How to Clean Pet Urine from Upholstered Furniture

Accidents happen, especially when you share your home with a four-legged friend. One moment you’re enjoying a quiet evening, the next you’re staring at a damp patch on your favourite sofa.

While the thought of lingering smells and stains can feel overwhelming, the good news is that most pet mishaps are entirely manageable.

You can easily protect your furniture, banish odours, and restore your living room to its former glory. Here’s what you need to do.

Respond Quickly to Messes

When it comes to pet accidents, hesitation is your enemy. Urine doesn’t just sit on the surface of your couch. It seeps straight through the fabric and into the padding below, where smells love to linger.

Leave it too long, and you’re not just cleaning a sofa, you’ll be battling a long-term relationship between your furniture and a pungent eau de cat.

The trick is to move fast. Keep a little ‘oops kit’ handy in a laundry cupboard or under the sink.

Toss in some basics, like gloves, absorbent cloths, paper towels, and a mild cleaner. That way, you’re not dashing around Coles at 9 pm trying to find something that could save the couch.

Use Household Ingredients

You don’t need to splash out on expensive products. In fact, some of the most effective solutions are probably already sitting in your kitchen.

Baking soda, white vinegar, and a mild dishwashing liquid make a simple yet powerful combo for tackling pet stains and smells, and it works well against both cat and dog messes.

Baking soda soaks up moisture and traps odours, while white vinegar cuts through stains and neutralises lingering smells. A few drops of dishwashing liquid add a bit of extra muscle, breaking down the organic matter in urine for a deeper clean.

These ingredients work even better together. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, then spray a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and water on top. As it fizzes, the mix lifts the urine from the fibres, making it easier to blot it away.

Test the Fabric Before Cleaning

Before applying any cleaning solution, it’s essential to check how your upholstery fabric will react. Some materials are prone to fading, discolouration, or damage when exposed to moisture or cleaning agents.

So choose an inconspicuous spot, like the back panel, underside of a cushion, or a hidden seam, and apply a small amount of the solution you plan to use.

Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth and allow it to dry fully. If the fabric shows no change in colour or texture, it’s safe to proceed with the full clean.

Different upholstery materials respond differently, so expect cotton, wool, polyester, and blends to each have their own quirks, especially if you’re using products on the harsher side.

Taking the time to test first ensures you protect both the look and the lifespan of your furniture.

Blot Instead of Rubbing

When it comes to cleaning upholstery, technique is just as important as the products you use. A common mistake is scrubbing at the stain, which only drives the liquid deeper into the fabric and spreads the mark across a wider area.

Instead, use a clean, damp cloth or absorbent paper towel to blot the spot. Apply steady, gentle pressure to draw out as much moisture as possible.

Always work from the outer edge of the stain toward the centre to contain the mess rather than allowing it to travel further across the fabric.

This method not only protects the fibres from unnecessary wear but also increases the chances of lifting the stain completely.

Eliminate Odours with Baking Soda

Even after stains are treated, odours can linger deep within upholstery fibres. Baking soda offers a simple and highly effective way to address this.

Once the area has been cleaned and dried, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the fabric. Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight to absorb any remaining odour.

When the time is up, vacuum thoroughly to remove all traces of powder. This step leaves the fabric refreshed and free from any musty scent.

For more persistent odours, repeat the process over several days. Each application draws out additional particles until the smell is fully neutralised.

Unlike air fresheners, which only mask unpleasant scents, baking soda works at the source. The result is furniture that not only looks clean but smells nice as well.

Try Steam Cleaning

For a deeper upholstery clean, steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods available.

Rather than relying on harsh chemicals, steam uses high-temperature vapour to penetrate fabric, loosen stubborn residue, and eliminate bacteria that often contribute to lingering odours. The result is upholstery that feels refreshed, sanitised, and far more inviting.

Before steaming, always test a discreet section of fabric to ensure it won’t react poorly to heat or moisture.

Using distilled water instead of tap water also helps avoid mineral build-up in the machine, ensuring a smoother, more consistent clean. Work methodically and avoid oversaturating the fabric for the best results.

While hiring or purchasing a steam cleaner is an option, many homeowners prefer the convenience and thoroughness of a professional service.

Booking a trusted contractor to perform a full upholstery clean ensures your furniture is treated with the right equipment and expertise.

Understand Your Pet’s Behaviour

The most effective way to protect your furniture is to prevent accidents before they happen. Establishing pet-free zones, particularly for delicate or high-value pieces, can reduce the likelihood of damage.

Protective covers, especially waterproof options, provide an added layer of defence during training periods or for pets with ongoing incontinence issues.

Many modern designs blend seamlessly with home décor, making them a practical yet discreet solution.

Routine is equally important. Regular outdoor breaks help minimise accidents, especially for older pets or those with health concerns.

For younger animals still in training, close supervision during playtime indoors can prevent mishaps and reinforce good habits.

But when accidents do persist, it may signal an underlying cause. Medical conditions such as urinary tract infections can affect even well-trained pets, while stress, anxiety, or territorial marking sometimes trigger indoor urination.

Getting advice from a vet or animal behaviourist can make life easier for your pet and keep your furniture looking its best.

Conclusion

Living with pets inevitably brings the occasional accident, but it doesn’t have to mean permanent damage to your furniture.

By acting quickly, using simple household ingredients, and taking a mindful approach to care, you can keep upholstery looking and smelling fresh.

Ultimately, caring for your furniture is about balance—protecting the home you’ve created while understanding the needs of the animals who share it with you.