odors. Make sure to spray outside the stain, as dog pee or cat pee spreads, be generous with the cleaner.
Try using a mixture of white vinegar and water to neutralize the odor
Use baking soda to absorb any remaining odor
Allow the carpet to dry completely.

A wet vacuum cleaner is an excellent tool for cleaning up urine stains on carpets, as it can effectively suck up any liquid and absorb the urine smell. The right tools and techniques can help keep your carpets fresh and odor-free.

How to remove pet urine from your hardwood floors

Hardwood floors require a different approach when dealing with urine odors. Using enzyme cleaners or vinegar solutions can effectively tackle stubborn urine smells on hardwood surfaces. Simply apply the cleaner or solution onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Using appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques can help maintain the beauty and freshness of your hardwood floors, thus preventing urine odors from becoming a persistent issue.

Soak up the dog pee using paper towels, keep soaking it up until its all gone.
Wipe the floor with a damp towel and dry with a fresh towel.
Combine hydrogen peroxide and dish soap in a small bowl. Soak a rag in this mixture and gently apply it to the urine stain.
Allow it to sit on the stain for a minimum of 15 minutes to effectively tackle the issue.
Next, use a dry towel to thoroughly dry the area. It’s important not to leave the hydrogen peroxide on the floor for an extended period, as it may potentially cause damage and discoloration..

How to remove urine stains from your upholstery

Upholstery can also harbor urine smells, making it essential to know how to properly remove urine odor from your furniture. Wet vacuum cleaners and enzyme cleaners are effective tools for removing urine smells from upholstery. Befopre doing anything, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your particular upholstery.

To get rid of urine stains on your upholstery, do this:

Gently blot the urine stain using a microfiber cloth to absorb any excess liquid. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as it could potentially spread the stain. (Pro tip: For fresh stains, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be particularly effective.)
Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of cold water in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to your mixture
Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the mixture and gently dab the pet urine, starting at the outside and working your way in.
Repeat as needed until you remove the pet urine.
Rinse out the detergent with a damp clean cloth.
With a dry microfiber cloth, gently blot the area until it is dry.

Enzyme cleaners can be applied in the same way, breaking down the proteins in the urine and effectively eliminating the odor. Doing this will remove the smell of urine from your furniture.

Remove pet urine from your clothes and bedding

There is nothing worse than urine smell coming from your clothes or a bed. Don’t panic, I’m going to show you how to easily remove urine odor from your clothes and bed.

Put the stained clothes and bedding into a cold wash with a cup of vinegar and no laundry detergent.
Do another wash cycle with hot water and use laundry detergent this time.
For older, set-in stains, consider soaking the item overnight in the vinegar and water solution, then proceed with your regular washing routine in the morning. You may need to repeat this vinegar and water soaking process until the stain is completely removed.
Dry as normal.

Preventative Measures to Keep Your House Smelling Fresh

While knowing how to tackle urine odors when they occur is important, prevention is key to maintaining a fresh-smelling home.

To prevent these accidents from happening, you could look at pet training, using bed pads if you have an older person staying in the house. tackling dog pee when it happens.

Pet Training and Accidents Prevention

Obviously this isn’t going to work if your dog is an older dog, but if you have a new puppy, bring them in for training when they’re young! Teaching your pet to go to the bathroom in a designated area and rewarding them with positive reinforcement when they do can help minimize accidents.

In addition to training, here are some tips to help you take care of your pet:

Make sure your pet gets enough exercise.
Provide easy access to the designated bathroom area
Keep them off your furniture and beds.
Install a dog or kitty door so they can go in and out as they please

By taking these steps, you can reduce the occurrence of pet accidents.

Incontinence Products and Hygiene Practices

If you or someone you know has bladder issues, using pads and bed pads can significantly reduce the number of accidents. Absorbent products like pads, underpads (Chux), and protective underwear can help manage bladder issues easily.

In addition to using the right products, maintaining good hygiene is crucial. Take regular showers, or have a wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, followed by a rinse with water and a dry with a clean towel, after each episode. By using the appropriate incontinence products and maintaining proper hygiene, you can effectively manage urine odors and maintain a fresh-smelling home.

Regular Cleaning and Ventilation

Keeping your home smelling fresh and preventing lingering urine odors requires regular cleaning and ventilation. Establish a routine cleaning schedule to ensure that all areas of your home are cleaned and maintained regularly. Pay special attention to areas where urine odors may be more likely to occur, such as carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery. If you’re having a hard time finding a stain, trying using a black light, this will show you any stain you might have missed.

In addition to regular cleaning, proper ventilation is key to maintaining a fresh-smelling home. Open windows when cleaning urine stains to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent the buildup of unpleasant odors. I love using a diffuser with my favorite essential oils.

How To Get Rid Of Dog Pee & Other Bad Smells Summary

As you can see above, you can easily reduce odors in your home by taking stains head on and getting rid of them. Take your dog for walks more frequently, make sure they are trained not to go potty in the house, and lean up dog pee as soon as it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kills the smell of urine?

Mix a cup of peroxide, baking soda and dish detergent, spray the area, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rub it out to get rid of the urine smell.

How do I stop my house from smelling like pee?

Eliminate the urine smell by directly treating those spots with a neutralizing agent like vinegar or baking soda. You can also use enzymatic cleaners and homemade odor eliminators such as a solution of baking soda, peroxide and dish detergent for more stubborn smells.

What do nursing homes use to get rid of urine smell?

Nursing homes use ZORBX® to get rid of urine smell, as this odor absorber is designed to eliminate it rather than cover it up with a sweet scent.

How to Get Rid of Urine Smell in House (My Best Methods)

How To Get Rid of Urine Odor Key Takeaways: