How To Clean Dog Urine From Microfiber Couch (Step-By-Step Guide)

To clean dog urine from a microfiber couch, blot up as much as you can, then (if your couch’s care tag allows water) sponge the spot with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water, blot again, and let it air dry. Follow up with an enzyme-based pet cleaner to break down the odor completely. If the tag says “S”, skip the water and use rubbing alcohol instead.

Dealing with pet accidents is never fun, especially on furniture. Here’s the full step-by-step guide.

Cleaning Dog Urine From A Microfiber Couch

The process for cleaning dog urine from a microfiber couch is pretty similar to cleaning it from any other type of fabric, with one important exception: check the cleaning code on the couch’s care tag first.

• W – water-based cleaners are fine, so the vinegar method below works.
• S – solvent only. Water can leave rings and stains on this type of microfiber, so skip to the rubbing alcohol method further down.
• W/S – either water-based or solvent cleaners are fine.
• X – vacuum only; call a professional upholstery cleaner.

Always test any cleaner on a hidden spot first. Here’s what you’ll need to do step-by-step:

1. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth
2. Mix a solution of water and white vinegar
3. Sponge the area with the vinegar solution
4. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth
5. Let the area air dry

1Step 1: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth

If you’re dealing with a fresh urine stain, the first thing you’ll want to do is blot the area with a clean, dry cloth. By pressing the cloth into the affected area, you can help to remove some of the urine. Be sure to blot gently – you don’t want to spread the urine or damage the fibers.

If the dog urine has already dried, you can try using a brush to gently loosen the dried urine before blotting. Again, be gentle to avoid damaging the fibers. 

Once you’ve loosened the dried urine, you can follow up with another round of blotting. Once you’ve removed as much of the urine as possible, you can proceed to the next step.

2Step 2: Mix water and white vinegar

In a bowl or jug, mix together equal parts water and white vinegar. This will create a gentle cleaning solution that’s safe for most fabrics.

White vinegar is mildly acidic, which helps to neutralize the ammonia smell of the urine and lift the stain. It’s a good, cheap first step, though for lingering odors an enzyme cleaner (see below) works better.

3Step 3: Sponge the area with the solution

Now that you’ve pre-treated the area, it’s time to start cleaning. Using a clean sponge or cloth, apply the vinegar solution to the affected area. Be sure to work it into the fibers well.

You may need to use a little elbow grease to get rid of tough stains, but the vinegar should do most of the work for you. Once you’ve thoroughly sponged the area, rinse it with clean water to remove any residual vinegar.

4Step 4: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth

Once you’ve applied the vinegar solution, blot the area again with a clean, dry cloth. This will help to remove any remaining urine and vinegar solution. Blotting also helps to lift the stain from the couch fibers.

Be sure to use a clean section of the cloth each time you blot, and apply pressure to the stained area. Work from the outside of the stain towards the center to avoid making the stain worse. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat steps 3-4 several times.

5Step 5: Let the area air dry

After you’ve blotted the area, allow it to air dry completely. A fan can speed things up. Avoid using a hair dryer or heat, which can set any remaining stain and odor.

Depending on the size of the area, this may take several hours or even a day or two. In the meantime, try to avoid sitting on the couch or placing anything else on the affected area.

If a lot of urine soaked through, check the cushion foam underneath. If the cushion cover is removable, take it off so you can treat and dry the foam separately, otherwise the smell will keep coming back.

What If The Urine Stain Persists On Your Microfiber Couch?

It could be that an older dog urine stain has set into the fibers of your couch. If this is the case, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution.

1Using baking soda

Another choice is to use baking soda, which is a natural odor absorber. Once the area is dry, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and leave it for several hours, or overnight for strong smells. Then vacuum up the baking soda. This should help remove any remaining urine odor.

2Rubbing alcohol

If the above methods don’t seem to be working, or your couch has an “S” cleaning code, you can try using rubbing alcohol. This is the go-to cleaner for solvent-only microfiber, because it evaporates quickly without leaving water marks. However, it’s also very drying, so it’s important to use it sparingly.

To use rubbing alcohol, simply pour a small amount on a clean cloth and rub it into the stain. Be sure to do a patch test on a hidden area of the couch first to make sure that the rubbing alcohol won’t damage the fabric. Once you’ve rubbed the area with alcohol, blot it dry with another clean cloth. When it’s dry, brush the fibers with a soft brush to restore their softness.

3Other commercial cleaners

If all else fails, try a commercial enzyme cleaner made specifically for pet urine. The enzymes break down the uric acid in urine that causes the lingering smell, which household cleaners can’t fully remove – and if your dog can still smell it, it may pee in the same spot again. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as their smell resembles urine and can attract your dog back. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damaging your couch.

Tips to prevent your dog from urinating on your microfiber couch

The best way to deal with dog urine on your microfiber couch is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you do that:

1Take your dog out regularly

Try to take your dog out at least once every few hours, and more often if possible. This will give them a chance to relieve themselves before they get too desperate.

2Train your dog

If you catch your dog in the act of urinating on your couch, calmly interrupt them and take them outside immediately, then praise them when they finish there. Don’t punish your dog after the fact, as it won’t connect the punishment with the accident. With time and patience, you can also train your dog to stay off the couch altogether.

If a house-trained dog suddenly starts peeing on furniture, check with your vet. Urinary tract infections, bladder problems and other health issues can cause accidents, and marking can be a sign of stress or a change in the household.

3Block off the couch

If you’re gone for long periods of time, or if you just want to be extra cautious, you can block off access to the couch entirely. This may not be practical for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re struggling to keep your dog from urinating on the furniture. A washable cover is another way to protect the fabric; see our picks for the best sectional couch covers for dogs.

Final thoughts – How to clean dog urine from microfiber couch

If your dog has urinated on your microfiber couch, it’s important to clean it up as soon as possible. The longer the urine sits, the more difficult it will be to remove. Use the steps above to clean the area and prevent any further staining. With some patience and effort, you should be able to get your couch looking and smelling like new again. If the accident happened somewhere else, we also explain how to clean dog urine from tile grout and how to clean dog urine and poop from a cowhide rug.