What's the most effective way to remove pet urine smell and stains from new carpeting?

Short answer

Use an enzyme-based urine remover to break down the odor-causing compounds, let it dwell long enough to reach the pad, extract thoroughly with a wet/dry vac or carpet spot extractor, and dry quickly with airflow. For fresh accidents, blot first, then enzyme-treat. For set-in spots, locate with a UV light, treat generously, and repeat as needed. Avoid steam or heat, which can set the odor. If the pad is saturated or the smell persists after a couple of deep treatments, call a professional for sub-surface extraction or consider pad replacement in that area.

Why this works

Pet urine contains urea, salts, and uric acid crystals. Ordinary cleaners or perfumes don’t break down uric acid, so odors return—especially when humidity rises. Enzyme (enzymatic/bio-enzymatic) cleaners digest these compounds so the smell doesn’t come back. On new carpet, odor often lingers because urine seeps into the pad below the fibers; you need enough product and contact time to reach and treat that layer.

Tools and materials

• Enzyme-based urine remover (e.g., Rocco & Roxie, Nature’s Miracle, Urine Off)
• White paper towels or white cotton towels
• Spray bottle or small pump sprayer
• Wet/dry vacuum with upholstery nozzle or a carpet spot extractor (rental available)
• Optional: Blacklight/UV flashlight (365–395 nm) to find dried spots
• Nitrile gloves; eye protection
• Fans or an air mover; optional dehumidifier
• Optional (light carpets only): 3% hydrogen peroxide for residual yellowing
• Optional: Baking soda for post-dry deodorizing

Step-by-step: fresh accident (best-case)

1. Blot, don’t rub.
   • Lay white towels over the spot and press firmly to pull out as much liquid as possible. Stand on the towels; replace until barely damp.
2. Apply enzyme cleaner generously.
   • Cover the area slightly beyond the wet spot so you reach any spread into the pad.
3. Allow proper dwell time.
   • Keep the area wet with product for the time specified on the label (often 10–30 minutes). You can lay plastic wrap over the area to prevent premature drying.
4. Extract.
   • Use a wet/dry vac or spot extractor to pull out the solution. Make multiple slow passes until little moisture remains.
5. Dry quickly.
   • Set a fan to blow across the area. Full dry typically takes 12–24 hours. Keep pets off until fully dry.

Step-by-step: dried or smelly stains

1. Locate.
   • Use a UV flashlight to find all affected spots. Outline with painter’s tape for tracking.
2. Pre-flush lightly (optional).
   • Mist with warm water and extract to remove salts. Do not use detergent or vinegar before enzymes.
3. Enzyme treat.
   • Apply enough product to penetrate fibers and reach the pad.
4. Dwell and cover.
   • Keep it wet 15–30 minutes (or per label). For heavy contamination, up to 1–2 hours under plastic.
5. Extract thoroughly.
   • Use a spot extractor/wet vac. Repeat treatment if odor persists after drying.
6. Address discoloration (light carpets only).
   • For lingering yellowing, dab 3% hydrogen peroxide sparingly, let sit 5–10 minutes, then blot and rinse/extract. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
7. Deodorize after dry.
   • Sprinkle baking soda lightly, let sit 2–4 hours, and vacuum.

Typical application guide (per 8" x 8" spot):
- Enzyme solution: 6–8 oz to reach pad
- Dwell time: 15–30 minutes (up to 2 hours for heavy spots)
- Drying time with fan: 12–24 hours
Do not mix enzyme products with bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. Avoid water >120°F.

Tips for best results

• Treat a wider area than the visible stain; urine spreads under the carpet backing.
• Use a carpet rake before treatment to open fibers; rake again after drying to lift the pile.
• Multiple light extractions remove more moisture than one heavy pass; avoid overwetting.
• Ventilate well and run a dehumidifier in humid climates to speed drying and prevent mildew.
• Repeat once or twice for stubborn spots—enzymatic action is effective but not instant.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using steam or hot-water extraction initially: Heat can set urine odors and stains.
• Masking with deodorizers only: Fragrances don’t remove uric acid crystals.
• Ammonia-based cleaners: Can smell like urine to pets and encourage re-marking.
• Overwetting without extraction: Drives urine deeper into the pad and subfloor.
• Mixing chemicals: Vinegar, peroxide, or bleach can deactivate enzymes; use them separately and sequentially with full drying/rinsing between.

Safety and surface protection

• Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands after handling contaminated towels.
• Test any cleaner (especially peroxide) on an inconspicuous spot for colorfastness.
• Unplug corded tools when using a wet/dry vac; use GFCI-protected outlets around moisture.
• Keep pets and children away until the area is fully dry.

What if the smell won’t go away?

• Deep pad contamination: You may need sub-surface injection (a syringe/needle tool that delivers enzyme to the pad) or to lift a corner of the carpet. If you lift, carefully remove a section of baseboard and gently pull the carpet off the tack strip with pliers; treat/replace the pad section and seal the subfloor if needed.
• Seal the subfloor (if stained): After pad removal and full dry, apply a shellac- or alcohol-based odor-blocking primer to the stained subfloor before reinstalling pad and carpet.
• Call a professional if:
  • Multiple areas or strong odor throughout a room
  • Repeated DIY enzyme treatments haven’t solved the problem
  • You suspect pad/subfloor saturation
  • You’re not comfortable lifting carpet

Pros with truck-mounted systems can do sub-surface extraction and apply professional oxidizers safely. Expect roughly $150–$300 for targeted pet treatment in one room, or $0.30–$0.50/sq ft for full-room cleaning, plus $50–$100 for pet enzyme/odorcide add-ons. Pad replacement in a localized area is usually $75–$200 plus materials.

Time and cost overview

• DIY single spot: 30–60 minutes active time, 12–24 hours dry; $10–$25 for enzyme, $15–$30 for a UV light (optional). Extractor rental: $30–$50/day.

With the right enzyme product, thorough extraction, and fast drying, you can remove both the smell and the stain on new carpeting—and stop repeat marking—without damaging your floor.