If you’re a dog parent, chances are you’ve had at least one “uh-oh” moment—maybe it was a surprise puddle on your new rug, or the unmistakable smell of pee lingering in the living room. Yep, it happens. No matter how well-trained your pup is, accidents are part of the deal. And when they strike, they strike fast—so you need a plan.
The good news? You don’t need to live with stains or that stubborn, sour smell. Whether your dog had an oopsie on the carpet, couch, mattress, hardwood floor, or even the concrete patio, there are safe and effective ways to clean it up without harsh chemicals.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to remove dog pee stains and smells from just about every surface in your home—naturally and thoroughly. From fresh accidents to set-in odors, we’ve got every mess covered.
Important First Steps Before You Start Cleaning
Before you reach for the vinegar or enzyme spray, take a beat. When it comes to cleaning dog pee, what you do first can make a huge difference in whether the stain disappears—or sticks around for good.
These quick steps will help you avoid setting the stain, spreading the mess, or making the smell even worse.
1. Blot—Don’t Scrub
Grab a clean towel, paper towels, or even an old T-shirt and gently blot the area. Press firmly to soak up as much liquid as possible. Do not scrub—scrubbing pushes the urine deeper into carpet fibers, fabric, or wood grain, making it harder to remove later.
Tip: For big messes, stand on the towel (with socks or shoes on) to apply more pressure and draw the moisture up.
2. Act Fast
The faster you get to it, the easier it will be to clean. Fresh pee is much easier to remove than a dried stain that’s had time to soak into the padding, subfloor, or upholstery. If you catch it while it’s still wet, you’re halfway to victory.
3. Locate Every Spot
Sometimes, you smell it before you see it—especially with older accidents. Use your nose or a UV blacklight (they’re inexpensive and work wonders) to find hidden or dried stains on carpet, walls, or furniture. This is especially helpful if your dog keeps returning to the same mystery area.
4. Test a Small Area First
Before using any cleaner—homemade or store-bought—do a quick spot test on a hidden area. This helps you avoid discoloring delicate fabrics or damaging wood or finishes.
Tip: This is especially important with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or enzyme cleaners on rugs and hardwood floors.
1. How to Remove Dog Pee from Carpet
Carpet is one of the trickiest surfaces to clean when it comes to dog pee. The fibers soak up moisture fast, and if the urine reaches the carpet pad underneath, it can lead to long-lasting odor and even mold growth. But don’t worry—with the right steps, you can clean it thoroughly and keep your home fresh.
For Fresh Stains
If you catch the accident quickly, you’re in luck. Here’s how to handle it step by step:
Step 1: Blot the Urine Immediately
Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot up as much liquid as possible. Press down firmly, but don’t rub. The goal is to lift the moisture without pushing it deeper into the carpet.
Pro tip: Stand on the towel with socks to apply extra pressure for deep absorption.
Step 2: Apply a Vinegar-Water Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the affected area—enough to dampen but not soak it.
- Vinegar neutralizes ammonia in urine and helps break down the stain.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Blot Again
After letting the vinegar solution soak in, blot the area again with a fresh towel or cloth to lift as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda Generously
Cover the damp area with a thick layer of baking soda. This will absorb odor and any leftover moisture. Let it sit for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight if possible.
Step 5: Vacuum Thoroughly
Once the baking soda is completely dry, vacuum it up. If the smell or stain lingers, repeat the process or move on to a deeper treatment.
For Old or Set-In Stains
Older stains need more cleaning power, but they’re still fixable with a little elbow grease.
Option 1: Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
In a small bowl, mix:
- ½ cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Spread the mixture onto the stained area. Gently work it in with a soft brush (toothbrush or cloth). Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot up and rinse with water.
Blot again to remove excess moisture, and let it dry. Always do a spot test first! Hydrogen peroxide can lighten some carpets.
Option 2: Use an Enzymatic Cleaner
Enzymatic cleaners (like Nature’s Miracle or Rocco & Roxie) break down the urine at a molecular level—especially helpful for recurring smells and old stains.
- Spray it liberally on the stained area.
- Let it sit according to the product directions (usually 10–30 minutes).
- Blot dry and allow to air-dry completely. Some enzyme cleaners continue working as they dry.
2. How to Clean Dog Pee from Mattresses and Beds
Dog accidents on the bed are the ultimate betrayal—but don’t panic. Most mattresses and bedding can be saved with some deep cleaning and patience.
Step 1: Strip Everything Off
Immediately remove sheets, mattress covers, and blankets. Throw everything into the wash using hot water and a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to remove odor.
Step 2: Blot the Mattress
Use a towel to blot up as much urine as possible from the mattress. Don’t scrub—you’ll just push the liquid deeper.
Step 3: Spray Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and spray the affected area generously. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak in and neutralize the smell.
Step 4: Blot Again
Use clean towels to soak up the vinegar solution, pressing firmly to draw out moisture.
