Got Pet Odor? This DIY Dog Urine Smell Remover Is a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever walked into a room and suddenly smelled “that smell”—yep, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s a potty-training pup or a senior dog with the occasional accident, dog urine odors are no joke. The good news? You don’t need expensive store-bought cleaners to tackle it. A DIY dog urine smell remover is easy to make, safe for pets, and seriously effective. Let’s get your home back to smelling fresh!

Impact of Dog Urine Smell on Surroundings

If you’ve ever dealt with dog urine, you know how quickly the smell can take over a room. It doesn’t just stick to the floor or carpet—it can seep into furniture, rugs, and even the walls. And, unfortunately, once that smell is there, it doesn’t easily go away on its own. That strong ammonia scent can linger, making your home feel less inviting, especially if you’ve got guests coming over or other pets roaming around.

For pet owners like us, this can be even more challenging if you’ve got multiple animals at home. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and if they catch the scent of old urine, they might decide that spot is their new bathroom. That’s why getting rid of the odor entirely is so important—it keeps your home clean and encourages your dog to stay on track with their potty training.

Why Does Dog Urine Smell Need to Be Removed?

Aside from the obvious unpleasantness, removing dog urine smell is essential for maintaining a healthy, happy home. First and foremost, leaving urine untreated can lead to bacteria growth, which isn’t good for anyone—pets or humans. Not to mention, that lingering odor can cause your other pets (or even the same dog) to continue marking the area.

Urine can also stain floors, carpets, and upholstery if not treated right away. And while it might seem like a hassle to deal with at the moment, taking a few simple steps to clean it up properly can save you time and frustration in the long run. DIY urine smell removers are a fantastic solution because they’re quick to make, easy to use, and budget-friendly.

DIY Dog Urine Smell Remover: Step-by-Step Guide

Making your own dog urine smell remover is incredibly easy and much more affordable than buying store-bought cleaners. Plus, you can use natural ingredients that are safe for your pets. Here’s a simple, effective recipe to get started.

Materials You’ll Need

• White vinegar (neutralizes odors)
• Baking soda (absorbs moisture and odor)
• Hydrogen peroxide (kills bacteria)
• Liquid dish soap (cuts through grime)
• Spray bottle
• Paper towels or clean cloths

Instructions

1. Blot the Area: Start by blotting up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels or a clean cloth. The quicker you get to the accident, the better!
2. Apply Vinegar Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the affected area. Vinegar is great because it neutralizes the strong ammonia smell found in urine.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the vinegar solution to sit for about 5-10 minutes. This gives it time to work its magic and break down the odor.
4. Blot Again: After letting the solution sit, blot the area again to absorb any excess liquid.
5. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Once the area is mostly dry, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the spot. This helps absorb any lingering moisture and odor.
6. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide Mix: In a separate container, mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Pour this over the baking soda and gently scrub it into the carpet or floor.
7. Let it Dry: Allow the mixture to dry completely, then vacuum up the remaining baking soda. You should notice that the smell is completely gone!

This DIY solution costs just a few dollars to make and works like a charm. It’s a natural, non-toxic way to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Easy DIY Dog Urine Smell Remover Ideas

Now that you know the basic recipe, let’s explore a few more DIY urine smell remover ideas. Each one offers a unique twist, depending on what you have on hand and the severity of the smell.

1. Essential Oil Urine Odor Remover

If you’re looking for a urine odor remover that leaves behind a fresh, pleasant scent, adding essential oils to your mixture is a great idea. Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oils not only smell wonderful but also have natural antibacterial properties. Add a few drops to the vinegar solution before spraying it on the affected area.

This solution costs about $5 if you already have essential oils at home, and it’s a great way to freshen up your home while tackling pet odors.

2. Baking Soda and Cornstarch Mix

For stubborn odors, a combination of baking soda and cornstarch can do wonders. After blotting up the urine, sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch over the spot. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the moisture and odor, then vacuum it up. Cornstarch is great for pulling out deep-seated moisture from carpets.

This method is incredibly budget-friendly—about $2—and works well for older stains that have already set in.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap Paste

For really tough spots, making a paste out of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and a bit of baking soda can help lift both the stain and the smell. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, then add baking soda until you get a paste-like consistency. Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

This solution costs about $3 and is perfect for high-traffic areas or large messes.

4. Citrus and Vinegar Cleaner

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are great natural deodorizers. You can create a powerful cleaner by mixing equal parts vinegar and lemon juice (or orange peel-infused water) in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on the urine spot, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot and rinse. The citrus smell helps mask any lingering odors, and vinegar does the heavy lifting with odor neutralization.

This citrus cleaner costs around $3 to $4 and leaves your home smelling fresh and clean with a hint of lemon.

Dos & Don’ts in Dog Urine Smell Removers

Dos:

• Do clean up accidents immediately: The faster you can get to the mess, the easier it will be to remove the smell and prevent staining.
• Do test cleaning solutions: Always test any cleaner (especially if you’re adding essential oils) on a small, hidden area of your carpet or upholstery to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
• Do use natural ingredients: Stick to non-toxic, pet-safe ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These are effective without posing a risk to your pets.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners: Since urine contains ammonia, using ammonia-based cleaners can actually make the smell worse and may encourage your dog to return to the same spot.
• Don’t saturate the area: Be mindful of how much liquid you’re using—too much can soak into your carpet padding, making it harder to remove the smell entirely.
• Don’t forget to deodorize: After cleaning up the urine, always follow up with a deodorizer (like baking soda or essential oils) to ensure no smell remains.

FAQs

1. Can I use vinegar alone to remove dog urine smell?

Yes, vinegar is a fantastic natural deodorizer. It breaks down the compounds in dog urine and helps neutralize the smell. Just be sure to blot the area first and let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before cleaning it up.

2. How often should I use a DIY urine smell remover?

You can use a DIY urine smell remover as often as needed. For older stains, it might take a few applications to fully remove the smell.

3. Can I use these DIY solutions on all surfaces?

Most DIY solutions are safe for carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery. However, always test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.

Dealing with dog urine smell doesn’t have to be a frustrating chore—especially when you have a few DIY tricks up your sleeve. Making your own dog urine smell remover is not only affordable but also an eco-friendly way to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. With just a few simple ingredients, you can tackle even the toughest pet odors and enjoy a home that smells just as sweet as your furry friends. Happy cleaning!