How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of a Couch

Your dog had an accident on the sofa, or you just noticed a smell in the cushions. This guide covers fresh and old dog urine on a fabric couch: blotting, the cleaning code, cushions and covers, soaked foam, what to avoid and how to keep your dog from going there again, using what the AKC, Humane World for Animals, Bernhardt, American Leather and NMSU Extension say. For leather, see how to get pet urine out of a leather couch.

Step 1: Blot it right away

Speed matters most. The AKC says: "Regardless of what your dog has peed on, your best course of action is to act fast. The sooner you get to it, the more likely you'll be able to remove all traces of urine odor." For fresh urine on fabric, it explains: "When urine is still wet, the goal is to absorb as much liquid as possible before neutralizing odor." Its first steps are:

"Place a thick layer of paper towels over the wet spot (and underneath if possible)"
"Cover with newspaper and press down for several minutes"

Press, do not rub. Furniture maker American Leather says: "Gently blot (don't rub) the spill with a clean, dry cloth to prevent it from setting." Bernhardt's care instructions say: "When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material."

Sources: AKC, How to Get Rid of Dog Pee Stains and Smells; American Leather, Explaining Fabric Cleaning Codes; Bernhardt, Cleaning Instructions.

Step 2: Check the cleaning code

Before any water or cleaner touches the fabric, find out what it can take. American Leather explains: "Each upholstered item comes with a label, often hidden under cushions or at the base, which carries a specific code. This code is the manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning the fabric without harming its texture, color, or longevity." Bernhardt says: "Make sure to check cleaning codes on all fabrics prior to cleaning."

The code changes everything. For Code S fabric, Bernhardt says "DO NOT USE WATER." For Code X it says "DO NOT USE ANY WATER OR SOLVENT BASED CLEANER." For a full explanation of W, S, WS and X, see how to clean pet stains from couch upholstery.

Sources: American Leather; Bernhardt, Cleaning Instructions.

Step 3: Test a hidden spot

Even when the code allows a cleaner, try it somewhere nobody will see first. Bernhardt says: "Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding." NMSU Extension gives the reason:

"Be sure to pretest the method you plan to use in an inconspicuous spot to check for discoloration, surface damage, or color fading or running."

Sources: Bernhardt; NMSU Extension, Care for Fabric Home Furnishings (Guide G-402).

Step 4: Rinse, extract and treat the smell

If your code allows water, the AKC's next fresh steps are "Remove the paper and rinse the area with cool water" and "Blot thoroughly with clean towels or use a wet vacuum". Keep the fabric from getting soaked: Bernhardt's Code W instructions say "Do not over wet."

For a spot that has already dried, the AKC says: "Start by rehydrating and extracting the stain." It then adds: "If the smell remains, use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains." Our guide to enzyme cleaners for pet urine explains what to look for, and how to get old, dried pet urine stains out covers finding spots you missed.

Sources: AKC; Bernhardt.

Cushions and covers

A zipper does not mean a cover is washable. NMSU Extension warns:

"Do not remove zippered cushion covers from upholstered furniture. Separate cleaning or washing can cause shrinkage, damage to fabric backing or color change."

Bernhardt's Code W instructions say the same: "Cushion covers should not be removed and laundered." For any cover, go by the care label. UGA Extension says: "Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label."

If the label says a cover or throw is machine washable, Humane World for Animals suggests: "Add a one pound box of baking soda to your regular detergent and wash as usual, air drying if possible." See also our guide to getting pet pee smell out of clothes, bedding and towels.

Sources: NMSU Extension; Bernhardt; UGA Extension, Remove Stains From Urine; Humane World for Animals, pet stains and odors.

When urine soaked into the cushion foam

Urine can go deeper than the fabric. When asked why a house still smells after cleaning, the AKC answers:

"Urine may have soaked into padding, upholstery, or wood. Repeated treatments or professional cleaning may be necessary."

It also notes: "Upholstery or car interiors may require deeper cleaning or specialized products designed for those surfaces." If the smell comes back after the fabric is clean and dry, see when to call an upholstery cleaner below. For a car, see how to get pet urine out of a car seat.

Source: AKC.

What to avoid: heat, steam and ammonia

Humane World for Animals says:

"Avoid using steam cleaners to clean urine odors from carpet or upholstery. The heat will permanently set the stain and the odor by bonding the protein into any man-made fibers."

"Avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar. Strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area."

The AKC agrees: "Avoid heat or steam, which can lock in urine odors". Bernhardt's Code SW instructions also say: "Hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not a recommended cleaning method."

Sources: Humane World for Animals; AKC; Bernhardt.

When to call an upholstery cleaner

The AKC says: "If odors linger despite repeated cleaning, or if there are multiple or deep stains, professional cleaning may be the best option. This is especially useful for carpets, upholstery, and car interiors." Bernhardt advises: "When an overall soiled condition has been reached and professional care is required, contact an IICRC Certified Firm who specializes in upholstery cleaning."

For Code X fabric, American Leather says: "If your upholstered piece carries this code, it's a clear sign not to attempt cleaning it yourself." It adds: "It's best to hire professional upholstery cleaners or consult the retailer for specific care recommendations."

Sources: AKC; Bernhardt; American Leather.

Keep your dog from marking the couch again

Any smell left behind can bring your dog back. Asked whether a dog will keep peeing in the same spot, the AKC says: "Yes, if odor remains. Thorough cleaning is essential to remove scent markers and discourage repeat behavior."

Humane World for Animals suggests:

"Once the area is clean, make it unattractive and/or unavailable to your pet and make the appropriate bathroom area attractive."

"Make previously soiled areas inaccessible or unattractive. If this isn't possible, try to change the significance of those areas to your pet. Feed, treat and play with your pet in the areas where they mark."

A new sofa can be a target too. Humane World says: "Keep objects that could cause urine-marking behaviors, such as guests' belongings and new purchases, out of reach." And: "If your pet is having regular accidents, have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes." Read more in why dogs and cats keep peeing in the same spot.

See our guide to dog marking indoors.

Sources: AKC; Humane World for Animals, pet stains and odors; Humane World for Animals, Stop Your Dog from Peeing in the House.

Using P-Cleaner

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Our rinse-free, water-based formula tackles the toughest stains and odors from urine, feces, vomit, and other organic messes on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard surfaces." It also says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more.", "No scrubbing necessary" and "Odor-Free & Residue-Free". Check your couch's cleaning code and test a hidden area first, as Bernhardt and American Leather advise above. Follow the directions on the product label.

Still hunting for spots? The full kit includes a black light.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.