How to Remove Urine Odor From a Room

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Things You'll Need

  • Steam cleaner

  • 2 dry rags

  • Empty spray bottle

  • Vinegar

  • Water

  • Baking soda

  • Peroxide

  • Color-safe bleach

  • Vacuum

  • Air deodorizer

Urine stains happen. Regardless of the culprit, it is very important to effectively and quickly clean up stains from carpet and upholstery to prevent urine odor. Urine odor will linger until the stain is completely clean and neutralized, so it is important for your health and your home to clean up the stain right when it happens.

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Step 1

Prevent urine odor by getting to the source of the stain. Soak up any fresh or existing urine from floor surfaces and furniture. The faster you prevent absorption and staining, the less the urine will smell since it won't have time to soak into the surface. Pull back any soiled carpet or remove exterior fabrics from furniture to get to hiding residue of urine. This may be tricky, but it is essential for removing any trapped urine to prevent further odor. Urine contains salts that trap in moisture, and exposure to humidity will cause bacteria and mold growth as well as create a stronger odor, according to Howtocleananything.com.

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Step 2

Soak urine-contaminated room surfaces with a mixture of 1/3 cup vinegar and 2/3 cup water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray on any surfaces that may have urine stains or that can retain urine odor. Let the vinegar mixture sit, then dry surfaces with a rag. Sprinkle baking soda on the same surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum. Baking soda is a safe and natural cleaning ingredient that deodorizes many surfaces around the home. You can also use color-safe bleach or peroxide to target specific odor-causing stains. Color-safe bleach won't stain fabrics but peroxide might, so test each surface before you completely coat it with cleaner.

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Step 3

Neutralize the air of the room by opening windows and setting up fans to blow the air out and create a ventilation system. This will remove odors of the urine and chemicals. Now that you've removed the stains and deodorized them, it's time to leave the room smelling fresh. Use air neutralizers and odor removers like Lysol, Febreze or Oust on furniture, window coverings and carpets.

Tip

If you're not sure where urine stains are, but you know they exist, purchase a black light bulb at a local hardware store and replace your normal light bulb with the black light bulb. Turning on the black light will expose any urine stains not visible to the naked eye.

Warning

Always wear rubber gloves and use eye protection when using cleaning chemicals to prevent skin irritation or poisoning. Some chemicals are highly flammable, so avoid smoking when handling cleaning products.

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