Spending time with kids and pets brings immense joy and positivity to one’s life. However, along with the enjoyment, pets and kids bring a few minor challenges, which are common for most pet owners and parents. Accidental peeing on the couch is one such problem. The unpleasant smell of urine penetrates the sofa and ruins the ambience of the living room. Urine also leaves a stubborn stain, which requires a proper cleaning method. This blog suggests different methods to effectively get rid of the urine smell from a couch and some preventive tips.
Understand Different Urine Smells and Stains
It is vital to understand the smell and stain of urine because it can help choose the right cleaning method. Urine contains organic proteins, which are known to bind the textile’s fibre, and for this reason, simply cleaning with a damp cloth doesn’t really help. Rather, an effective cleaning solution is needed. There are other factors, too, that cause a strong urine smell. If the concentration of uric acid and the amount of waste products excreted by the kidneys are high, it results in a strong urine smell.
Ways to Get Rid of the Urine Smell From a Couch
The right time and appropriate cleaning method are all that matter to freshen up the couch and make it free from urine smell. Here are some of the tips and ways to remove stains and smell from the couch:
Quick Action on Urine
Prompt action after urination can save from deep penetration into the upholstery. As soon as you notice urine on the couch, grab a paper towel or a clean cloth and blot the liquid by firmly pressing.
Select the Right Cleaning Solution
There are many options you can choose from. Here are the best cleaning solutions:
Water and Vinegar - Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, pour it in a spraying bottle and spray it on the affected area of the couch. Vinegar helps in removing urine smell due to its odour-neutralising features. It’s advisable to test the solution on an insignificant part of the couch to see if the solution is suitable for use or not.
Baking Soda - Once the vinegar solution is used, sprinkle baking soda on the wet area of the stain-studded couch, leave it overnight to soak up the smell. Then, vacuum the area to remove baking soda from the couch.
Mouthwash - It sounds weird that mouthwash can also remove urine smell from the couch, but it works effectively. All you need to do is pour half a cup of mouthwash into a spraying bottle and mix the rest with water. Then, spray on the affected area, blot it with a paper towel and let the area completely dry.
Mixture of baking soda, peroxide and dish detergent- Another option is to prepare the mixture by adding one cup of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Then, apply it to the affected area, let it sit for 15 minutes and wipe the area clean with a dry cloth.
Neutralise Odour With an Odour Absorber
Using an odour absorber can neutralise the odour. These products trap the smell and eliminate odour, and leave behind a fresh-smelling couch.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is another way to deep clean your furniture. Rent a steam cleaner from any home improvement store or use your own cleaner if you have one, to deep clean the couch. It’s an effective method because it sanitises the fabric and goes deep into the upholstery to lift odour and even tough stains.
Keep the Couch in a Well-ventilated Area
Once the process is done, keep your couch in a well-ventilated area for better airflow to dissipate the remaining odour of urine. The best ventilated area is near the windows or doors. Keeping the couch under the fan also works.
Tips to Prevent Pee Stains and Smell on the Couch
It is rightly said that “Prevention is better than cure”; if you take certain preventive measures, pee smell and stains on the couch can be averted. Here are some of the preventive tips:
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Cover the couch with a good-quality water-resistant cover.
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Restrict pets from the couch or any upholstered furniture.
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If your kid is not potty-trained, provide them with alternate seating, such as wooden table sets or plastic table sets.
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Use a couch with a leather-like material which can be cleaned easily.
Conclusion
There are various DIY methods to get rid of the pee smell and stain from the couch. The methods discussed in this blog can help you sort out the issue with minimal effort and maximum results. Also, try to prevent the problem by covering the couch, using a cleanable material and not allowing pets on the couch.