It’s always frustrating when you notice a pet pee stain anywhere in your home. But even more frustrating than a yellow patch on your couch or carpet is the smell. Dog urine has a strong odor that can worsen over time if not treated properly. Stubborn urine smells can even persist long after the visible stain has been removed.
Couches can be particularly difficult when it comes to removing smells. This is because couch fabric is often porous, which allows odors to absorb deep into the upholstery. While certain fabrics (such as leather) are easier to clean, it’s still important to be vigilant and make sure pee stains are cleaned thoroughly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re breaking down common causes of indoor peeing, methods for removing smells, and step-by-step instructions to help you get rid of odors for good.
Why Do Dogs Pee on Couches?
Understanding the reason for your dog’s accidents is key to determining how to prevent them in the future. Dogs may pee on the couch for a number of reasons, including:
- Lack of training: If your dog isn’t fully housetrained, they may still be figuring out where and when they’re allowed to pee.
- Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause dogs to regress back to peeing in the house. If they’ve just experienced a major change, or if they suffer from separation anxiety, they may pee on your couch out of stress.
- Submissiveness: Peeing can be a sign of submission in dogs, especially if they’ve experienced trauma or abuse. If your dog suddenly pees when being reprimanded, this could be a submissive response.
- Age-related incontinence: As dogs get older it’s common for them to lose some degree of bladder control, causing them to pee in places they didn’t previously.
- Infection or disease: Frequent and uncontrolled peeing can be a symptom of medical problems, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and kidney disease.
- Marking territory: Dogs often urinate as a way to signal to other dogs that they’ve claimed an item or place. This behavior is especially common for dogs with dominant or assertive personalities.
If your dog is struggling with accidents and doesn’t seem to respond to house training, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to find a solution.
Why Does the Smell of Dog Pee Linger?
The smell of dog urine is notoriously stubborn. You may notice that, even after you’ve cleaned your dog’s accident, the distinct smell of urine doesn’t fade. This is because dog pee contains a chemical compound called ammonia, which converts into a toxic gas that emits a strong odor.
When left to sit, the smell of urine can worsen over time due to bacterial accumulation that increases the concentration of ammonia. The smell of urine is also more difficult to remove if it has soaked into a porous surface such as a couch or carpet.
Lingering pee smells can also cause dogs to repeatedly urinate in the same spot, so removing the smell is essential to preventing future accidents
Methods for Removing Dog Pee Odors From Your Couch
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are the gold-standard for removing smells caused by pet urine. This is because enzymes break down the odorous compounds in urine and convert them into non-toxic substances like water and carbon dioxide.
Store-bought enzyme cleaners are specially formulated to remove odors and stains from a variety of surfaces, and many are made specifically for pet urine.
DIY Solutions
If you don’t have an enzyme cleaner handy, you can make your own effective cleaning solution with common household items.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your cleaning solution:
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly and pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle for easy application.
Steps for Removing Dog Pee Smells From Your Couch
1. Blot the Area
If the urine is fresh, start by blotting the area with a clean rag or paper towel. This will help pick up liquid to prepare it for cleaning. Never rub the stain, as this can push the urine deeper into the couch and make it more difficult to remove.
2. Apply the Cleaning Solution
Spray your enzyme cleaner or DYI solution onto the affected area. Make sure to apply a generous amount.
3. Let Sit
Let the cleaning liquid air dry for about 5-10 minutes. This waiting period allows the cleaning solution to fully break down the chemical composition of the urine. Be sure to block off the area so your dog can’t access it.
4. Blot the Area Again
Once the solution has sat for the allotted time, you can then take a different clean rag or paper towel and blot the area dry to soak up leftover liquid.
5. Sprinkle Baking Soda
To really make sure the smell is gone, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the area. This can help to soak up remaining odors. Baking soda is most effective when left to sit for several hours, so try applying it at night before you go to bed.
6. Vacuum the Area
Once the baking soda has sat for several hours, use a vacuum to clean up the powder.
7. Use a Steam Cleaner (Optional)
While not required, a hand-held steam cleaner can help pull out any remaining stubborn odors from the fabric of the couch.
8. Repeat if Necessary
If the odor is especially stubborn, you can repeat these steps multiple times until the smell is fully gone. Dog’s often pee in areas where they can smell their own urine, so making sure the smell is completely gone is essential to preventing future accidents in the same spot.