How to get rid of the smell of urine on the sofa is a question that becomes relevant when a small child, pet or elderly person lives in the apartment. In such situations, unfortunately, unpleasant embarrassments often occur - we are talking about urine stains on the sofa, which every housewife strives to get rid of. Today we will look at the most effective methods for solving this problem.
How to get rid of urine smell on the couch
- Prices for carpet cleaning products
- Combined product: step-by-step instructions
- Using assistive devices when cleaning a sofa
- Video - How to remove unpleasant odor from any upholstered furniture
Reasons for persistent urine odor
Unfortunately, urine stains retain an extremely unpleasant odor for a long time, due to which some things must simply be thrown away. But a sofa is a rather expensive piece of furniture, and it is worth making every effort to restore it to its original appearance. The persistence of unpleasant urine odor is associated with the following reasons:
- Urine flows into the inner layers of the upholstery. So, you can remove a stain only from the surface when urine has already soaked the foam rubber or even parts of the frame - and the smell comes from the inside.
- As a result of contact with air, an oxidation process occurs, as a result of which compounds are formed on the surface of the sofa that are insoluble in water. To remove them you will need to use chemicals.
- Old urine stains are the best environment for the proliferation of various microorganisms, which is why it can be quite difficult to remove this pungent odor.
It turns out that many reasons influence the persistence of urine odor on upholstered furniture. You should not hope that over time it will disappear on its own; on the contrary, in this case it is necessary to carry out treatment as early as possible, otherwise it will be difficult to correct such an unpleasant problem.
In some cases, it can be difficult to get rid of the smell of urine
Urgent measures to get rid of urine stains and unpleasant odors
How to solve the problem will differ depending on how long ago the stain appeared. In case you just noticed a puddle of urine spreading across the sofa, this makes the action much easier. Indeed, under such circumstances, urine simply does not have time to react with air and does not flow too deeply.
You should clean your sofa as soon as possible, without postponing the procedure until later, using effective methods.
Place several layers of toilet paper or napkins (6-7 layers) on the wet spot and change them as they become wet. Sometimes you have to waste a roll of paper for such purposes, but you should continue such actions until the stain on the sofa becomes dry.
When saving a sofa, don't skimp on toilet paper
You can use a special diaper for such purposes that has an absorbent surface. It must be pressed firmly onto the stain, and then repeat the same actions several times. If you have a baby diaper on hand, you can use that too.
Disposable diapers best absorb any wet marks and odors
When there is no moisture left on the surface, you can lay the napkin again and then press it down with a weight. This is necessary in order to remove any remaining traces. Then you need to remove the weight and replace the napkin. It is recommended to repeat the same steps until the paper stops getting wet.
Finally, you will need to spray the sofa with a cool soapy solution from a spray bottle and wipe with a sponge. It is also better to repeat such actions several times, which will certainly get rid of the smell.
It is necessary to generously spray the area where the stain was
Some housewives recommend drying the stain with an iron or hairdryer before carrying out the procedure to get rid of the smell of urine. Of course, in emergency situations, it is possible to use this method, but it is important not to overdo it, because prolonged heating only intensifies the oxidative reaction.
In addition, the surface of the sofa will have to be covered with gauze, otherwise a stain of a different nature may form on the delicate material.
Heat the stain with a hairdryer for no longer than five to seven minutes.
If such methods do not help get rid of the pungent odor, then you can use other methods that are suitable even for old stains.
How to remove odor from baby's urine?
It is worth noting that the urine of babies is low-concentrated and therefore does not have a strong odor. But, if the child is constantly on the sofa (and did not come to visit once), when numerous stains appear, the upholstery begins to smell unpleasant.
Of course, it is impossible to cover all the upholstered furniture in the house with special oilcloths, so mothers have to deal with this problem in various ways.
Such embarrassments often occur during the period of potty training a child.
Laundry soap: step-by-step instructions
It is not necessary to use too concentrated laundry soap for such purposes, like what was sold in the USSR. Now manufacturers offer a large number of delicate options (with a pleasant aroma), which are even suitable for washing children's clothes. Thus, the soap will be safe both for the upholstery of the sofa and for further contact of the baby with the furniture.
Step 1. It is necessary to intensively soap the foam sponge with a piece of laundry soap, and then thoroughly wipe the surface of the furniture with the stain.
Do not use the hard part of the sponge to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 2. Then you need to moisten the stain with clean water and wipe again with a sponge. The foam should be left on the surface of the sofa for at least fifteen minutes. Afterwards, the remaining soap will need to be removed with a damp, clean cloth and the upholstered furniture should be dried.
