If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re dealing with an unexpected accident on your couch. Whether it’s a pet mishap, a case of incontinence, or a potty training incident, urine on furniture can leave behind an unpleasant odor and a stain you’d rather not see again. The good news? You’re not alone—and you’ve come to the right place.
As a trusted couch cleaning expert, we know exactly how to get pee out of your couch quickly and effectively using safe, accessible cleaning solutions. Let’s walk through how to clean up pee, remove the urine smell, and prevent future accidents so your living space stays clean, inviting, and odor-free.
Why Urine Is Tricky to Clean from Upholstery
Urine contains proteins, uric acid, and ammonia compounds that can easily penetrate porous materials like your couch’s upholstery. When left untreated, these urine molecules begin to break down, releasing a strong, lingering smell of urine.
This is even more challenging with pets and children, whose accidents tend to soak deep into the fabric and foam of the cushion before you even notice them.
Prompt action is key to minimize damage, remove urine, and restore freshness to your sofa or sectional. Let’s dive into how to clean pee off a couch the right way.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Fresh Urine from Your Couch
Follow these steps as soon as you notice the accident to limit staining and odor:
Blot the Area Immediately
- Use an absorbent paper towel or dry towel to blot (not rub) the affected area.
- Apply gentle pressure to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Repeat with a fresh towel until the area stops releasing moisture.
Apply a Vinegar-Based Solution
For a natural cleaning solution, mix:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part warm water
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil (like citrus or lavender) for added freshness
- Pour into a spray bottle and spray directly onto the stained area.
- Let it soak for 5-10 minutes to neutralize odors and break down the acids in the urine.
Blot Again
- Use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to blot the area, lifting out moisture and residue.
- Repeat until your cloth comes up mostly dry.
Sprinkle Baking Soda Generously
- Sprinkle baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) over the entire affected area.
- Let it sit for a few hours or preferably overnight to absorb odors.
- Baking soda is an excellent odor-absorbing powder.
Vacuum Thoroughly
- Once the baking soda is dry, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove all traces.
- This leaves your couch smelling clean and fresh.
Dealing With Dried Urine or Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, you don’t notice an accident until it’s too late. Here’s how to address urine stains that have already dried into the upholstery.
Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Commercial enzyme cleaners are formulated to break down the protein and uric acid compounds in urine.
- Spray the affected area generously with the enzyme solution.
- Let it soak and penetrate the material as directed (often 10–20 minutes).
- Blot away any remaining liquid.
Tip: You can find enzyme cleaners at any pet store, or make your own using hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda.
Got a Pet? Here’s How to Handle Pet Accidents
If you have a dog, puppy, or curious kitten, pet accidents are bound to happen. Pet urine can be more pungent due to the higher concentration of ammonia and amino acid waste. Follow these additional tips:
- Steam isn’t always helpful with pet messes. Heat can actually set the urine stain, making it harder to remove.
- If your cushion covers are washable, remove and launder them with detergent and a cup of vinegar.
- Avoid using bleach, as it can react with urine-ammonia and affect fabric fiber integrity.
10 Tips to Get Pee Smell From Your Couch & Keep It Fresh
Keeping your couch smelling fresh and odor-free goes beyond initial clean-up. Here are our top 10 tips:
- Act quickly to clean up any accident as soon as you notice.
- Always blot—never rub—to avoid pushing the urine deeper into the material.
- Use vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide for safe, powerful cleaning solutions.
- Open windows to create a well-ventilated area and help smells dissipate.
- Double-check all cushion seams and creases; urine can easily settle in hidden spots.
- Don’t forget the rug beneath your couch!
- To tidy up after potty training, lay down waterproof covers on cushions for easy cleanup.
- For repeat incontinence, consider furniture protectors or waterproof pads.
- Re-apply enzyme cleaners if the smell of urine begins to linger.
- Schedule a professional steam cleaner treatment occasionally to effectively eliminate any remaining odors.
Dealing With Incontinence or Potty Training Challenges
Families dealing with aging relatives, health issues, or toddlers in training may face recurring accidents. Here’s how to manage those challenges and prevent future accidents:
- Use mattress-style protectors on your couch cushions.
- Maintain a regular cleaning routine to inspect for urine stains or lingering odors.
- Encourage kids and family members to report accidents early.
- Keep a stocked cleaning caddy nearby with paper towels, enzyme cleaners, dishwashing liquid, and water.
By incorporating simple changes, you’ll reduce the stress of repeated cleanups and encourage long-term cleanliness.
How to Remove the Urine Smell for Good
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to get the pee smell from your couch to go away, don’t panic. You didn’t miss a step—urine molecules can be stubborn, especially if they’ve dried into the foam or cushion core.
To remove the pee smell:
- Treat the spot several times using the vinegar-baking soda method.
- Boost your attack with a professional-grade enzyme cleaner.
- Use a steam cleaner only after enzymatic treatments to avoid setting the stain.
- Sprinkle baking soda under the cushion for ongoing odor control.
Final Thoughts: Fresh Smells, Clean Fashioned Comfort
Handling a urine accident on your couch isn’t fun—but it’s completely fixable with a little patience and the right cleaning agent. Whether it’s a pet problem, a case of incontinence, or potty training gone awry, treating it properly ensures your sofa stays an inviting and relaxing part of your home.
Focus on absorb, neutralize, and vacuum. Reinforce your efforts with reliable products like baking soda, vinegar, and enzyme-based cleaners, and remember: the sooner you act, the easier it is to revive your furniture and restore your peace of mind.
So go ahead—try out these strategies and let us know how they work for your home. Your couch deserves to be as cozy and smelling clean as the day you got it.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need advice or want to share your solutions!