How to Get Old Urine Smell Out of Carpet

Clean urine with a specialized cleaner.

Odors from urine in the carpet can linger for years if they are not properly cleaned. Most cleaners only mask the odors for a short time because they aren't designed specifically for urine removal. Urine odor removal is most effective if performed right away, but even old urine can be eliminated with the proper products.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Towels
• Enzyme cleaner

Instructions

Enzyme Cleaner

1. Rinse the old urine stain with plain water by dabbing a wet sponge on it. This will dilute the urine and remove any traces of previous cleaner.

2. Press a towel on the wet spot until you can't remove any more water.

3. Spray an enzyme cleaner on the stain. This will eat the proteins in the urine and eliminate any urine odors.

4. Rinse out the cleaner, if the manufacturer's instructions require it.

Vinegar Cleaner

1. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water and pour over the old urine. If this amount doesn't cover the urine stain, double it.

2. Blot up the vinegar solution with paper towels by standing it on it to pull all of the moisture out.

3. Sprinkle the stain with baking soda.

4. Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 tsp. liquid dish soap and spread it over the area. Use a stiff, bristle brush to work it into the carpet.

5. Vacuum up the cleaner residue when it is dry. This will usually take overnight. Point a fan at it to speed drying.

Tips & Warnings

• Find an enzyme cleaner at a pet supply store or online.

• Use a black light to find urine stains.

• If possible, use a wet/dry vac to rinse out old urine stains. This will flush plain water into the stain and then suck it back out.

References

• Sacramento SPCA: Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors
• Cats of Australia: Clean and Remove Cat Urine
• Pets.ca: Cat Urine