When you are in the process of acquiring natural products for cleaning off pet stains that are safe and family-friendly, you might have thought of using vinegar. Does this work as an effective cleaning solution? Yes, vinegar and urine stains actually do work. Vinegar is acidic and therefore, it is very good at removing bacteria and also removing those annoying pet stains and odors.
How to Clean Pet Stains With Vinegar
Even though vinegar is an effective solution for even the older stains, it is always good to treat the pet stain and urine odor on mattresses, couches, and other materials immediately. The more time you leave it, the bigger the chance of it setting. This is something you would want to avoid by all means since a set stain is a lot harder to remove and can take a number of treatments, which would consume more of your time and force. It is also quite possible that it ends up leaving a permanent mark if not treated in time.
Vinegar is a perfect cleaning agent since it is cheap and environmentally friendly. When selecting a vinegar for dog pee in the house, white distilled vinegar is preferable. It is convenient as well, as it is found on virtually every shelf of the store. To prepare a solution that is effective in removing pet stains and smell at the same time, you need to add a few teaspoons of baking soda to your cleanup solution.
Simple Cleaning Vinegar Solution
It is time to get down to the actual business and make your solution. Here’s what you need:
- 1 quart of warm water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Spray bottle

Wipe the selected surface with your vinegar solution to test whether it is colorfast or not. Although vinegar is a natural product, it will react with certain fabrics and result in a light spot. Test your cleaning solution in a dark, out of place area. In case the stain is on the carpet, a corner is a good testing site.
How to Clean Pet Stains With Vinegar
Depending on the nature of the stain you are dealing with, there might be some variations. However, the general steps are:
- Eliminate any hard contents like feces or vomit.
- Blot the stain on a clean cloth; do not rub. Draw up as much of the liquid as possible, but do not rub the stain. When you rub it, the stain seeps deeper into the garment.
- As you blot the stain, any kind of liquid is absorbed upwards and out of the garment. You are mopping it off the carpet, the mattress, the couch, or another surface, instead of pounding it into the cloth.
- In cases of tough stains, spray your white vinegar solution on the stain and make sure that it is saturated.
- Should the stain be one that is quite large, dribble the vinegar combination over the stain until it gets wet.
- Allow vinegar to set for a minute or so, and then blot more using a clean and dry towel.
- Repeat this action until the stain is no longer visible.
- In case the stain remains even after the first attempt, then in the spray applicator, add baking soda and reapply it.
- Vinegar used with baking soda reacts in order to eliminate the stain.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cleaning Pet Stains with Vinegar
Using white vinegar for urine smell has some valuable advantages in regard to its application in cleaning around your pets.
- Cost – The first and most apparent advantage of adopting white distilled vinegar is that it is cheap.
- Natural disinfectant – vinegar contains acetic acid that will act as a natural disinfectant and an agent to remove pee odors in couches, mattresses, carpets, and other surfaces.
The largest negative thing about using vinegar to remove pet stains is its scent. Although it is a natural deodorizer, the lingering odor of vinegar is not a popular one. In order to eliminate the odor, dust the place with baking soda when washing the stain. Allow it to dry, and vacuum the baking soda.
Conclusion
The white vinegar is a natural substitute for cleaning up pet stains. It is cheaper, but the smell is too overwhelming to some individuals. The disadvantages can be avoided with some effort, and you can continue with this safe and efficient cleaner that does not cause any harm to your pets.
If you think professional assistance is necessary instead of using vinegar for dog urine. Contact Steamrite now to schedule top of the line pet urine and odor removal services for your home.
FAQs
Can vinegar be used to remove urine stains on carpets?
Yes, for the majority of carpets, distilled white vinegar is safe and effective because it is a natural acid that does not require aggressive chemicals in order to remove the alkaline proteins in urine.
What is the procedure to make a vinegar solution to remove urine stains?
In order to prepare a working solution of white vinegar for dog pee, fill a spray bottle with an equal part of vinegar and warm water, and add some drops of dish soap in case of a hard-to-clean stain. Generously spray it on the stain and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Blot gently; no scrubbing is necessary.
Does vinegar remove the smell of urine?
Vinegar is very effective in removing the smell of urine. Once it has been washed, sprinkle baking soda, leave it overnight, and then vacuum clean the entire area to get all the smells away.