Try to foam the sponge as much as possible
Important! It should be borne in mind that this method is not always suitable for light-colored sofa upholstery - unsightly stains may remain on the surface, so owners of such furniture will need to rinse the sofa more thoroughly upon completion of the procedure.
Manganese: step-by-step instructions
I would like to immediately note that this method of cleaning a sofa is only suitable for dark upholstery. Light or colored surfaces will leave stains that will be difficult to remove. If in doubt, it is better to first apply such a product to an inconspicuous area of the fabric (if it does not stain, then continue).
Step 1. You will need to dissolve a small amount of manganese in clean, warm water.
Potassium permanganate solution
Step 2. Next, you need to dip any old unnecessary fabric into this solution - it will have to be thrown away at the end of the procedure. After which the fabric must be wrung out and placed on the stain. After about 25 minutes, you need to dip the fabric again into the manganese solution and repeat the steps.
Dip the cloth into the solution and place it on the stain.
Step 3. The last step is to dry the upholstered furniture. You can iron the surface of the sofa with an iron or direct a warm stream of air from a hairdryer, but natural drying at room temperature will also work. If this happens at the dacha or in your home, you can even take the sofa outside for airing when the weather permits.
Then you need to dry the sofa
Lemon juice: step-by-step instructions
The main advantage of choosing this method is complete environmental safety. Therefore, if your baby is allergic to chemicals, then lemon juice is the most suitable method for dealing with urine stains.
Step 1. First of all, we need to get the right amount of juice. To do this, squeeze out the lemon pulp in any convenient way.
Squeeze lemon juice
Step 2. After which this juice must be poured into a spray bottle and distributed over the surface of the stain.
Pour lemon juice into a spray bottle
Step 3. After half an hour, you will need to spray the juice again on the upholstery of the sofa and place a damp cloth on top - this will allow the juice to penetrate into the deep layers of the upholstery.
Apply lemon juice to the sofa and apply a damp cloth
Step 4. Now you need to rinse the upholstery fabric with clean water and a sponge.
You need to wipe the stained area with a clean sponge or rag.
Another advantage of this method of cleaning a sofa is the pleasant aroma of lemon, which remains in the room for a long time.
Baking soda: step by step instructions
Baking soda is another non-toxic and affordable way to remove the effects of childhood embarrassment. The main advantage of this method is that it is suitable for almost any type of upholstery (soda does not dye or discolor the fabric). This way you can quickly eliminate any contamination with a strong aroma.
Step 1. You will need to distribute dry soda over the entire surface of the stain.
Distribute baking soda over the surface of the stain
Step 2. Then you need to blot the fabric with a damp sponge, and then add a new layer of soda. The sofa should be left in this form for a while until the soda dries completely.
The soda should dry, after which you need to apply a new layer.
Step 3. Remains of soda can be removed with a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth - just shake it off the surface.
Removing baking soda residue from the surface of the sofa
Usually one procedure is enough to remove the smell, but you can do this several times.
How to remove the smell of urine on the sofa from an adult?
Such marks often remain on the surface of the sofa if seriously ill or elderly people live in the apartment. Moreover, even such a problem can be dealt with on your own.
First of all, it is necessary to disinfect the surface of the sofa. We will look at the most effective disinfectants.
Table No. 1. Popular disinfectants
| Remedy, illustration | Description |
| Bleach (0.5%) | This is an effective remedy that is sold in the form of a white powder. The only downside is that lime eats away the delicate upholstery of the sofa. Therefore, this cleaning method is not suitable in all cases and you need to mix bleach with water in a very small amount. |
| Abacteril | This is a modern disinfectant that must first be diluted with water in the required concentration. Its main advantage is that it does not discolor the fabric, while effectively destroying bacteria. |
| Maxi-death | This product is suitable for treating surfaces to remove traces of urine from seriously ill patients. After disinfection, the sofa will need to be thoroughly rinsed with clean water. |
Important! Preliminary disinfection is extremely important in the presence of infectious diseases in a seriously ill person. In some cases, such procedures are performed multiple times (for greater efficiency).
Prices for carpet cleaning products
Carpet cleaning products
Vinegar: step by step instructions
This is a very effective remedy for combating various unpleasant odors, but after using it you will need to ventilate the room, because vinegar itself also has a specific aroma.
Step 1. You need to add a few tablespoons of vinegar to one glass of clean water. Of course, it is also possible to use a concentrated solution, but after such treatment it will take too long to ventilate the room, so it is better to immediately dilute it in liquid.
Mix water and vinegar
Step 2. Next, as in previous cases, apply this solution to the surface of the upholstery using a sprayer. You can then wipe the stain with a damp cloth.