Step 5: Apply Baking Soda
Cover the entire area with a thick layer of baking soda. Let it sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
Step 6: Vacuum and Check
Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly once dry. If the smell or stain remains, repeat the treatment or use an enzyme cleaner for deeper deodorizing.
Tips for Pee on Bedding
- Wash everything with enzymatic detergent or a cup of white vinegar.
- Avoid fabric softeners—they can trap odors.
- Dry bedding in the sun if possible—UV light helps kill bacteria and freshen fabric.
3. How to Clean Dog Pee from Hardwood Floors
Hardwood might look tough, but it’s surprisingly vulnerable to urine. Dog pee can seep between boards, soak into the grain, and cause warping, staining, or lingering odors if not treated quickly. The key is to act fast—and choose cleaning methods that won’t damage the wood.
Step 1: Blot the Area Immediately
Use paper towels or a cloth to soak up the urine as quickly as possible. Press down firmly to absorb as much liquid as you can. Be gentle—rubbing may spread the stain or push moisture deeper into the wood.
Step 2: Clean with a Vinegar-Water Solution
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the affected area.
- Vinegar neutralizes the ammonia in dog urine.
- It’s safe for most sealed hardwood floors but do a spot test first!
Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly
Use a dry towel to wipe the area and remove as much moisture as possible. You can also aim a fan at the area or open windows to help it dry completely.
Why this matters: Trapped moisture can lead to wood warping or mold under the surface.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda (Optional)
If there’s still a faint smell, sprinkle baking soda over the area once it’s dry. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum or wipe it up with a dry cloth.
For Set-In Stains or Lingering Odors
If the pee wasn’t cleaned up right away or soaked into the floorboards, try this:
Option 1: Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment
- Soak a cloth in 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Lay the cloth over the stained area and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
Hydrogen peroxide helps lift deeper stains and deodorize. However, test on an inconspicuous spot first, as it can lighten wood.
Option 2: Use a Pet-Safe Enzymatic Cleaner
For stubborn smells that keep coming back, enzymatic cleaners (like Rocco & Roxie or Nature’s Miracle) can break down the urine at a molecular level—even below the surface.
Spray according to the label and let it fully air dry before checking the result.
What NOT to Use on Hardwood Floors
- No ammonia-based cleaners: They mimic the smell of pee and may encourage re-marking.
- No abrasive scrubbing tools: You’ll damage the finish.
- No soaking the area: Too much water can seep between planks and cause swelling.
4. How to Remove Dog Pee from Concrete (Garage, Patio, Basement & More)
Concrete may look solid, but it’s actually super porous. That means when your dog pees on your garage floor, patio, or basement, the urine doesn’t just sit on the surface—it soaks in.
And once it does, it can leave behind a nasty smell that lingers for weeks (or longer) if not cleaned properly.
The good news is that with a little effort and the right products, you can lift stains and eliminate the odor, even from deep within.
Step 1: Rinse the Area with Water
Use a hose, bucket of warm water, or mop to give the area a quick rinse. This helps loosen dried urine and preps the surface for deeper cleaning.
Step 2: Scrub with a Vinegar and Baking Soda Mix
If you’re going the natural route, start with a paste:
- Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts white vinegar (it’ll fizz—don’t worry!).
- Spread it generously over the stained area.
- Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub deep into the concrete’s surface.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 3: Apply an Enzymatic Cleaner
For tougher or older stains, you’ll need something stronger. A pet-safe enzymatic cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle for Hard Surfaces) is the best option. These break down the uric acid crystals that cause lingering odors.
- Saturate the area — really let it soak in so it penetrates beneath the surface.
- Cover it with plastic or cardboard to keep it wet longer (drying stops the enzymes from working).
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then rinse and allow to fully dry.
Pro Tip: You may need to repeat this process more than once for deep-set odors.
Alternative for Old or Heavy Odors
Mix:
- ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
- A squirt of dish soap
- A sprinkle of baking soda
- Scrub into the stain, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, and rinse.
Test this first, especially if the concrete is painted or sealed.
How to Get Rid of Dog Pee Smell for Good
Even after cleaning, that unmistakable smell can sneak back. Here’s how to make sure it’s gone for good:
- Use enzymatic cleaners that break down uric acid—not just mask the odor.
- Sprinkle baking soda after cleaning and let it sit overnight before vacuuming.
- Ventilate the space—open windows or use fans to help fresh air circulate.
- Place odor absorbers (like activated charcoal or pet-safe air purifiers) in problem areas.
- Wash fabrics on hot with a cup of vinegar to fully deodorize
Final Thoughts
Accidents happen—but they don’t have to ruin your home. With the right tools, a little patience, and some elbow grease, you can completely remove dog pee stains and smells from just about any surface.
And more importantly? You can feel confident your home is clean, fresh, and still 100% dog-friendly.
You’ve got this—and so does your pup.