Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Get Dog Pee Smell & Stains Out of a Couch: 4 Effective Steps

golden retriever dog on a couch

Dogs are humans’ best friends. They are interactive, loving, loyal, and protective. However, they can also be gross! Living with a dog almost certainly means having to deal with urine stains at least a few times throughout the year. One of the worst things to deal with is dog pee smells on the couch. How exactly can we get those smells to go away once and for all?

Hopefully, this short guide will make it possible for you to do just that.

The 4 Steps to Get Dog Pee Smell & Stains Out of a Couch

1. Invest in a Quality Enzyme Cleaner

hand spraying the gray couch
Image Credit: y_seki, Shutterstock

If regular washing does not work to rid your couch of dog pee smells completely, it is time to consider investing in enzyme cleaners. These come in both liquid and spray forms, and they work to break down the enzymes in dog urine. However, this is concentrated stuff designed specifically for pet stains and can do a better job.

Just follow the directions on the product to get the best results. You may have to repeat the process multiple times to get the results that you are looking for.

Our Favorite Cleaner

Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is our favorite all-purpose cleaner for pet messes. It permanently lifts the very worst stains and odors, making clean-up and accident prevention a breeze. Hepper offers a 100% guarantee, which is a great bonus! Learn more about it here.

Rating Image Product Details
Best Enzymatic Cleaner
Winner
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
  • All-purpose
  • Pet-safe
  • Multi-surface safe
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!


    2. Make Use of Vinegar

    white vinegar on the wooden table top
    Image By: focal point, Shutterstock

    The next step is to apply vinegar to the affected urine area to help neutralize the enzymes that are responsible for the nasty odor that urine leaves behind. Start by filling a reusable spray bottle halfway with apple cider or white vinegar. Then, fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake the bottle vigorously, then spray the affected urine area with the solution.

    You can use a sponge or cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to penetrate deep stains. After spraying and scrubbing the area with vinegar, let the area dry completely, and you should experience a noticeable difference in odor. If the odor does not fully disappear at this point, you may need to proceed to the next step.


    3. Start With Soap and Water

    hand cleaning the white couch
    Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

    You could just clean the soiled urine spot on your couch with a little soap and water. Any kind of couch can handle this kind of treatment, including leather couches. Just dump a clean cloth into a bowl or bucket of lightly soapy water. Wring out the cloth, and then use it to scrub the affected urine area gently.

    Let the area dry completely, then sniff the space to see if any unwanted smells are lingering. If so, repeat the washing process one or two more times until you do not smell anything immediately after the area dries. Hopefully, you won’t notice the pee smell nearly as much after this process.


    4. Be Proactive

    cleaning couch with a handheld vacuum
    Image by: sebra, Shutterstock

    Once you have completed the first steps on this list, it is time to start thinking about being proactive when it comes to keeping dog urine smells from accumulating on your couch. You can start regularly vacuuming your couch, no matter what material it is made of. Do so a few times a week, and you should experience much fewer offensive odors when chilling out in your living room.

    Take the time to occasionally wipe down your couch with a lightly soapy cloth, which will help break down odors so you don’t have to be exposed to them. Also, you can spray your couch a few times a week with a vinegar solution to help break down enzymes before you even become exposed to the odors that they help create.

    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
    • ADVANCED ENZYMATIC CLEANER - Penetrates the most stubborn smells and stains at the deepest molecular...
    • FOR ANY MESS, ON ANY SURFACE - This pet odor eliminator cleans your carpets, floors, furniture,...
    • FRESH, NATURAL ODOR - Our unique formulation doesn't rely on dangerous or unpleasant chemical...

    If accidents happen frequently and you’re unsure of what’s causing them or how to prevent them, a consult with your vet could help!