Apply the solution to the stain
Important point! If you are sure that urine has not penetrated into the deep layers of the upholstery, then you can apply vinegar, put a napkin on top and press down with a weight. In another case, it is necessary to fill the trace with a large amount of acid and leave it in this form until it dries completely.
When treating upholstery with vinegar, it would also be a good idea to test in an inconspicuous area, because the acid corrodes some fabrics.
Vodka: step by step instructions
This alcoholic drink is known for dealing with a large number of dirt and stains (including on upholstered furniture), disinfecting, and also eliminating pungent odors. The main thing is not to spare such a means, because in the process of work a considerable amount will be required. Otherwise, the advantage of vodka is that after the procedure there is no specific smell left.
Step 1. You need to take a light cotton fabric so that it does not stain the upholstery. Then this rag should be moistened generously with vodka.
Cotton fabric
Step 2. Next, you need to apply a wet rag to the surface with the urine stain and leave for 2-4 hours. Once the alcohol evaporates, the pungent odor will disappear.
Apply the solution to the entire surface of the stain
It is important to consider that the surface should not be exposed to the sun's rays during processing. It’s better to even turn off the lights in the room.
Ammonia: step-by-step instructions
This simple method allows you to cope not only with the smell of adult urine, but also with any old contaminants.
Step 1. It is necessary to mix ammonia and vodka in equal proportions in one container.
Mix ammonia and vodka
Step 2. Next, you will need to wet a rag in this solution and then place it on the surface of the sofa. It is better to leave it on the sofa for 10-15 minutes so that the solution is saturated.
It is necessary to moisten a rag in the resulting solution
Step 3. This stain should then be washed with clean water.
Washing the stain
Step 4. Finally, the sofa will need to be carefully ironed through gauze (if the upholstery is fabric).
Iron thoroughly
For carpet:
- Glycerol. This product is ideal for breaking up urinary stones. It can be used on carpets and other surfaces.
- Laundry soap (note: it also contains glycerin). Thoroughly soap the damaged area of the carpet with a sponge, wait until it dries and rinse the area well with clean water.
- Vinegar + soda. Having noticed a fresh puddle, quickly and dryly absorb it with napkins (or toilet paper), fill the stain with vinegar solution (1 to 3) and after drying, cover it with soda. The next day we simply clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
- Peroxide + soap. In a spray bottle, mix hydrogen peroxide (100 ml), 1 tsp of regular liquid soap and half a glass of water. We fill the “revenge” area with soda for a couple of hours, after which we spray the prepared product directly on top of the soda and rub it into the surface with a brush until foam appears. After complete drying, remove everything with a vacuum cleaner.
How to remove urine odor from pets?
Removing the sharp, ammonia smell of cat or dog urine will be the most difficult, because biological excretions of animals have the most persistent aroma. That is why, if you see that your pet has left a puddle behind, you need to remove it as soon as possible.
You can learn how to remove the smell of cat urine from our special article.
Another difficulty is that it is after animal urine that difficult-to-remove stains remain on the surface of the sofa. You should be careful when cleaning upholstered furniture.
If the cat describes the sofa, hurry to eliminate the consequences
Combined product: step-by-step instructions
There are no difficult tasks for skilled housewives. Therefore, even such stains can be dealt with with an integrated approach.
Step 1. First of all, you need to pour a glass of pure vinegar into the stain. Next, it needs to be rubbed over the surface and dried thoroughly.
Table vinegar
Step 2. The next step is to apply a thick layer of soda to the mark and rub it with a damp sponge.
It is necessary to thoroughly grind the baking soda on the surface.
Step 3. Next, you need to mix hydrogen peroxide with any liquid soap and apply this mixture to the surface.
Hydrogen peroxide
After 60-70 minutes, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the sofa again with a damp cloth. Typically, this intensive treatment will permanently remove the smell of animal urine.
Iodine: step-by-step instructions
An equally effective and universal remedy for combating the smell of pet urine is iodine. However, this method is only suitable for dark upholstery fabric or leather on the sofa, because it is almost impossible to remove the coloring solution from a light surface.
Step 1. You need to add about 25 drops of iodine to a liter of warm water.
Add a few drops of iodine to water
Step 2. Then you should take any unnecessary rags, blot them in the solution and thoroughly wipe the sofa.
Wipe the sofa thoroughly with a damp cloth
The stain must dry thoroughly. Other treatment methods may not be required (if the odor has been eliminated).
Prices for products that remove bad odors
Stain and odor remover
Video - How to get rid of the smell of cat urine
How to prevent the problem?
