How to Remove Dried Urine Stains

Old or dried urine stains can be difficult to remove, often leaving carpet fibers permanently discolored or with an unpleasant lingering odor. The odor of old urine is due to the bacterial decomposition of the urea in the urine which continues as long as there is moisture.  Which means that the odor can get stronger on humid days or soon after the carpet has been cleaned.

The Best Formula to Remove Urine Stains

Need to learn how to remove urine stains? The best way is with an enzyme-action formula like our Professional Urine Eliminator. Why an enzyme-action formula? When used properly, the enzymes in these solutions work to break down and digest stains and tackle odors on the surface, as well as those that have seeped down into your carpet padding. Once the spray is released from the bottle, the enzymes are activated and begin working. If kept moist, they will continue to multiply and remove the material until it’s gone. That’s why keeping a damp towel on the stain and giving it plenty of time to work will help ensure that the stain is thoroughly removed.

How to Remove Urine Stains from Carpet:

1. Saturate the Stain
   Saturate the stain and surrounding area with an enzymatic cleaning solution, like our Professional Urine Eliminator.
2. Work the Cleaning Solution into the Stain
   Using a cloth or towel, gently work the solution into the area using light strokes from the edges of the stain to the center; when your cloth reaches the center of the stain, lightly pinch the area in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.
3. Cover Stain with a Damp Towel
   Cover the area with a damp towel so the area remains moistened for 24-48 hours. The enzyme action will break down organic material until it is gone. Uncover the area and allow it to dry.
4. Vacuum Stain Area
   Vacuum the entire area after it is dry.

How to Take Care of Stubborn Stains

If the stubborn stain remains after spot cleaning, rent a Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® carpet deep cleaner. That is the best way for how to clean carpet stains. Not sure how to rent and use a carpet cleaner? Here are the steps:

• Find your closest store using our location finder and go rent the carpet cleaner.
• Vacuum the area before carpet deep cleaning.
• Prepare the machine before plugging it in and turning it on by filling the clean water tank with hot tap water and our Professional machine formula.
• Turn on the machine and press down the trigger. Slowly make two wet passes across the carpet.  Let go of the trigger and do two more dry passes to suction up the dirty water. Continue these passes until the area you want cleaned is covered.
• Clean the carpet deep cleaner by rinsing the tanks, removing pet hair from the wheels and brush roll, and wiping down the bottom of the machine.
• Return the carpet cleaner to the rental location. 

Tips Before Using A Pet Stain Remover:

• Before using any spot removal solutions or formulas test a small, hidden area for colorfastness and examine when dry. If color is affected, do not use. For upholstery, look for manufacturer’s cleanability code tag. Our water-based cleaners are safe to use on fabric coded “WS” or “W”. If coded “X” or “S”, do not use. Not recommended for use on velvet, silk, vinyl or leather upholstery.
• If you leave urine untreated, you may wind up with a difficult to remove yellow stain, or worse, loss of color pigment in carpet. Over time, urine salts become highly alkaline, and can bleach out your primary carpet dyes, starting with the weaker red and blue colors. You could be left with a yellowish or off-white discoloration. At this point, your only options to remove the settled stain are to dye or patch the carpet.
• Always use cleaners according to labeled product instructions.
• Keep children and pets off the carpet until it is dry and vacuumed.