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

    Final Thoughts

    There are several things that you can do to get rid of dog pee smells on a couch, but time and effort must be put into the process. Even then, sometimes, a couch is past its prime, and the best thing to do is to replace it. However, before going to these lengths, it is a good idea to give all the steps on our list a valiant try. Chances are that by the time that you get to the end of the list, your couch will be saved.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Does Dog Shampoo Expire? Vet-Verified Types, Storage Tips & FAQ

    Bathing your dog can keep their fur clean and prevent foul odors, which is why it is crucial to choose the right shampoo....

    How Good Is a Vizsla With Cats? Tips, Instincts & FAQ

    Although dogs and cats are traditionally considered enemies, many members of the two species co-exist happily. Not all dog breeds are feline-friendly, though,...

    How Long Do Cane Corsos Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care Guide

    Cane Corso dogs are smart, affectionate, and assertive. These working dogs can grow to 110 pounds or more, making them a large breed....

    How to Calm a Dog Down at the Vet’s Office: 8 Expert Tips

    Even if our dogs are happy to visit the vet, most of us have seen anxious dogs in waiting rooms licking their lips,...

    More related

    Schnocker (Miniature Schnauzer & Cocker Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

    When you mix the Miniature Schnauzer with the American Cocker Spaniel, you’ll end up with the mixed breed and appropriately named Schnocker. The...

    How to Check Your Dog’s Vital Signs At Home: 5 Vet-Reviewed Steps

    As dog owners, we want to ensure our pet is kept healthy and happy under our care. If you want to keep your...

    Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Vet-Verified Risks & Safety Guide

    Can dogs eat grapes? To many canines, any food left out and in their reach is for them. They don’t stop to consider...

    Is Laguna Beach Dog Friendly? 2025 Update

    Depending on your age, you may associate Laguna Beach with a particular reality TV show that aired in the mid-2000s. Outside of this...

    Keep reading

    Can Dogs Eat Churros? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    If you’ve ever had a churro, you know that they are practically impossible to resist. Who could say no to a crispy sugar-coated shell with a fluffy interior? Chances are, even the dog wants a bite. However, for the sake...

    Can Dogs Eat Churros

    Can Dogs Have Peppermint? Vet-Verified Safety Facts & FAQ

    Peppermint (Mentha piperita) makes an appearance in so many things we eat and drink, particularly around the holidays! But many also use peppermint for its homeopathic uses, of which there are a number of potential benefits to humans. But can...

    peppermint plants

    Pet Tutor Mini Feeder Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

    Review Summary Have you been looking for a better way to train your canine companion? If so, you may want to invest in a treat dispenser of some kind, like the Pet Tutor Mini Feeder. This dispenser can help you...

    Pet Tutor Mini Feeder Review

    Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

    It’s not unusual for people to search for ideas on new things for their dogs to eat. Pet owners want their dogs to enjoy new things from time to time instead of routine dog food. Considering that rice is often...

    Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice

    What Is Powdered Cellulose in Dog Food? Vet-Approved Safety Facts & FAQ

    Choosing the best food for our furry companions is no easy task. With more options and specialized diets available than ever, pet parents are often left in the dark about what goes into their pet’s food. Cellulose is a fiber...

    Powdered cellulose in a wooden bowl

    5 Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

    Sweet potatoes are superfoods chock full of many health benefits for humans. They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals and are generally considered a healthier choice than regular potatoes. Since they’re so beneficial for humans, you might wonder if sweet potatoes...

    dog smelling the homemade cooked sweet potato on plate

    Wysong Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary Wysong is one of the most popular premium dog food brands on the market, producing a wide range of supplements and dog foods. The brand promotes its products as holistic and healthy, with the goal of replicating a...

    Dogster_Wysong Dog Food Review

    8 Dog Birthday Cookie Recipes to Treat Your Pup With

    This article has been reviewed by a veterinarian for safety. The recipes included in this article will be suitable for most dogs however, it does not take your dog’s circumstances and health status into account. It is your responsibility to...

    Dog Birthday Cookie Recipes to Treat Your Pup With