Since it can be difficult to stop a pet from defecating on the sofa, experts advise purchasing a special spray product from a veterinary pharmacy that can repel animals.
It is sprayed on the surfaces of upholstered furniture and any other places. Of course, you should also smell this spray before purchasing, because the strong smell can be unpleasant not only for animals, but also for residents.
Using an effective product will help you wean your pet from marking its territory.
Many housewives also claim that pets can be scared off by the smell of citrus fruits, so you can treat the sofa with the juice or essential oil of orange or lemon. In any case, this method will not cause any harm.
How to stop a cat from pooping in the wrong place
Features of removing fresh and old marks
You need to clean the sofa from fresh cat urine immediately. It is easier to remove with less consequences. What products work well:
- laundry soap;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- baking soda diluted with water to a paste.
Old marks are difficult to remove. Sometimes it’s easier to throw away the sofa than to experiment again and again and look for new solutions, while the cat continues to mark the territory with enviable persistence.
What helps in the fight against old cat spots:
- alcohol;
- vodka;
- vinegar;
- treatment with vinegar, soda, water + peroxide + detergent;
- treatment with vodka + ammonia + washing powder + furniture detergent + citrus shampoo (cats do not like these smells. For a while they will discourage them from wanting to mark the territory).
Using store-bought urine odor removers
Today, manufacturers offer us a wide range of different products that best deal with stains on upholstered furniture and remove odors.
Table No. 2. Popular products for cleaning upholstered furniture
| Remedy, illustration | Description |
| Dufta Fresh | A series of these substances is produced specifically to eliminate the smell of urine (including human urine) on upholstered furniture. This spray must be applied to the stain, then covered with film and left for 25 minutes. After a while, you just need to rinse the sofa with running water. The main advantage is that the product quickly eliminates even old odors. Moreover, the composition does not contain any toxic chemicals. This effect is due only to the use of organic components. Therefore, such treatment can be carried out in an apartment where small children and pets live. |
| Vanish stain remover | This is one of the most famous products, which is actively used both for cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture. According to reviews from many housewives, it is recommended to use a car interior cleaner to get rid of the smell of urine. The foam should be applied to the stain, and then wipe the surface with a brush. If after drying the sofa there is still an unpleasant odor, you can use Vanish again. |
| Odorgon | This is a whole series of American drugs to combat the smell of cat urine, but they can also be used in other cases. The composition includes essential oils that best combat unpleasant odors. Moreover, any product from the series is considered completely safe for people and animals. |
Using assistive devices when cleaning a sofa
In order to best clean the surface of the sofa from urine stains and unpleasant odors, housewives often use various devices.
Table No. 3. Accessories
| View, illustration | Description |
| Steam generator | The principle of operation of such a device is that hot steam penetrates into particularly difficult places, due to which it breaks down dirt and disinfects the surface of the upholstery. In combination with various detergents, this device will help cope with any odor. |
| Washing vacuum cleaner | A washing vacuum cleaner is perfect for cleaning any upholstered furniture. Some wash vacuum cleaner attachments are even suitable for some delicate sofa materials. |
Prevention of puddles
It is known that cats walk on their own, and the word of a person is not always a decree for them. But you can ensure that the cat does not shit on the carpet if you follow a few rules:
- clean up after your pet on time;
- do not bring the animal into stressful situations;
- The cat shows its dissatisfaction with puddles on the carpet, and we must try to eliminate all its causes so that there is no revenge.
“Amber” from a washing machine drum: an ambulance in the fight against musty odors
Cats are very clean animals, and if you wash your pet’s toilet in a timely manner, he will stop looking for another place.
What precautions should be taken when treating a sofa?
Every housewife must follow safety precautions when treating a sofa for urine stains:
- make sure there are no small children or pets in the room;
- protect the skin of your hands and face with gloves and a special mask;
- open the windows in the room so that chemical compounds do not concentrate in the air (otherwise you can get poisoned);
- Instead of alcohol or vodka, it is strictly forbidden to use any perfume (this will only aggravate the foul odor).
Of course, it is better to treat the sofa outside, no matter what time of year. After all, both sunlight and cold help remove odors.
Work only with thick gloves
Useful tips
In order not to find yourself in situations where you have to eliminate the smell of cat urine from your house or apartment, you should follow simple preventive measures:
- choose the right tray and ensure that it is always clean;
- those places that have already been marked by the animal should be treated after cleaning them with strong-smelling products: lemon, ammonia, products containing chlorine, etc.;
- Place aromatic scents around the house or use air fresheners, the smell of which cats will prefer to avoid.
