How to Remove Urine Stains From Carpet

Urine stains on carpet, whether caused by pets or kids, can be a frustrating problem. Not only are urine stains unsightly and smelly, but if left untreated, urine can cause permanent damage and discoloration to the carpet. The longer urine sits, the more damage it does. That’s why it’s important to treat urine stains quickly — usually within 24 hours — for best results.

Urine can also cause odor removal challenges. Urine leaves behind a strong ammonia smell, plus it attracts bacteria and other odor-causing microorganisms that can be difficult to remove.

In this article, we'll discuss the importance of removing urine quickly and provide step-by-step instructions for removing urine stains from carpet. We’ll also review specialized products that can treat and remove urine stains and odors.

Why are Urine Stains So Stubborn? 

Fresh urine is mainly composed of bodily acids, making urine an acid-based spot. To remove this type of stain, and to have the best chance of eliminating odor, the acid in the urine needs to be neutralized. If handled within the first 24 hours, a regular alkaline cleaning detergent can remove most urine deposits from the carpet. 

As urine sits on carpet fiber, it turns into an alkaline and is riddled with alkaline salts. This high alkalinity can eat away at the dye in the carpet and remove its coloring, similar to bleach. If bleaching has occurred, little can be done to amend it other than physically repairing or patching the carpet, or spot dyeing, which should be done by a trained professional. 

Additionally, as urine seeps into the carpet, it spreads out, making the treatment area much larger than the visible stain on top of the carpet. So if you only clean the part you can see, your nose may still tell you that the problem hasn’t been fully addressed. 

That’s why it’s important to catch urine accidents quickly and treat them with the proper products to avoid permanent damage and costly carpet repairs.

How to Remove Urine Stains from Carpet Using Specialized Products 

New advancements in chemistry now allow for both stains and odors to be treated simultaneously in a more efficient, time-saving process. The following procedures should remove the vast majority of odors and stains caused by pet urine and other organic sources, including garbage, diapers, vomit, etc. 

For Everyday Pet Urine Stain and Odor Challenges

1. Thoroughly vacuum the area to remove hair, soil and other residues.
2. Apply Matrix® All-In-One to the soiled area.
   
   
   • For normal cleaning/deodorization, dilute 4 parts Matrix® All-in-One to 1 part warm water (160°F) into a pump-up or inline sprayer. 
   • For spot treatments or severe urine deposits, dilute 1:1. Pour the desired amount of All-in-One into a container and pour an equal amount of warm water on top. Then, cover the mixture with a warm cotton towel to trap moisture.
3. Liberally apply the prepared solution to the affected area on the carpet, concentrating on areas of heaviest soiling to force the product into the padding.
4. Allow to dwell for 30 minutes. A warm damp towel may be placed over the area to increase product performance. For severe odors, All-in-One can dwell for longer periods. Product will continue working as long as it remains moist.
5. Extract the area with a non-peroxide-based detergent. A pre-spray is generally not required, however, one may be applied prior to extraction for heavily soiled areas.

For Persistent Yellow Urine Stains

For carpets with persistent yellow stains, or homes with small animals that leave little yellow puddles in multiple spots, Matrix® Bad Dog is an ideal “spray and walk away” product that delivers great results with minimal labor. 

1. Clean the area thoroughly, leaving the carpet as dry as possible by using multiple vacuum-only wand strokes and blotting with a dry towel.
2. Using a pump-up sprayer, apply Matrix® Bad Dog undiluted and cover the area with plastic. The stain may disappear immediately or it may take up to 8 hours for the chemical reaction to reach completion. Rinsing is not required.

Enzyme-Based Treatment for Tough Odors

1. Saturate the area with Matrix® Urine Pre-Conditioner undiluted to break down the uric salts. Allow to dwell for 10–20 minutes.
2. Use the Water Claw to thoroughly extract the area. While the vacuum is running, flush a bucket of warm water around the claw to help flush excess residues away.
3. Saturate the area with Matrix® Bottom Line Odor Eliminator undiluted. Allow 45 minutes of dwell time to give the enzymes a chance to fully digest the proteins and lipids (fats and oils) in the urine deposit.
4. Use the Water Claw to thoroughly extract the area. While the vacuum is running, flush a bucket of warm water around the claw to help flush out the enzymes.
5. Saturate the area with Fresh Wave IAQ Air and Surface Spray. Allow to dwell for 5 minutes.
6. Apply the Water Claw to the area and remove as much liquid as possible until no more moisture is visible through the sight plastic.

