Finding dog pee on your bedding can be an unpleasant and frustrating experience. Inappropriate dog urination can result from a young puppy’s inexperience, urinary incontinence in elderly dogs, or occasional accidents from a house-trained dog. However, removing the stain and odor effectively is possible with the right tools and techniques.
Whenever possible, clean the stain promptly to stop the urine from seeping deeper into your bedding, which can make it extra messy. In addition, acting fast safeguards your mattress from soaking up urine.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get dog pee out of bedding, along with tips and tricks for preventing future accidents.
If you lack the patience and persistence to deal with the stain, you can always take it to the dry cleaners. Typically, the dry cleaner’s staff is more adept at cleaning tough stains and has access to more powerful cleaning machines and techniques to get the job done. The bottom line is; you do not have to throw away your precious bedding.
Precautions To Keep In Mind
The first step in cleaning dog urine from bedding is to address the accident as soon as possible. The longer the urine sits on the bedding, the more difficult it will be to resolve.
Since most high-quality down comforters are quite expensive, check for any special requirements on the product’s manufacturer’s tag before you start cleaning. The tag is usually attached to the edges of the bedding.
The tag may indicate that some bedding can only be washed through dry cleaning, while others can be washed with a pet-friendly solvent.
Homemade Remedies
You can use homemade remedies to remove dog urine stains and odors from the bedding. However, you might have to repeat the process several times to achieve the desired results. Here are some recipes and instructions to try:
#1. Vinegar and baking soda: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for another 5–10 minutes before vacuuming.
The baking soda will absorb the odors instead of simply masking them.
You can also make a paste of baking soda and water by mixing the two ingredients in a bowl to produce a thick paste. Then, apply a liberal amount of paste to the stain and spread it evenly.
Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours, lift the odors from the bedding, and dry completely. You can even cover the spot with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation and give the paste enough time to work.
Once dry, vacuum the baking soda away. Consider rinsing and repeating until you achieve the desired results.
#2. Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap: Mix a tablespoon with a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the solution liberally to the affected area and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse the area with cold water and dry thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide can remove dog urine odors from your bedding as it is an oxygen-based bleach and a mild decontaminator. However, since it can bleach your bedding, test the hydrogen peroxide solution on an inconspicuous part of the bedding.
Commercial Products
Here are some tips for choosing a store-bought cleaner product and using it safely:
- Look for cleaners specifically designed for pet urine stains and odors.
- Avoid ammonia products, as the scent can attract dogs and encourage them to pee in the same spot.
- Please read and follow the instructions carefully, and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the bedding before using it on the entire stain.
Enzymatic Cleaners
If homemade remedies do not work, several commercial cleaners are designed to remove pet urine stains and odors.
Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes and bacteria that break down organic compounds, like uric acid, fatty acids, and ammonia, into harmless and odorless substances. These organic compounds are responsible for the foul smell and the stain in dog urine.
Importantly, they remove any lingering odors that can attract the dog to pee on your bedding again. It is best to use an enzymatic cleaner specially made for pet stains. Check the label to ensure the product is safe for pets.
Apply the cleaner to the affected area and let it sit for the recommended time before washing the bedding in a machine.
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How To Clean Dog Pee Off Bedding: Wet Dog Urine Spot-Cleaning
To spot-clean wet dog urine spots from bedding, follow these steps:
Step #1: Wet vacuum the urine to extract as much of the urine as possible. Alternatively, use paper towels or a clean disposable cloth to spot-clean the urine spot by blotting up as much of the urine as possible.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as it is likely to push it deeper into the fabric or spread it further, making the cleaning task more demanding. Keep changing the paper towels as they absorb the urine and get soaked.
A better alternative is to use a wet vacuum to suck up as much urine as possible.
Step #2: Pre-treat the stain by sprinkling it with baking soda. Make sure you apply a generous amount and cover the entire affected area.
Step #3: Let the baking soda sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the odors, and consider repeating this step depending on the severity of the stain at hand. Then, vacuum it up.
Step #4: Repeat the process until the area is dry and the odor is gone.
You can also spot-clean the stain with cold water, one part white vinegar, and one tablespoon of mild dishwashing soap—an effective odor neutralizer for washing bedding and general fabric.
Ensure you pre-test all your cleaning solutions on a hidden part of the bedding to ensure the solution will not damage the material.
