A well-loved couch can be subject to lots of embarrassing wear and tear. Worse yet, accidents happen that could ruin this living room staple.

For example, pee stains are surprisingly common. Whether it’s from a pet or a person, such stains are easily cleanable with store-bought or homemade solutions.

Successful methods include using vinegar, baking soda, and mouthwash (yes, mouthwash) to get urine smells and stains out of your couch quickly—here's how.

Whether it’s fresh or set in, pee stains are treatable. Though the best cleaning solution might vary based on the material of your couch, pee stain removal always follows a similar process. Acting fast is key so put on your gloves and grab your DIY concoction or a store-bought spray, paper towels, microfiber cloths, a bowl of warm water, and a gentle scrub brush or sponge.

For ideal results, remember to keep kids or pets away through the entire process.

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Check the furniture label to avoid ruining your sofa in the cleaning process. Some upholstery materials are more sensitive than others, which means that certain cleaning products can cause lasting damage. These are common upholstery cleaning labels to look for:

D: Dry-clean only.

S: Use solvent-based cleaners only, avoid water.

SW: Use water or solvent cleaners for this material.

W: Use a water-based cleaning solution only.

X: Do not clean with water or solution, only vacuum.

Remove excess urine with a paper towel or cloth before applying the cleaning solution. This will make it easier to clean and prevent fresh urine from seeping further into the couch fibers. Be sure to pat—not rub—to avoid spreading the urine.

If you’re using household items, white vinegar is a solid option. Depending on the severity of the stain and the couch material, you can use a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar.

For more delicate materials, a more diluted solution of four parts water to one part vinegar would be appropriate.

Alternatively, you can try a store-bought enzyme cleaner, which might be a worthwhile purchase if pee stains are a common occurrence.

Remember to test your solution in a less noticeable area of the couch first, to avoid discoloration or fraying on a highly visible part.

For vinegar solutions, scrub the stain with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Start on the outer edges of the stain and work your way in. Continue dipping into the solution and scrubbing the couch until the odor and stain are gone.

For enzyme cleaners, spray the area generously and let it sit for 15 minutes (or as per the instructions). Air dry after blotting the stain and stench away.

Use Baking Soda

For tougher stains, sprinkle baking soda over the entire area while it’s still wet. Let the baking soda soak up the liquid for about 12 hours. When the spot is fully dry, vacuum away the excess baking soda.

Even after you’ve cleaned the stain, sometimes a lingering pee smell persists. Here are five household ingredients that get pee smells out of your couch.

Use baking soda again to remove pee odors.

Mix a solution of dish soap (a few drops) and warm water or a vinegar and water solution

Scrub the smelly area with a rag or cloth

While the area is still wet, pour a generous amount of baking soda (around ½ a cup) over the spot

Let the baking soda rest overnight to absorb the odor

Vacuum the baking soda from the spot when the area is fully dry the next morning

While it might seem a bit odd, mouthwash can actually be a great tool to remove pee smells from couches.

Pour half a cup of clear-colored mouthwash into a spray bottle and mix the rest with water

Spray the affected area with the solution

Blot with a dry cloth or paper towel

Repeat the process until the smell disappears

Let the area dry

Another unexpectedly effective method to remove unpleasant odors is to lay on coffee grounds. They work particularly well for leather couches.

Mix a few drops of dish soap into a container of warm water and mix until soapy

Use a cloth or rag to scrub the area

If the smell is particularly bad, apply a 1:1 water and vinegar solution to lightly scrub the spot

Wipe and blot the area clean

Let it dry for 10 minutes

To avoid color seepage, place coffee grounds in an open or breathable bag next to the spot

Let it sit overnight to absorb any odors

Three ingredients combine to make a powerful odor-removing solution.

In a container, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a tablespoon of dish soap

Apply the solution to the smelly area

Let it sit for 15 minutes

Use a dry cloth to wipe the area clean

Use another clean cloth to dab it dry

Vinegar eliminates both stains and odors.

Mix a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water

Scrub the urine spot

Continue dipping into the solution and working on the area until the odor is gone

Let the spot air-dry

Pee accidents are not always preventable, but there are strategies to minimize the risk of staining your couch. Here are a few long-term options:

Consistent cleaning also ensures that if an accident does happen, you’ll catch it early enough to avoid any deep smells or stains.