What Neutralizes Dog Urine?

What neutralizes dog urine odor and smell? It’s a common question of dog owners because they know that how big is this problem is. Let’s just dive deep into the details and see how it works for different kinds of surfaces.

Here’s a quick short answer:

Anything that has a pH that is opposite to the pH of dog urine, can neutralize its odor.

Some quick facts about the dog’s urine.

The composition of dog urine varies from time to time. It’s different in the morning than in the evening.
Its pH also changes with time. The food the dog has eaten also impacts it.
Different dog breeds have different urine compositions, Even if they eat the same food and the urine is tested at the same time and in the same environment.^(ref)
The dog urine spreads just so quickly, this is why we always recommend covering the double area when cleaning it.
More concentrated urine will give you a more tough time while cleaning it up.

Dog urine is composed of urea, ammonia, uric acid, creatinine, enzymes, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and some minerals like sodium potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Ammonia is a major part of dog urine and its nature is alkaline. So it makes dog urine a little more alkaline.

According to nu-hope, The higher the alkaline condition of the urine, the more likely the urine will have a strong odor and that bacteria will be present.

So anything that is acidic in nature will neutralize it.

Any of these things will neutralize dog urine:

Distilled White Vinegar
Baking soda
Lemon juice
3% Hydrogen peroxide
Epsom salt or potassium alum
Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
Enzyme cleaner

These things are slightly acidic so they will help to neutralize dog urine.

But you will have to keep in mind that the surface can also be discolored, if not used properly.

What neutralizes dog urine on hardwood?

You cannot use vinegar and baking soda on the hardwood.

Use 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with some water to neutralize dog urine from the hardwood. This works to clean and sanitize woods.

“Mix a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of water, and rub it on the problematic area, let it sit for a few minutes, and clean with a paper towel.”

Best enzyme cleaner to clean dog urine from hardwood.

What neutralizes dog urine on grass/soil?

Vinegar is not safe to use on grass and plants. However, you can use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide diluted in water.

One way is to use water. Watering the grass will dilute the urine, which will eventually reduce the odor.
Take almost a cup of baking soda, add it into a gallon of water, and spread it onto the problematic area.
Diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide can also help.

Best enzyme cleaner to clean dog urine in the lawn and yard.

What neutralizes dog urine on concrete?

Make a mix of 50% white distilled vinegar and 50% water in a bottle, add 2 tsp of baking soda to it. Use it to clean up that area.

Best enzyme cleaner to clean dog urine from concrete.

What neutralizes dog urine from carpet?

As above, a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda can be used to clean up the carpet.

Here’s how to clean up the carpet when your dog does the deed there.

Best enzyme cleaner to clean dog urine from carpet.

The same solution works for Tiles and fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What enzymes break down pet urine?

Lipase, amylase, and protease are known to break down pet urine.

Does hydrogen peroxide neutralize dog urine?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide has a slightly acidic nature, and it can do the job but make sure its strength is 3%.

Does rubbing alcohol neutralize dog urine?

Yes, rubbing alcohol may help.

How can I make my house not smell like dog urine?

If your house is smelling like a dog’s urine, there are huge chances that cleaning has not been done properly. Get a UV flashlight, turn off the lights and find out the messy area.

Clean that up properly with a good enzymatic cleaner. Use a Febreze pet odor eliminator spray to refreshen the air. An air purifier is another great option.