How to Get Urine Out of a Rug Without Damaging It
Urine on your rug? Don't panic. Here's how to remove urine from rugs safely, avoid long-term damage, and when to call in the experts.
How to Get Urine Out of a Rug Without Damaging It
Pet accidents and rug ownership go hand in hand. Whether it’s a puppy still learning the ropes or an older dog with occasional mishaps, sooner or later, your rug will suffer the consequences. The question is—what now?
Urine is one of the most damaging contaminants for Persian, oriental, and natural fibre rugs. It’s not just about the smell (although that’s bad enough). It’s about chemistry—how urine changes over time, how it interacts with dyes, and how it degrades delicate fibres.
Here’s how to act quickly and safely when accidents happen—and what to avoid if you want to save your rug.
What Makes Urine So Harmful to Rugs?
Urine doesn’t stay the same once it hits your rug. As it dries, it becomes increasingly alkaline. This change in pH can do serious damage to the mordants that hold your rug’s dyes in place. The result? Colours run, fibres weaken, and odours set in.
Here’s what urine can do if not treated properly:
Cause permanent dye bleed, especially in reds, blues, and dark colours.
Leave stubborn stains, even after the surface has dried.
Trigger strong ammonia odours, which only worsen over time.
Break down natural fibres, especially wool and silk.
Even small accidents can turn into major issues if left untreated.
The Immediate Steps You Should Take
If you spot an accident in progress—or just after—here’s what to do:
Act fast. The sooner you respond, the less damage the urine can do.
Blot, don’t rub. Use dry paper towels or a clean, absorbent cloth to blot up as much as possible. Don’t scrub—it drives urine deeper.
Dilute carefully. If no dye has transferred to your towel, you can lightly dab the area with a damp cloth to dilute any remaining residue. Avoid soaking the rug.
Check for dye transfer. If you see colour on your towel, stop immediately. You’re at risk of dye bleed, and it’s time to call in professionals.
Never use off-the-shelf carpet sprays or “pet enzyme cleaners” unless you’re certain they’re wool-safe and pH neutral. Many aren’t.
Why DIY Cleaning Often Makes Things Worse
Home attempts at deep cleaning urine often fail. Common mistakes include:
Over-wetting the rug, which risks shrinkage, mould, and dye migration.
Using harsh cleaners, which can bleach, stain, or damage fibres.
Failing to fully extract urine, leaving the smell and bacteria behind.
Ignoring the foundation, where urine seeps and dries—out of sight, but still doing damage.
Just because the rug looks clean doesn’t mean the urine is gone.
At The Persian Rug Cleaning Company, we don’t guess. We test.
Our approach includes:
pH testing and UV inspection to locate and identify all urine spots.
Full immersion in a decontamination bath—no surface clean will reach the urine in the foundation.
Repeated flushing and rinsing to remove uric acid and odour-causing bacteria.
Safe drying in a controlled environment to preserve rug integrity.
It’s the only way to ensure your rug is truly clean—not just on the surface.
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