If you’ve ever walked into a room and been hit with the strong, ammonia-like smell of pet urine, you know how frustrating and persistent it can be. Unlike regular spills, pet urine soaks deep into carpet fibres, making it tough to remove with just soap and water. Even after the stain disappears, the odour can linger, especially if the urine has dried and crystallised, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

The biggest challenge with pet urine is that it doesn’t just sit on the surface—it penetrates the carpet backing and padding, leading to long-term odour issues. This makes it crucial to tackle the smell at its source using the right cleaning methods. In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to get rid of dog and cat urine odours, from quick clean-ups to deep-cleaning solutions.

Immediate Actions: What to Do When Your Pet Pees on the Carpet

The sooner you treat pet urine, the easier it is to remove. When fresh urine is left to dry, it turns into uric acid crystals, which are notoriously difficult to break down. Here’s what you should do as soon as you notice an accident:

  1. Blot, Don’t Rub – Grab a few paper towels or an absorbent cloth and press down on the stain to soak up as much urine as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the urine deeper into the carpet fibres.
  2. Apply Water or a Diluted Mild Detergent – Once most of the urine is absorbed, lightly apply cold water or a mild detergent diluted solution (consider a drop of OzKleen’s Dish Power in cold water) to dilute any remaining urine before deeper cleaning.
  3. Avoid Heat – Never use hot water or a steam cleaner, as heat can bond the urine to the carpet fibres, making the odour harder to remove.

At this stage, you’ve prevented the urine from setting, but you’ll need a stronger cleaning method to fully eliminate the smell.

How to Get Rid of Pet Urine Smell: Best Cleaning Methods

Once the initial clean-up is done, it’s time to deep clean the area to ensure no odour or residue is left behind. Below are the best cleaning methods for removing pet urine from carpets.

Method 1: DIY Vinegar & Baking Soda Solution

A vinegar and baking soda solution is a popular DIY method for neutralising pet odours. Here’s how to use it:

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and pour it over the affected area.
  • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot with a clean towel.
  • Sprinkle baking soda over the damp spot to absorb any remaining odour.
  • After a few hours, vacuum the area to remove the baking soda residue.

Does it work? This method is effective for light stains, but it may not be strong enough to completely remove deep-set urine crystals, especially for older or larger stains.

Method 2: Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners are designed to break down the proteins in pet urine, eliminating the odour at a molecular level. While effective, enzyme cleaners often require multiple applications and several hours to work, making them time-consuming.

Method 3: Using OzKleen Carpet Power for Deep Cleaning

For a fast, effective solution, OzKleen Carpet Power is specially formulated to break down urine stains and neutralise odours. Unlike enzyme cleaners, it works instantly, cutting through tough stains without the need for scrubbing.

How to use OzKleen Carpet Power:

  1. Spray directly onto the urine stain, ensuring full coverage.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate deep into the carpet fibres.
  3. Blot the area with a clean cloth or gently scrub with a soft brush.
  4. Allow it to dry, then vacuum the carpet to restore its texture.

OzKleen Carpet Power is not only highly effective but also safe for pets, making it the ideal solution for households with dogs, cats, and other pets prone to accidents.

How to Remove Old Pet Urine Stains and Odours

If you’re dealing with older pet urine stains, standard cleaning methods may not be enough. As urine dries, it crystallises and embeds itself deeper into carpet fibres, making it much harder to remove. Over time, these dried stains react with humidity, reactivating the odour and making your home smell even worse.

Step 1: Rehydrate the Stain

  • Lightly dampen the stained area with warm water to loosen dried urine crystals.
  • Avoid over-saturating the area to prevent spreading the stain further into the carpet padding.

Step 2: Use OzKleen Carpet Power for Deep Cleaning

For old, set-in pet urine stains, a powerful, deep-penetrating cleaner is necessary.

  • Spray OzKleen Carpet Power directly onto the rehydrated stain, ensuring it covers the entire affected area.
  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to break down dried urine crystals.
  • Use a soft-bristle brush to agitate the fibres and loosen the embedded residue.
  • Blot with a clean towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • Allow the area to air dry, then vacuum to restore carpet texture.

Step 3: Repeat if Necessary

Older stains may require multiple treatments. If odours persist, repeat the process until the smell is completely gone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Pet Urine

Even with the best cleaning methods, some mistakes can make pet urine stains worse or cause long-term damage to your carpet. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:

Using Hot Water or Steam Cleaners

Applying hot water or steam cleaning may seem like a good idea, but heat actually sets the urine stain and odour permanently. Stick to cold or lukewarm water when cleaning pet urine.

Not Using a Proper Urine Cleaner

Many general-purpose carpet cleaners only remove surface stains, leaving odour-causing urine crystals behind. Using a specialised cleaner ensures that urine is broken down at a molecular level.

Skipping Deep Cleaning

Even if the stain looks gone, urine can seep into the carpet padding and continue emitting odours over time. A deep-cleaning solution penetrates deep into fibres to prevent lingering smells.

Allowing Pets to Re-Mark the Same Spot

If the odour isn’t completely removed, pets may return to the same spot and urinate again. Use a pet deterrent spray or block off the area until it’s fully dry.

Say Goodbye to Pet Urine Smells for Good

Dealing with pet urine odours in carpets can be frustrating, but with the right cleaning methods, you can eliminate stains and odours for good. Whether you’re tackling fresh accidents or old, set-in stains, the key is to use a deep-cleaning solution that breaks down urine at its source.

For fast, effective odour removal, OzKleen Carpet Power is the best choice. Unlike basic carpet cleaners, it’s formulated to dissolve urine stains, neutralise odours, and restore carpet freshness. Plus, it’s safe for pets and households, making it ideal for pet owners who want a cleaner, fresher home.Don’t let pet urine ruin your carpets—try OzKleen Carpet Power today and experience the difference in odour and stain removal!