If you’re wondering how to get rid of dog pee smell in couch, you’re definitely not alone. Every pet owner has faced that unpleasant surprise, a lingering urine odor that just won’t leave, no matter how many air fresheners or wipes you try. The truth is, dog urine seeps deep into your couch’s fabric and foam, making it tricky to remove without the right approach. But don’t worry because this guide will walk you through simple, effective, and affordable ways to tackle the smell for good. From natural home remedies to powerful enzyme cleaners, we’ll cover every method to restore your couch’s freshness and comfort, so you and your furry friend can enjoy a cleaner, odor-free home again.
For broader stain issues, you can also explore 10 secret stains you can get off from sofa to better understand how different spills behave on upholstery.
Why Dog Pee Smell Sticks Around?
Before jumping into cleaning, it’s helpful to understand why dog urine odor is so stubborn. Dog urine contains ammonia, uric acid, and bacteria that cling deep into fabric and foam. Even after drying, microscopic crystals can re-activate every time humidity rises, making that smell come back. To remove dog urine smell from couch completely, you must neutralise these compounds rather than just mask them.
If your couch also has old beverage spills, knowing how to remove coffee stains from upholstery can help prevent odours from layering over time.
Step 1: Act Fast and Blot, Don’t Rub
When the accident is fresh, move quickly, the sooner you absorb the liquid, the easier it is to get rid of pet urine smell from sofa before it seeps through the layers.
Quick Actions:
- Use thick paper towels or a clean cloth to press firmly into the affected spot.
- Repeat with fresh towels until no more moisture comes out.
- If cushions are removable, take them outside in fresh air.
- Avoid hairdryers or heaters, heat can “set” the stain.
This simple first step can prevent long-term dog pee smell removal from couch issues later on.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
There’s no one-size-fits-all cleaner, but the right combination will ensure full dog urine odour removal couch results. You’ll need something that breaks down the bacteria and neutralises odour at its source.
Options include:
- Enzyme-based cleaners (best for deep cleaning)
- Natural DIY remedies like vinegar and baking soda
- Professional upholstery cleaners for tough fabrics
For stubborn stains beyond pet accidents, guides like how to remove blood stains from upholstery can also be extremely helpful.
Step 3: DIY Natural Method
If you prefer natural cleaning options, you can easily learn how to clean dog pee from fabric couch using simple household items.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray lightly over the stained area.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Blot with a towel until nearly dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the spot, leave overnight, then vacuum.
Following this step properly will remove urine smell from upholstery without harsh chemicals. If you use oils or skincare products often around your lounge, stains can build up — here’s a great reference on how to remove castor oil stains from your lounge chair.
Step 4: Try Home Remedies Before Buying Products
Before spending on expensive store cleaners, many pet owners swear by simple home remedies for dog urine smell that actually work.
Popular Aussie home remedies:
- Vinegar and bicarb soda mix: neutralises odour naturally.
- Hydrogen peroxide + dish soap: great for stubborn marks (test on hidden fabric first).
- Sunlight drying: UV rays help disinfect cushions naturally.
This is where baking soda for dog pee smell truly shines. It’s cheap, natural, and effective.
Step 5: Use Vinegar the Right Way
A vinegar solution for pet urine works by balancing the pH level that bacteria thrive on. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, then apply to the affected area. It might smell strong at first, but it fades quickly and leaves your couch fresher. Follow up with baking soda after drying to complete the deodorising process.
Step 6: When You Need Stronger Cleaners
Sometimes natural methods aren’t enough. That’s when you’ll need the best cleaner for dog urine on couch, enzyme-based formulas made specifically for pet odours.
These cleaners contain live enzymes that eat away the organic matter in urine, permanently destroying the smell instead of masking it. This is the safest and most effective method for deep cleaning fabrics and foam layers.
Using a professional-grade enzyme cleaner for pet odour can save you the trouble of repeated scrubbing or lingering smells, especially for older stains. If stains remain visible, check out the expert comparison on best ways to get rid of wine, coffee, and grease stains to learn stain-specific tricks.
Step 7: Treat Stains and Smells Together
Urine doesn’t just smell; it often leaves marks. Combining an odour neutraliser with a pet stain and odour remover ensures both the stain and smell vanish. Always follow label instructions, test on a small area first, and let the product soak deep into the cushion if the stain has set.
Step 8: Go Natural for Everyday Freshness
You can remove pet smell from couch naturally by sprinkling baking soda every few weeks, letting it sit, and vacuuming it up. It keeps your lounge area odour-free even between deep cleans. For a bonus, place small bowls of activated charcoal under your sofa cushions to absorb hidden smells over time.
Step 9: Deep Cleaning After a Pet Accident
When it’s a recurring problem, you’ll need to deep clean couch after pet accident events to get everything out, not just surface odours.
Deep Cleaning Checklist:
- Use a wet-dry vacuum or upholstery extractor.
- Saturate the affected spot with enzyme solution.
- Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Extract the moisture fully.
- Let cushions dry in the sun if possible.
This level of cleaning can completely get old dog urine smell out of couch materials that have absorbed odour for weeks or months. If DIY isn’t working anymore, consider reading spot & stain removal – why professionals do it best to understand when expert help becomes necessary.
Step 10: Product Recommendations (2025 Edition)
If you want to simplify your cleaning routine, the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine 2025 products will do the heavy lifting.
Look for:
- Non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients
- Verified pet safety
- Ability to neutralise both smell and stain
- Positive reviews from Australian customers
These are ideal for fabric, leather, and microfiber couches alike.
Step 11: Prevent Future Accidents
Once the couch is clean, focus on behaviour correction so you never face this again. Training is essential when figuring out how to stop dog from peeing on sofa again.
Tips:
- Take your dog out for regular potty breaks.
- Reward outdoor peeing with treats.
- Clean accidents thoroughly so no scent remains (dogs often re-mark the same spot).
- Use pet deterrent sprays or washable sofa covers for extra protection.
Step 12: Handle Wet Dog Odour
Even after cleaning, moisture can cause that unpleasant scent; knowing how to get rid of wet dog smell from furniture makes a big difference.
Air dry your couch under sunlight, run a fan, or use a dehumidifier to prevent mustiness. Lightly misting with diluted essential oils (lavender or lemon) also helps refresh the air without harming pets.
Quick Recap – The Complete Workflow
- Blot the mess right away.
- Apply vinegar + water mix.
- Blot again and sprinkle baking soda.
- Let dry completely.
- Spray enzyme cleaner if smell persists.
- Vacuum and repeat if necessary.
- Use air circulation or sunlight to finish.
Following this workflow ensures a lasting dog urine odour removal couch result.
Fresh Couch, Happy Home
Keeping your home fresh and odour-free starts with knowing how to get rid of dog pee smell in couch effectively. With the right mix of natural remedies, enzyme cleaners, and quick action, you can restore your sofa to its original comfort and cleanliness. If the smell or stains are too stubborn, let the professionals handle it. Squeaky Clean Sofa specialises in deep upholstery cleaning and pet odour removal across Australia. Call 0482 077 285 today and let the experts bring back the freshness your couch deserves, clean, hygienic, and completely pet-safe.

