The Three Best Ways to Get Rid of Dog Urine
When you have a dog - big or small, young or old - it’s unlikely that they won’t have had an accident at least once. That’s because our pets learn where to go to the toilet through training, and sometimes by making mistakes. If your pooch has weed on your carpet, clothes or a hard surface it might have left a stubborn stain or a nasty pong. Luckily, there are a few ways to tackle it. Here’s our top three suggestions for how to get rid of dog urine for good.
1. Enzyme cleaner
The best way to get rid of the smells and stains caused by dog urine is by using an enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaners are more effective than standard or traditional cleaning products as they totally eliminate bad bacteria - which is the root cause of unpleasant odours. They contain natural active enzymes combined with friendly bacteria which work deep down into surfaces to digest bad bacteria. This helps degrease, disinfect and deodorise any hard surface like wood floors, laminate and concrete or soft fibrous materials like clothes, carpets and upholstery. One example of an enzyme cleaner is Bio oneTM. This particular product is organic, non-toxic and vegan so it’s better for the planet and is completely safe to use around your pets.
How to use an enzyme cleaner:
To remove dog urine from a hard or soft surface, all you have to do is spray the enzyme cleaner onto the affected area. The enzyme cleaner works its magic when surfaces are damp with product so make you spray thoroughly and then leave it to soak for at least five to ten minutes. After that, the smell and stain should have lifted, or you can respray and leave for an extra five minutes. Once you’re done, leave it to air dry.
2. Home remedies
Sometimes you can treat dog urine stains and smells by using a home remedy – made up of products you might already have in the cupboard. However, you should remember that these items are not typically recommended for this particular use so always act with caution. A few home remedies for removing any type of animal urine include baking soda, white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Both baking soda and vinegar are acidic, with a low pH, so they can neutralise the alkaline smells in urine. Hydrogen peroxide oxidises which powerfully kills germs and bleaches the area, but be careful, as this can remove colour from the surface.
How to use a home remedy:
First off, you need to choose which home remedy to use as a dog urine cleaner then soak up any fresh wee with a cloth or paper towel. If you’re using baking soda, either put it neat onto the stain or make a paste with dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Leave it to soak for as long as possible. Vinegar is best for hard surfaces. Mix it with equal parts water in a spray bottle, spray it onto the area and leave for 10 minutes. Repeat the process if the smell is still strong. Finally, when using hydrogen peroxide, simply add four tablespoons to four tablespoons of warm water and put this solution onto the stain. Once the smell and mark have lifted, you can remove all these home remedies with a towel, cloth or by vacuuming off the excess.
3. Professional cleaning
Professional cleaning should be a last resort if using an enzyme cleaner or home remedy isn’t working for you. This might be because the urine staining is extensive or has soaked down into the surface. Professional cleaning is obviously more expensive and can be disruptive as you need to arrange an appointment for them to visit. However, professional cleaners are experts who should have the knowledge and advanced equipment to appropriately tackle any stubborn stains or smells.
How to use professional cleaning:
You’ll need to search for a professional cleaning company online, in the local newspaper or by asking friends and family for a recommendation. Check whether the cleaner specialises in pet urine and odours as this will increase your chances of success. Once you have arranged an appointment, make sure there’s space for them to bring their equipment into your home and clear the surrounding area so they can easily access the stain.