Can Steam Cleaning Remove Pet Urine Stains and Odours?

Having carpets and pets that aren’t quite toilet trained doesn’t usually make for the best combination. Even toilet-trained pets may share their excitement on the carpet when they see you getting home from work. When it happens, you’ll probably end up searching for the best way to remove pet urine stains, and wondering: can steam cleaning remove pet urine? In most cases, yes. You may come across some great temporary fixes, but the real issue will still be there. That’s why at Wizard Cleaning®, we always recommend treating pet urine stains and odours with carpet steam cleaning.

Here’s why it works, why DIY fixes often don’t last, and what to do in the meantime.

Why Steam Cleaning Works on Pet Urine

Carpet steam cleaning is one of the most preferred ways of dealing with pet urine stains and odours, mainly because it’s so effective. When a pet wees on carpet, the urine soaks down through the fibres and often into the backing and underlay, where bacteria feed on it. Those bacteria are what cause the lingering smell. Carpet steam cleaning uses a method called ‘hot water extraction’: extremely hot water is applied to the affected area and then sucked back up with powerful suction. This lifts germs and bacteria from the carpet and helps eliminate the odours that come with them.

Does Steam Cleaning Get Rid of Dog Urine Smell?

In most cases, yes, when it’s done thoroughly, and the same goes for cat urine. A fresh accident is the easiest to deal with. Older or repeated accidents that have soaked well into the underlay may require a second treatment, and in severe cases the underlay itself may need replacing. The sooner you act, the better the result.

Why DIY Fixes Often Don’t Last

As we mentioned earlier, there are plenty of ‘quick-fix’, DIY pet stain removal methods, from vinegar and bicarb soda to supermarket sprays. Unfortunately, most of them are temporary: they treat the surface, while the urine that has soaked into the backing and underlay stays put. When cleaning pet urine, it’s essential to do it right the first time, otherwise you run the risk of the smell coming back.

We’ve had many customers tell us about the money they spent on cleaning equipment and products to remove pet urine stains. Although their methods seemed to work at first, the smell and stain came back only days later, and they were left out of pocket.

What About Home Steam Cleaners?

Hire and home steam cleaners can freshen up carpet, but they don’t have the power of professional equipment to reach urine that has soaked deep into the carpet and underlay, and it’s easy to leave the carpet too wet. Most of our jobs use a truck-mounted hot water extraction system, with portable machines for apartments and places a van can’t reach.

What to Do When an Accident Happens

• Blot up as much as you can straight away with paper towel. Don’t rub.
• Blot the area with distilled white vinegar to lift the fresh stain and some of the odour. Test it on a hidden patch first.
• Avoid ammonia-based cleaners. They smell similar to urine and can encourage pets to go back to the same spot.
• Book a professional steam clean to deal with what has soaked in below the surface. For other spills, see our guide on how to pre-treat carpet stains.

Professional Pet Urine Removal in Perth

Our team can save you time and money when it comes to pet stains. Our professional cleaners are trained to treat even the nastiest pet stains, although some stains may be permanent. We can often offer same-day service, subject to availability, and we’re available 7 days a week. Pet urine treatment is available as an add-on to our carpet steam cleaning. For current prices, see our cleaning deals.

For more information on how our cleaning team can help you today, send us an enquiry or call us on 0400 634 609 for a free, no-obligation quote.