Don't panic when you discover a urine spot on your couch; this is a completely solvable problem. With the right approach, you can effectively remove both the stain and the lingering odor, restoring your furniture to its fresh, clean state. The absolute key to success is acting as quickly as possible to prevent the liquid from setting deep into the cushions.
First, you must blot the area immediately with a clean, dry towel or paper towels. Press firmly to soak up as much of the urine as you can, but resist the urge to scrub. Rubbing will only push the urine deeper into the fabric and padding, making your job much harder. Once you've absorbed the excess liquid, it's time to tackle the stain and the smell. A highly effective and readily available solution is a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly spray the solution onto the affected area, letting it sit for a few minutes. The vinegar is brilliant because it works to neutralize the ammonia in the urine. After it has sat, blot the area again with a fresh, dry cloth.
To conquer any remaining odor and pull out the last of the moisture, generously sprinkle baking soda over the damp spot. You can't use too much here, so be liberal with it. Let the baking soda sit for several hours, or even overnight if possible. It will work like a charm, absorbing the odor and moisture. Once it is completely dry, simply vacuum it all up. For persistent or old stains, your best bet is to invest in an enzymatic cleaner, which is specifically designed to break down the uric acid crystals in urine that cause stains and smells. Trust this process, and your couch will be back to normal in no time.