For the Most Extreme/Severe Odors

Please note that the following instructions are for use on carpet that’s on top of a concrete subfloor. Matrix® Miracle is not for use on wool or natural fiber carpets.

1. Clean the area thoroughly, leaving the carpet as dry as possible by using multiple vacuum-only wand strokes and blotting with a dry towel.
2. Dilute 8 ounces (4 scoops) of Matrix® Miracle per gallon of the hottest water possible.
3. Saturate the area by pouring the solution directly on the stain. Note: The stain below is typically twice the size of the stain on the surface, so thorough saturation is essential.
4. Allow to dwell for 30 minutes. Note: To use your time wisely, we recommend performing this procedure before any other task on a cleaning job, such as applying pre-spray, running hoses, removing spots, etc. By the time other tasks have been completed, the Miracle solution will have had enough dwell time.
5. Use the Water Claw sub-surface extractor to thoroughly extract the area and remove as much liquid as possible. Do not rinse the area. Matrix® Miracle will break down into water and oxygen as it dries, so rinsing will not be necessary.
6. Speed dry the area with an air mover.

Natural Solutions for Removing Urine Stains from Carpet 

While natural, homemade solutions can help treat mild pet stains, professional products will always produce better results — especially in more severe cases of stains and odors.

Before attempting either of these solutions, make sure to soak up as much urine as possible with a clean paper towel by blotting the affected area and applying pressure. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing as that can cause the urine to work its way further into the carpet fibers, making it even more difficult to remove.

Please be aware that pet stains on carpet should never be treated or cleaned using a steam cleaner. The extreme heat produced by steam cleaners can actually cause the proteins in pet urine and other pet waste to bond to carpet fibers. If that happens, it may become nearly impossible to remove the stain and/or odor — even with professional cleaning services and products.

In a pinch or if recommended products are not immediately available, try these solutions for a quick, temporary fix: 

Vinegar and Water

1. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts vinegar and lukewarm water. 
2. Spray the stained area enough that it soaks through the carpet and into the padding underneath. 
3. Gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush. 
4. Blot dry with a clean paper towel or cloth.

Baking Soda

For less severe stains and odors, baking soda may do the trick.

1. Spread a thin but generous layer of baking soda over the stained area and let it sit for a few hours. If the urine has been sitting there for a while, you may even want to leave it overnight. 
2. After it’s had time to absorb the urine and odor, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the baking soda.

As a reminder, homemade remedies can only be so effective. For the best results and to ensure that irreversible damage is not done to the carpet, we recommend contacting a professional carpet cleaner. 

Best Products for Removing Urine Stains from Carpet 

The experts at Jon-Don recommend using these products to achieve the best results for urine stain removal. Please note, cleaners should always follow label directions and never mix products unless specified on the label. Results may vary. 

Matrix® All‑in‑One Pet Stain & Odor Remover: An aromatic, All-In-One solution that counteracts odors and eliminates stains. 

Matrix® Bad Dog Urine Stain Remover: A ready-to-use solution that removes even the toughest stains and odors. 

Matrix® Urine Pre‑Conditioner: A multi-surface solution that breaks down urine deposits for quick and easy removal. 

Matrix® Bottom Line Odor Eliminator: This non-toxic odor eliminator can be diluted or used straight depending on the severity of the urine smell. 

Matrix® Miracle: Odors and stains don’t stand a chance against this self-neutralizing odor eliminator. It attacks the smell while simultaneously working to remove the stain. 

Carpet Cleaning & Odor Removal Training 

Jon-Don offers a variety of educational opportunities for professional cleaners looking to earn IICRC certification and grow their skillset. Jon-Don hosts both virtual and in-person carpet cleaning classes for technicians, owners, and managers of carpet cleaning companies. 

Need help troubleshooting a tough spot or stain? Our experts are just a phone call away. Call 800-556-6366 to speak with a member of our team.