For the best results, soak the stain with the vinegar solution and give it at least ten minutes for the acetic acid to break down the proteins and other compounds and make the urine stain more straightforward to eliminate.
If the dog urine odor persists, you might have to buy an enzyme cleaner and soak the affected area. Enzymatic cleaners are the big guns against pet odors and the ultimate solution for removing dog urine stains and smells from fabric.
Step #5: Rinse the spot to remove the excess cleaning agent. Smell the soiled patch to confirm the odor is gone. You may have to repeat this process a few times.
Remember to wear gloves and protect your clothing during cleanup to avoid contact with urine or cleaning solutions. Avoid hot water when washing the bedding; it can set the stain and its odor.
Washing Machine
After removing as much urine as possible and spot-cleaning the soiled part of the bedding, the next step is to wash it in a machine. It is best to check the bedding’s label for specific or special cleaning instructions before you start to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step #1: Place the bedding in the washing machine and add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the water.
Step #2: Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Set the temperature according to the recommendations on the bedding. Alternatively, use a mild laundry detergent or an enzyme-based cleaner to launder the bedding and remove the odor. You may have to repeat the wash cycles to eliminate the smell.
Step #3: If possible, dry the bedding outside in the sun. UV rays from the sun can help remove any remaining odor and kill microbes. Hanging the bedding on a line to air-dry it completely also safeguards it from shrinking.
If it is necessary to use a dryer to quicken the drying process, ensure it is on the correct setting for your bedding material. However, do not use the dryer if you’re not sure that you’ve eliminated the urine odor.
For down comforters or other delicate bedding, it may be necessary to take it to a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
Dried Urine Stains
Removing the stain and odor may be more difficult if the urine has already dried on the bedding. Moreover, finding the smelly stain may not be straightforward and may require using a UV light or black light to locate the exact spot. Here are some steps to take before attempting to clean the area:
Step #1: Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove any crusty material or debris from the surface. Once you have removed the solid waste, rinse the spot with cold water to loosen the stain.
Step #2: Apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to the area and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Blot up the solution with a clean cloth.
Step #3: If the stain remains, apply an enzymatic cleaner to the area and let it sit for the recommended time.
Step #4: Wash the bedding in the washing machine using the steps outlined above.
It’s important to note that removing dried urine stains may take multiple attempts and require more time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the bedding.
What Makes Dog Urine Smell?
Dog urine comprises hormones, ammonia, uric acid, and bacteria. The ammonia in dog urine gives off a pungent smell and can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat.
Over time, the bacteria decompose the ammonia and turn it into mercaptan, a sulfur- or skunk-like odor. The mercaptans are later called pheromones and are important in helping the dog communicate or register its presence in a certain area.
Understanding the composition of dog urine is vital to devising the appropriate cleaning strategies that eliminate the odor instead of simply masking it.
That’s why we strongly recommend using an enzymatic cleaner to break down the organic compounds in dog urine and fully remove the smell.
Unless these compounds are cleaned completely, the urine smell still lingers and is more noticeable when the air is hot and humid.
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Why Does My Dog Keep Peeing On My Down Comforter?
#1. Behavioral Changes
Many dogs, despite their level of housetraining, are likely to pee on your comforter or other bedding when they are excited or when marking their territory.
Inappropriate urination can be more pronounced in puppies that often find themselves in excitement, fear, anxiety, or stress. Excitement urination is particularly prevalent in young dogs; they tend to drip some urine when they get too excited.
It helps to know that dogs are not vindictive; when your dog is peeing inappropriately, it is not trying to spite you or exert dominance.
Therefore, scolding your dog will not help; it will only exacerbate the stress and worsen the situation. Regimented training and behavior modification can help alleviate this problem.
Radical changes in the dog’s living environment can trigger unwanted behavioral responses. These changes may include bringing new furniture into the house, the birth of a baby or a new pet or family member, loud noise in the neighborhood, etc.
Although dogs do not have urine marks, spraying on your bedding is their way of adding smells to the bedding as a communal space. It is their way of saying, “I was here.”
#2. Medical Illness
If the dog is persistently peeing on your bedding, it might be important to have them checked by a vet to rule out possible illnesses in your dog.
Some illnesses that can lead to inappropriate urination in dogs include UTI, kidney disease, bladder stones, arthritis, diabetes, or tumors. These illnesses make it difficult for the dog to contain itself for long and can develop into more serious conditions if not treated on time.
