Step 1

Soak up fresh urine stains — that are still wet — from the carpet with a white cloth or paper towel. Press down on the soiled area of carpet with the towel to absorb the urine, turning the towel to a new spot each time you press down.

Step 2

Pour a little white vinegar on the stained carpet area. Use the minimum amount of vinegar needed to saturate the stain, to avoid soaking the backing of the carpet.

Step 3

Scrub the vinegar-saturated stain with a wet sponge or a soft-bristled cleaning brush.

Step 4

Blot up the vinegar from the carpet with a white cloth or paper towel.

Step 5

Repeat the vinegar treatment as many times as necessary to remove the stain and odor from the carpet.

Step 6

Apply an enzyme pet stain remover to the carpet stain if the vinegar failed to completely treat the carpet. Enzyme cleaners contain microscopic enzymes that eat urine, feces, vomit and other protein-based stains. Generally, enzyme cleaners are left on the carpet for 10 minutes to overnight, depending on the age of the stain, to allow the enzymes to do their job. A moist towel or saran wrap is placed over the stain to keep the enzyme cleaner from drying out, since the enzymes only work when wet. Follow the product manufacturer’s directions for specific instructions on how to use the enzyme cleaner. Older stains may require multiple treatments with the enzyme cleaners.

Step 7

Sprinkle baking soda over the area of the carpet that was treated for the stain, after the carpet is dry, to remove any remaining odor. Vacuum up the baking soda after 10 minutes.