How to Remove Urine Smell from Your Couch

Dogs, cats and the small people in our lives mean accidents are bound to happen in our lounges. 

Urine stains are unattractive but it’s their smell that’s the most stubborn to shift. 

The good news? There are ways to tackle the smell and restore your couch. Here’s what you can do—and how to know when it’s time to call in the professionals. 

Why Do Urine Stains Smell So Bad and Why Won’t They Go Away?

Urine stains are tricky because it’s not just the liquid causing problems — it’s the uric salts left behind. These salts are crystal-like compounds that cling to your couch fibres and don’t dissolve with regular cleaning, which is why the smell keeps coming back. 

To make things worse, urine can seep deep into the padding, especially if accidents happen in the same spot. Surface cleaning might make it look better, but it won’t reach what's soaked underneath. 

To fully remove the odour, you need an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down uric salts at a molecular level. If the smell is still hanging around after trying home remedies, professional cleaning is often the only way to truly get rid of it. 

What Are Enzymatic Cleaners?

Enzymatic cleaners use natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria to break down the uric salts and organic matter in urine stains. Unlike standard cleaners, which often mask odours temporarily, enzymatic cleaners work at a molecular level to digest and neutralise the source of the smell. They're one of the most effective tools for eliminating urine odours for good, especially in soft furnishings like couches and rugs. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Urine Stains on Your Lounge

Step 1: Remove the cushion (if possible) to access the stain more easily. 

Step 2: Blot fresh stains immediately using a paper towel — don’t rub, as that can push urine deeper into the fabric. 

Step 3: Mix a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) in a spray bottle. Always spot test on an inconspicuous area first to check for colour fastness. 

Step 4: If the spot test is successful, spray the solution generously on the stain and scrub lightly. Let it dry fully. For dried stains, you may need to re-wet the area first. Vinegar's disinfecting properties help kill bacteria contributing to the smell. 

Step 5: Once dry, sprinkle bi-carb soda (baking soda) over the area and leave it for a few hours to absorb odours. Then vacuum thoroughly. 

Ways to Prevent Accidents and Stains on Your Upholstery

• Encourage good pet habits – Train your furry friends to use a designated spot. Positive reinforcement works wonders! 

• Invest in protective covers – Waterproof or stain-resistant covers give your couch an extra layer of defence. 

• Set house rules – Keep food and drinks off the couch to avoid spills. 

• Teach kids to be mindful – Set boundaries early to prevent messes. 

• Act fast on accidents – Blot spills immediately to stop stains from setting. 

• Choose stain-resistant fabrics – Upholstery designed to repel stains is easier to maintain. 

• Vacuum regularly – Regular cleaning prevents dirt, hair, and grime from building up. 

RECOMMENDED READING

How to Remove Pet Wee Odour From Carpet

When to Call in the Professionals

If you have already tried home remedies and the urine smell is still there, DIY methods aren’t going to cut it — that’s when it’s time for a professional clean. 

At Electrodry, we deal with this kind of thing all the time. The key is not just treating the surface stain but getting right into the padding, where the uric salts are sitting. These salts are the reason that smell keeps coming back — and standard cleaning won't touch them. 

Here’s how we handle it properly: 

• First, we do a fabric colour test, especially on delicate materials, so we know the treatment won’t cause dye run. 

• Next, we use moisture detection tools to figure out exactly where the urine has soaked through — sometimes it’s deeper than customers realise. 

• We always start with an industrial-strength pre-vacuum to pull out as much debris and dry material as possible — no point treating urine if we’re working through layers of dust and pet hair. 

• Then, we inject a specialised solution straight into the affected area. This breaks down uric salts deep inside the foam or padding — right at the source of the odour. 

• A pre-spray goes on next, loaded with antibacterial and sanitising agents to kill bacteria that feed on those salts. 

• Finally, we apply Electro-Shield, which is a powerful sanitiser. It doesn’t just mask smells — it kills odour-causing bacteria, germs, and fungi so the couch actually smells fresh again. 

We are confident we can treat most stains and odours and offer a 14-day guarantee on our upholstery service.

Please keep in mind that the more severe the contamination, the harder it is to treat the uric salts and odour. If the lounge has been repeatedly affected, replacement may be the only option. Old urine stains on cotton fabrics can be extremely difficult — and sometimes impossible — to remove.

Call 13 27 13 or book online today!