Did you know, according to a 2013 Fox News report, dogs and cats are to blame for damaging over 8 million devices, costing nearly $3 billion? Now, think about the rugs in your home. How many rugs have been damaged by your pets? 

Well, if your pet has ever had an accident on one, you know the real challenge isn’t just the mess but getting rid of that strong urine smell. That’s why we’re here to help you learn how to restore a rug after your pet’s little accident.

Does Pet Urine Smell Ever Go Away?

Before we jump into steps on how to restore a rug damaged by pet urine, let’s first answer if it can really go away. 

Pet urine smell can indeed fade away over time, especially with regular cleaning. However, if not properly treated, the scent can linger and become more challenging to remove. The key is addressing the stain quickly and using the right cleaning methods to ensure the smell doesn’t stick around.

How To Restore a Rug With Pet Urine? 

Addressing pet urine on a rug requires a careful approach, and here are the necessary steps on how to restore a rug: 

Identify the Affected Area

First, find where your pet had an accident. If the urine has dried and isn’t immediately visible, you might have to use your nose or a UV light to detect it.

Blot the Spot

Once you’ve located the urine and pee stains, use paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much as you can. Remember, don’t rub; just blot gently to avoid spreading the stain.

Rinse With Cold Water

Next, rinse the stained area with cold water. This helps to dilute the remaining urine. Apply the water using a spray bottle and then blot again to remove the excess moisture. WARNING: DO NOT add water to cellulosic fibers, such as viscose, tencel or rayon, also referred to as art silk or bamboo silk. This will likely cause oxidisation/damage to the fibers, resulting in a brownish stain which is harder to remove than the original pet urine stain. 

Apply a Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and apply this solution to the area. Vinegar helps to neutralize the urine smell and is also safe for most rugs. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it dry. WARNING: as previously mentioned, be extremely careful if trying this at home on your viscose, tencel or rayon rug. Over application will cause your rug to fibers to oxidise and turn brown. 

Sprinkle Baking Soda

After the area has dried, sprinkle baking soda over it. Baking soda absorbs odours naturally. Leave it overnight if possible, then vacuum it up the next day. This is probably the safest method for owners of viscose, tencel and rayon rugs (also referred to as Art silk and bamboo silk).

Use an Enzymatic Cleaner

To fully remove pet urine and prevent your pet from marking the same spot again, apply an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the urine at a molecular level, effectively eliminating the odour and deterring repeat accidents. 

Revive Your Luxury Rug: Choose Our Cleaning Experts

Want to know the final step in how to restore a rug after you’ve done all you can at home? The answer lies in professional care. When DIY solutions and enzymatic cleaners haven’t effectively removed the pet urine discolouration or pet urine odour from your Persian, Oriental, Wool or Silk rug, it’s time to turn to the experts at Absolutely Fabulous Rug Cleaning. 

With our specialised handwashing and deep cleaning techniques tailored specifically for luxury and delicate rugs, we ensure your cherished rug isn’t just cleaned but restored to its original glory. Trust our team to breathe new life into your rug, making it look and feel as good as new.