These Expert-Backed Ways to Get Rid of the Smell of Dog Pee Work Anywhere in Your Home

My husband and I are proud dog owners of a miniature dachshund puppy and a 14-year-old Japanese Spitz with kidney issues — both of which have some issues controlling their bladders. So we do sometimes have to clean up messes (and lingering smells) around the house. It’s not always easy, but we’ve found what works. Here’s how to get rid of dog urine smell in your home.

Even if your dog doesn’t have kidney issues, dog pee stinks. It’s all thanks to the chemical composition of their urine. It’s 95% water, but that last 5% is a medley of chemical compounds, including ammonia, which creates that bad smell. And remember that the stinkier the pee, the more likely there’s something wrong, like dehydration or another issue.

It’s essential to ensure you get to the urine spot as soon as possible, says Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials. Even though it’s less pungent than cat urine, the scent can still set into the material it’s on pretty quickly. 

Below, find out how to get rid of dog urine smell from bedding, couches, floors, carpets, and rugs, according to Ceconi. Remember to spot test all the cleaners you’re using on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn’t discolor your furniture or floor.

• Towels or paper towels
• Mop
• Enzymatic cleaner
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Enzymatic laundry detergent

1. Blot up excess urine. 
2. Spray enzymatic cleaner directly onto the spot and let it sit for up to five minutes. 
3. Soak the bedding in warm water (with the enzymatic cleaner still on it) for 30 minutes. 
4. Wash the bedding in a washing machine with warm or hot water and add a cup of white vinegar. Do not add any detergent or fabric softener. 
5. After the cycle has completed, wash the bedding with warm or hot water and add a half-cup of baking soda.
6. Launder a final time with warm or hot water and an enzymatic laundry detergent (normal dosage of detergent).
7. Repeat the process until the stain and smell are gone.
8. Air dry your bedding.

1. Blot up excess urine.
2. Spray enzymatic cleaner directly onto the spot and let it sit for up to five minutes. 
3. If you’re able to remove your couch upholstery, such as pillow covers, take them off and follow the steps for bedding. 
4. If your upholstery does not come off, spot clean with the enzymatic cleaner, rinsing the spot with only warm water. You can also treat the area with vinegar or baking soda if the smell doesn’t come out after several rounds with the enzymatic cleaner. 
5. Blot up excess liquid and let the spot air dry. 

1. Wipe up the urine and mop the area with an enzymatic cleaner. 
2. Rinse with warm water.
3. Towel dry. 

1. Blot up excess urine. 
2. Spray an enzymatic cleaner directly onto the spot and let it sit for up to five minutes. 
3. Spot clean with the enzymatic cleaner, rinsing the spot with only warm water. You can also treat the area with vinegar or baking soda if the smell doesn’t come out after several rounds with the enzymatic cleaner. 
4. Blot up excess liquid and let the spot air dry.