How to Clean Pet Stains from Upholstery
The short answer
Before applying any product, find the cleaning code tag on your furniture — usually under a seat cushion or on the frame. W means water-based cleaners are safe. S means dry-cleaning solvent only. WS means either is acceptable. X means no liquid at all; professional cleaning only. For W or WS upholstery with a pet urine stain, enzyme cleaner is the right product — but apply it sparingly. Over-wetting upholstery soaks into the cushion foam and is very difficult to dry, which causes its own odor problem.
Before you start
You need: enzyme cleaner labeled for pet urine or pet odor, clean white cloths, cool water.
Find the cleaning code tag on your furniture (usually under a seat cushion or attached to the frame). W or WS: water-based cleaning is safe — proceed with the steps below. S: dry-cleaning solvent only — do not use water or enzyme cleaner. X: professional cleaning only — do not apply any product. Using water on S-coded fabric can cause permanent water rings, shrinkage, or fiber damage.
Steps
- 1Check the cleaning code tag (W or WS to proceed; S or X: stop and contact a professional).
- 2Blot fresh urine immediately with a clean white cloth. Press firmly and lift — do not rub or scrub.
- 3Apply enzyme cleaner lightly to the stained area using a spray bottle if possible. Use just enough to dampen the fabric surface. Upholstery cannot be rinsed like carpet — do not saturate.
- 4Press a clean cloth firmly over the treated area and hold for 30 seconds to push the enzyme cleaner deeper and lift the deposit.
- 5Blot dry with a clean cloth. Repeat with fresh cloths until as much moisture as possible is absorbed.
- 6Allow to air dry completely with good air circulation. A fan directed at the area helps. Do not sit on the furniture until fully dry.
- 7Once dry, check for odor. If it persists, the deposit reached the foam. Repeat with a slightly heavier application, still avoiding saturation.
What not to do
- Do not over-wet — upholstery fabric and the foam beneath cannot be rinsed the way carpet can. Excess moisture causes water rings and foam damage.
- Do not apply any liquid to S-coded or X-coded upholstery — check the cleaning code tag first.
- Do not rub the fabric — rubbing spreads the stain and distorts the fiber weave.
- Do not use steam cleaners on most upholstery — heat can set protein stains and damage fibers.
Frequently asked questions
What does the cleaning code on upholstery mean?
The cleaning code tells you what is safe to apply to the fabric. W: water-based cleaners are safe. S: dry-cleaning solvent only — water will cause damage. WS: either is acceptable. X: no liquid cleaner of any kind; vacuum or professional cleaning only. The tag is usually under a seat cushion or attached to the furniture frame. Using water on an S-coded fabric can cause permanent water rings or fiber shrinkage.
Why does my sofa still smell after I treated the pet stain?
Pet urine often soaks through the fabric into the cushion foam beneath, where surface-only treatment cannot reach. The enzyme cleaner needs to penetrate the foam. For persistent odor after 2–3 surface treatments, try removing the cushion cover (if removable) and treating the foam directly, or consider professional upholstery extraction cleaning.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool to get a step-by-step plan based on your upholstery type, stain, and available supplies.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool