[Solution] I shampooed my Carpet, and now it smells like Urine

Urine smell after washing the carpet is a frustrating and awful experience. This article explains 5 different methods to eliminate urine smell from a carpet.

5 Ways to Remove Urine Smell from a Carpet

1. White Vinegar

Arrange a cotton cloth equal to the carpet’s size. You can use old cloth, but it must be washed and free from stains and odors.

• Add equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Use a garden sprayer if your carpet is big.
• Spray on the carpet directly and let the solution sit for 4-5 hours.
• Cover the sprayed area with the cotton cloth.
• Check the carpet after 12-16 hours.
• Vacuum the carpet, place a bowl of distilled vinegar around the carpet and lock the room or barricade the carpet if installed in an open area.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer and effectively removes urine smell from carpets.

• Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet’s surface and use a broom to spread it all across the carpet.
• Let it sit for 12-24 hours.
• Vacuum the carpet to remove baking soda.
• You can also use borax powder if baking soda is unavailable.

3. Enzymatic Cleaners

Spread a compatible enzymatic cleaner on the carpet and wait for 24 hours. Cover the area with a wet cloth. It will ensure that enzymes remain active and work their way in killing the smells. Remove the cleaner with a vacuum.

4. Bleach

Bleach is only suitable if you have a white-colored carpet. Don’t use it on colored carpets as it can cause discoloration. Using bleach results in fumes, so make sure you wear a face mask, safety goggles, and hand gloves.

Bleach is strong, so it is better to dilute it with water before using it. Bleach will remove the urine smell from the carpet, but you will need to wash it again with shampoo and water to remove bleach from the carpet.

5. Rewash the Carpet

The last solution is to rewash the carpet. Make sure you use the right detergent this time and dry the carpet completely before putting it back in your home. You can also hire a professional to wash the carpets and discuss the urine smell.https://www.youtube.com/embed/k_gQQYC4yOU

Why does my Carpet smell like Urine?

Over-wet Carpet

Dry your carpet completely before putting it back. The carpet pad absorbs the detergent and water, leading to a urine smell. Many homeowners who reported urine smell from carpets installed wet carpets. 

You must let the carpet dry for at least 3-4 days before putting it back or even more if the carpet is bigger or the weather is cool.  

Pet Urine

Take care of your pets, and don’t let them urine on your carpets. The urine is absorbed instantly and causes an awful smell if you don’t clean it instantly. Train your pets or use pet diapers for baby and old pets. Pet urine is harmful to health.

Also See: 3 Ways to get Dog Poop out of Carpet without using Vinegar

Things to avoid when your Carpet is still wet

• Don’t put furniture on wet carpet. It blocks ventilation and allows mold and mildew to grow, leading to smelly carpet.
• Do not vacuum an extremely wet carpet.
• Avoid stepping on the carpet while it is wet.

What are the quick remedies after cleaning the carpet?

• Open all the windows and doors. If the weather is warm outside, hot air will flow in that will help dry the wet carpet.
• Place baking soda/vinegar bowls near the carpet overnight.
• Deodorize the room for instant relief.
• Place a dehumidifier in the room to make the air breathable.
• Point fans in the direction of the carpet to speed up the evaporation process.

How to get pet urine out from your carpet?

• Dry the carpet by dabbing it with a towel or paper napkin to absorb extra moisture.
• Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and pour it over the affected area. Scrub it gently and let it dry.
• Spread baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for 24 hours.
• Vacuum to remove the baking soda.

How can I find out urine smell spots on my carpet?

Smell it Out: One of the most orthodox ways is to find out the urine smell on your carpet. Get on your knees and sniff out from where the smell is coming.

Black Light: Turn off all the lights in your room and pull the shades to darken the room. Use a sharp black light on the carpet, and it will turn the smelly/pet urine spot yellow.

Can I use a steam cleaner to remove the urine smell from the carpet?

No. A steam cleaner will damage your costly carpet’s upholstery. Moreover, the steam will force the urine to become part and parcel of your carpet.

How long will the smell take to go away after cleaning?

When you clean the carpet again to remove the smells, it will take around 2-3 days for the carpet to become odorless again. However, you will notice an instant decrease in smell intensity after cleaning.