I cleaned my carpet and now it smells like urine, why so? That’s not a problem only you are facing but numerous other homeowners are struggling with this. We understand that once you clean your carpets, it should leave them smelling fresh and inviting but the pungent urine smell afterwards ruins the whole vibe and your mood too.
The reason behind this issue is more common than you imagine especially for pet owners or homes dealing with excessive spills and heavy footfall, but what? It might be the residual microbes or some moisture left behind due to over-wetting during cleaning procedures or something else.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind why the urine smell persists even after cleaning and the most effective solution to eliminate this problem permanently.
I Cleaned My Carpet and Now It Smells Like Urine? How It can be?
The culprits behind the stubborn urine smell that doesn’t go away even after thorough cleaning are residual matter and bacteria. A few main reasons include:
Wrong Cleaning Products
For proper cleaning, you must use the right cleaning products which allows you to get rid of odor for good. Using a cleaning product that isn’t designed specifically to eliminate pet odor or urine can aggravate the problem instead of neutralizing it.
Urine Crystals in Carpet Padding
When a pet accident occurs, the urine penetrates deep into the carpet’s padding and fibers. The surface cleaning might remove the stain efficiently but the moisture might rehydrate the urine crystals within paddings which causes the pet smell to resurface.
Excess Moisture
During cleaning, over-wetting your carpet might lead to tripped moisture which integrates with lingering urine residues and creates a hub for bacteria while increasing the smell.
Bacterial Growth
Urine contains organic compounds which the bacteria rely on for food. Even after cleaning bacteria may persist and cause the smell to resurface once they proliferate.
How to Eliminate Urine Smell from Carpets After Cleaning
Be extra vigilant because you already have cleaned your carpets, so these persistent compounds left behind may need special attention. You can try DIY Solutions or professional cleaning whatever suits best your situation.
- Use an Enzymatic Cleaner
Enzymatic Cleaners are designed specifically to target organic compounds in the urine.
How To Use It: Spray the cleaner sparingly all across the targeted area and allow it to do its action for 10-15 minutes. Blot with a clean cloth and let the area air dry completely.
- Apply Baking Soda for Odor Absorption
Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer that absorbs lingering stench caused either due to spills or pet accidents.
How To Use It: Sprinkle baking soda powder over the carpet and let it sit overnight. Vacuum thoroughly the next day for proper cleaning and fresh home.
- Apply a Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is an excellent solution for neutralizing stale, unpleasant odors. The dilution with water efficiently removes the smell and leaves you with refreshing space.
How To Use It: Mix White vinegar with warm water, apply generously over the surface and let it blot dry. The vinegar smell evaporates once it dries off, taking the smell along with it as well.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
It’s the powerful mix of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and baking soda, which removes urine odor permanently.
How To Use It: Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide, two tablespoons baking soda and 3-5 drops of dish soap, and your powerful solution is ready. Apply on the affected area, rest for 15 minutes and let it do its magic. Rinse with water and the smell will be gone for good!
- Professional Cleaning
If DIY hacks don’t work, it might be time to hire professional cleaning services. Professional experts are equipped with industrial-grade cleaning equipment and specialized products to handle deep-seated odors.
Key Tips to Prevent Future Odors
Accidents are inevitable, we understand, but being proactive goes a long way in preventing these future odors before they reside in your space and make it rotten. Here’s how you can achieve it.
- Address the pet accidents immediately after they happen as it prevents urine from settling into carpet paddings.
- Invest in pet-specific products like cleaning formulas and deodorizers that specifically tackle pet stains and odors.
- Use a carpet protector which makes it resistant to stains and smells.
- Vacuum Regularly and schedule professional carpet cleaning once a year, as regular maintenance keeps your home environment fresh and inviting.
Case Study: Removing Lingering Urine Odor
Problem: A pet owner approached us when she was struggling with her carpet which she cleaned after a dog accident, only to find that the smell even worsened after cleaning.
Solution: We used an enzymatic cleaner to break down the urine molecules. We applied a vinegar solution to neutralize the residual smell. Sprinkled some baking soda overnight for additional odor absorption.
Result: Integrating these steps removes the odor completely, leaving the carpets smelling clean and fresh.
Final Thoughts
A urine smell that persists even after you are done with thorough cleaning, can be quite frustrating. By determining the root causes of why it persists and using specialized methods like enzymatic cleaners, vinegar or professional services you can revitalize freshness in your homes.
Remember that by taking prompt action, using target-specific products and maintaining regular carpet care you can prevent future accidents.
For optimum results, you must choose high-quality products and techniques tailored to your cleaning needs. A clean and fresh carpet must enhance the beauty of your home instead of being a source of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my home smell like pee after I shampoo my carpet?
The urine spreads out and even after shampooing the smell doesn’t go away. The ammonia and bacteria in urine reactivate once you clean with water leaving behind the persistent smell.
How do you tackle a smelly carpet after cleaning?
You can sprinkle some baking soda or borax and let it sit for at least an hour or overnight. Next morning vacuum thoroughly and the smell will be gone.
How do you get rid of the ammonia smell in carpets after cleaning?
Make a powerful mix of vinegar and water and spray over the affected area as the acids in vinegar quickly neutralize the ammonia smell in the urine.
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