On your part, you can look for signs such as cloudy or bloody urine, frequent urination, licking of genitalia, vocalization (whimpering) during urination, lethargy, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite and interest in physical activity.
#3. Old Age
Urinary incontinence, which is the inability to control urine flow, can also lead to this behavior and is prevalent among elderly dogs. Sometimes, urinary incontinence in elderly dogs is accompanied by cognitive decline, which only aggravates the problem.
In addition, if separation anxiety or stress is the concern, the vet may recommend administering stress-management pills to keep the dog calm and minimize inappropriate urination.
Preventing Future Accidents: How To Stop My Dog From Peeing On The Bed
Once you’ve successfully cleaned dog urine from your bedding, it’s important to take steps to prevent future accidents. Here are some tips to help you avoid this unpleasant experience:
#1. It is fundamentally important to clean your bedding to remove the entire urine odor. Any lingering odor will attract the dog to pee on the spot again.
#2. Train your dog to use a designated potty area outside and reward them. Correct the urination mistake the moment you find them in the act. You may clap your hands at them to interrupt them before taking them outside as a redirection measure.
#3. Limit your dog’s access to your bedroom or bedding to reduce the likelihood of accidents. This is particularly vital when you are not in the room. You can also restrict the dog in its crate. Alternatively, use an exercise pen, leash, or child safety gate.
#4. Use a waterproof bed protector or liner to protect your mattress from accidents. It will also lengthen your bedding’s lifespan.
#5. Wash your bedding regularly to remove any lingering odors that may attract your dog.
#6. Take your dog out for more regular exercise to keep it mentally stimulated and relaxed at home. Allow the dog numerous potty breaks when you are at home.
#7. Provide your dog with a comfortable bed and encourage him/her to use it rather than your bed.
#8. Consider buying dog diapers if your dog is suffering from urinary incontinence.
Following these tips and using the proper techniques and tools can effectively clean dog urine from your bedding and prevent future accidents.
Conclusion: How To Get Dog Pee Out Of Bedding
Cleaning dog urine from bedding may seem nasty and daunting, but it is possible to remove the stains and odors effectively with the right approach. Remember to act fast, use the appropriate cleaning solutions, and take steps to prevent future accidents. Doing so lets you keep your bedding fresh and clean and enjoy a healthy relationship with your furry friend.
In summary, here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Act fast to clean up wet dog urine from bedding.
- Use a washing machine with white vinegar and mild detergent to wash bedding.
- Try homemade remedies, such as vinegar and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, or enzyme cleaner.
- Choose commercial products designed specifically for pet urine stains and odors, and test them on a small area before use.
- Be patient when removing dried urine stains, and avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Take steps to prevent future accidents, such as training your dog and using a waterproof mattress protector.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about cleaning dog urine from bedding:
Q: What if the urine stain has already dried?
A: Dried urine stains can be more difficult to remove, but it is still possible with the right approach. Use a mixture of white vinegar and water, followed by an enzymatic cleaner, to break down the stain and eliminate odors.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean urine stains from my bedding?
A: Bleach is not recommended for cleaning urine stains as it can actually make the odor worse. Instead, use a mild detergent, white vinegar, or an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains and odors.
Q: Can I machine wash bedding with urine stains?
A: Yes, it is possible to machine wash bedding with urine stains. Use a mild detergent and add white vinegar to the wash cycle to help eliminate odors. It’s also a good idea to use a pre-wash stain remover or enzymatic cleaner for particularly stubborn stains.
Q: How can I prevent my dog from peeing on my bedding?
A: Train your dog to use a designated potty area outside and reward them for using it. Limit your dog’s access to your bedroom or bedding to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Use a waterproof mattress protector to protect your mattress from accidents.
Q: Are there any home remedies for cleaning urine stains?
A: Yes, there are several home remedies that can be effective for cleaning urine stains, including white vinegar and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, and enzyme cleaner made with natural ingredients like citrus or lavender.
Q: Do I need to dry my bedding in the sun to remove urine stains and odors?
A: While drying your bedding in the sun can help remove stains and odors, it is not always necessary. Simply washing and drying your bedding using the steps outlined in this article should be sufficient to eliminate most urine stains and odors.
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