how to help remove pet urine smell

Pet urine smell can be strong and persistent because urine can soak into carpets, upholstery, flooring, and other porous surfaces. As it breaks down, it may leave behind odor causing compounds, including ammonia like smells. If you’re looking for ways to help remove pet urine smell quickly, start by addressing the source, cleaning the affected area thoroughly, using an odor fighting fabric refresher where appropriate, and keeping the room fresher with a continuous air care solution.

Why does pet urine smell linger?

Pet urine can soak into soft, porous surfaces like carpets, upholstery, rugs, and fabrics. As it dries, it may leave behind odor causing compounds that can continue to release smell over time, especially if the source is not fully cleaned.

That’s why pet urine odor may seem to come back after the first cleaning. In high use areas, or when humidity is higher, odor can settle deeper into materials and become more noticeable or harder to address.

How to Help Get Rid of Pet Urine Smell: Step by Step

Step 1: Blot and remove as much liquid as possible

If the accident is fresh, use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot the area and absorb as much liquid as possible.

Step 2: Clean the affected area

Clean the area based on the surface type, following care instructions for carpets, upholstery, or flooring. Proper cleaning helps remove residue that can keep lingering odors.

For pet accidents, start by cleaning the area with a product designed for the specific surface (such as carpet, upholstery, or hard floors). Allow the area to fully dry before using a fabric refresher. This helps ensure effective odor removal and the best freshness results.

Step 3: Use a fabric refresher on soft surfaces

If odors are trapped in soft materials like carpets, rugs, or upholstery, use a fabric refresher designed to fight odors, such as Febreze Fabric Refresher Pet. It helps reduce odors in fabrics and refresh your space, so smells are less likely to linger.

Look for a pet-friendly fabric spray or pet-safe deodorizing spray that uses odor-fighting technology rather than simply masking smells with fragrance.

Use it on:

• Carpets
• Rugs
• Upholstery
• Cushions
• Pet beds
• Fabric-covered furniture

This step is especially useful for cat pee smell removal, dog urine needs, and pet odor neutralizer support in the home.

Step 4: Maintain freshness in the room

Even after treating the source, odor can linger in the surrounding air. A pet-safe odor fighter like Febreze Air Mist can help keep your home smelling fresh.

For ongoing freshness, consider a continuous air solution, such as Febreze Plug or Febreze Plug Scent Booster. These products can help maintain freshness in the room and reduce noticeable pet odors over time.

Treating both the source and the air can help neutralize pet odors at home and create a more consistently fresh space.

How to help prevent pet urine odor from returning

If you want to keep your home smelling fresh, a few habits can help:

• Clean accidents promptly
• Follow proper cleaning methods for each surface
• Allow areas to fully dry after cleaning
• Use a pet-safe room freshener or pet odor control spray as needed
• Refresh soft surfaces regularly with a pet-friendly odor fighter
• Keep pet areas clean to help prevent pet odor buildup

These habits can help to neutralize ammonia smell and reduce the chance of lingering odors to return.

Frequently asked questions

Why does pet urine smell come back after cleaning?

Pet urine odor can return when odor causing compounds remain trapped in carpets, upholstery, fabrics, or other porous surfaces. These compounds may continue to release smell over time, especially if the area was not fully cleaned, rinsed, or dried. Humidity, warmth, and everyday use can also make lingering odors more noticeable.

How quickly should you treat pet urine?

It’s best to address pet urine as soon as possible. Fresh accidents are usually easier to clean, while dried urine can soak deeper into surfaces and may be harder to treat. Acting quickly can help reduce lingering odor and make cleanup more effective.

What makes pet urine smell so strong?

Pet urine contains compounds that can break down over time into strong smelling molecules, including ammonia like odors. As urine dries, these odor causing compounds may become more concentrated and continue to release smell into the air, especially if the affected area is not fully cleaned.

Do odor sprays eliminate pet urine smell or just mask it?

Different products work in different ways. Some primarily add fragrance to mask odors, while others are designed to fight odor at the source. Febreze Pet Odor Fighter products uses odor-fighting technology designed to help reduce odor-causing molecules, helping provide longer-lasting freshness instead of temporary coverage. Learn more about how Febreze fights odors on our Odor-Fighting Technology page.

Is it safe to use Febreze around my pet?

Yes, Febreze is Safe when used properly around cats and dogs. The safe use of P&G products in the homes of our consumers, employees, family members, and around their pets, is a top priority for us. We, at P&G, care deeply about pets which is why we employ a staff of dedicated animal safety experts and scientists to ensure animal safety is taken into careful consideration when developing our consumer products. P&G designs products to be safe when used as directed and we partner with Safety Call International for pet-related concerns or questions. They are trusted veterinary professionals and toxicologists who collaborate with several consumer product companies, including P&G’s Pet Safety team.

How can I keep my home smelling fresh after a pet accident?

Addressing the source of odor, treating affected surfaces, and maintaining freshness in the air can help keep your space smelling clean.

References & additional information

Pet urine odors are caused by odor-causing molecules that can become trapped in soft materials like fabric and carpet and released back into the air over time. As urine breaks down, compounds such as ammonia can form, contributing to the strong smell. Residues left behind after drying can continue to release odor, especially if not fully removed. Treating both the affected surface and the surrounding air can help create a fresher environment.

For more information on indoor air quality and how odors behave in your home, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality

For guidance on maintaining a clean and healthy environment for pets, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare

For details on Febreze ingredients, safety standards, and how our products are designed, visit the Febreze Safety & Ingredients page: https://www.febreze.com/en-us/safety-and-ingredients