Urine Stain Removal

Are you looking for information about urine stain removal? Do you have a new baby, a young bed-wetter, a kitten or a puppy? Here are some tips for removing urine stains from any surface, especially carpets, mattresses and upholstery.

There are many urine stain removal recipes available, and some are stronger than others. When mixing your solution, use warm water for carpets and mattresses, and cool water for upholstery. Remember to test the solution on a hidden piece of carpet or fabric swatch before using it.

Here are a few of the most popular urine stain removers in order of potency:

• Combine 1/4 cup of mild dish detergent with 1 cup of water.
• If that doesn't remove your stain, mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.

Before applying the stain remover, blot as much or the urine stain as possible. Add your solution, working from the outside of the stain, gradually toward the center. The outside is especially important because urine stains tend to leave outer rims. Be careful during this process so you don’t damage your carpet or upholstery.

Give your chosen cleaning solution time to work. Leave it on the stain for at least five minutes, then return. Blot the surface with a clean cloth until no stain remains. If you try this stain removal technique a few times with no success, you may need to consult a professional cleaner.

What About the Odor?

Many times, the main challenge with urine isn’t the stain, it’s the odor. A good way to get rid of urine odor is to rinse the stain with clear water, and then cover it with white paper towels to dry. Weight down the towels with a heavy object to remove excess moisture from the fabric. You can leave it to dry overnight, if necessary.

To remove stronger smells, use a deodorizer, like baking soda. Sprinkle the soiled area with baking soda, cover it with a teaspoon of detergent mixed with 1/4 cup of vinegar, and gently work the solution into the carpet or mattress. Once the area is dry, vacuum to remove residue.

When removing urine stains and odors from fabric, pre-treat the fabric with your favorite stain removal products, soak the garment, and launder with bleach if safe and necessary.