How to Get Dog Pee Smell & Stain Out of Footwear

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HOME & FAMILY, PETS

If you’re a dog owner, you’re likely no stranger to dealing with unexpected accidents. One of the most frustrating mishaps is when your furry friend leaves their mark on your favourite footwear. However, it’s essential to approach this challenge calmly and systematically. You can use various methods to clean your boots, whether dealing with dog urine or poop stains. Here are some pragmatic approaches to tackle the issue:

Machine Washing

How to Get Dog Pee Smell & Stain Out of Footwear (2)

Machine washing is highly effective for removing dog urine odour from shoes, but your shoes must be machine-washable.
The key is to act quickly. The more time urine remains, the more challenging it becomes to eliminate the odor.
Before washing, lightly spritz your shoes with a stain remover or soak them in cold water and detergent. This pre-treatment can help break down the urine and stains more effectively.
Ensure you follow the washing instructions provided by the shoe manufacturer. Using the wrong settings or detergent can damage your shoes.

Shoe Cleaner

Shoe cleaning kits and products are readily available on the market, often equipped with specialized brushes designed to clean the shoe’s interior.
Before using a shoe cleaner, it’s crucial to rinse out any urine from your shoes to prevent further staining.
These cleaners are formulated to target odours and stains, making them a valuable tool in eliminating the effects of dog pee.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and powerful odour neutralizer that can effectively eliminate odours instead of just masking them.
To use baking soda, create a paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Gently scrub this paste onto the affected areas of your shoes.
Aside from odour removal, baking soda can help whiten shoes discoloured by urine stains. For leather shoes, following up with a leather conditioner is advisable to maintain their quality.

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Vinegar

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar is an effective natural cleaner and shoe deodorizer.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and then use this mixture to spray the interior of your shoes. Allow them to air dry.
Vinegar is known for its ability to neutralize odors, making it a valuable tool for tackling dog pee smells.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is an alternative option for removing urine odours from shoes.
Using a gentle brush, create a soapy solution by mixing dish soap with water. Scrub the affected areas of your shoes to target odour control, stain removal, and overall cleanliness.
Dish soap generates plenty of suds, so use it in moderation. For persistent odours, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.

Specialized Cleaners

A wide variety of pet urine odour and stain removers are available on the market. These products are specifically designed to combat the lingering effects of pet accidents.
While using these cleaners, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully is crucial. Some of these products may contain strong chemicals that can irritate your skin, so be cautious.
Always rinse your shoes thoroughly after using specialized cleaners to remove any residue.

Deodorizers

Consider using a shoe deodorizer if the urine odour persists after thorough cleaning.
Shoe deodorizers come in various forms, including sprays, powders, and shoe inserts. Some of them even contain baking soda, a well-known odour eliminator.
These deodorizers are excellent for freshening up the interior of your shoes and can help maintain a pleasant scent.

Freezing

Surprisingly, freezing your shoes can be a helpful step in managing urine odour. The interior of your boots creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
After cleaning your shoes, please place them in a plastic bag and freeze them overnight. This process can help destroy bacteria, halt the growth of odour-causing microorganisms, and prevent the smell from worsening.
While freezing isn’t a substitute for a thorough cleaning, it can be a valuable additional step in odour management.

Saddle Soap for Leather

If you have leather boots or shoes, consider using saddle soap for cleaning and conditioning leather.
However, remember that saddle soap can strip the natural oils from leather. To maintain the leather’s quality, have some olive oil or leather conditioner on hand to replenish the natural oils after cleaning.

Consult a Professional

When all else fails, and you’re dealing with particularly stubborn odours, especially in expensive or beloved shoes, it may be worthwhile to seek professional help.
Many shoe repair shops, particularly in major cities, offer cleaning services that are often more cost-effective than buying a new pair of shoes.

Buy New Shoes

As a last resort, if the urine odour persists despite your best efforts, consider replacing your shoes.
Remember that the longer urine has been in contact with the shoe, the more challenging it becomes to eliminate the odour.

Why Does Dog Pee on Shoes?

Understanding why your dog is urinating on your shoes is essential to address the issue effectively. Some common reasons include:

Submissive Urination: Dogs may urinate on your shoes as an involuntary reaction to feeling dominated or threatened by a person or another dog, particularly common in puppies.
Excitement Urination: Some dogs may urinate without showing signs of submission when overexcited.
Age: Puppies and younger dogs may have less bladder control than adults.
Territorial Marking: Unaltered male dogs may mark their territory by urinating on objects like shoes.
Health Issues: Sudden changes in urination patterns can be caused by underlying health problems. Seek guidance from your veterinarian to eliminate any potential medical concerns.
Behavioural Problems: Separation anxiety or other behavioural issues may lead to urinating indoors. Consult your vet or a professional dog trainer for guidance on addressing such behaviour.

In conclusion, addressing dog urine or poop odour in your shoes requires patience, proper cleaning techniques, and understanding the root cause of your dog’s behaviour. Maintaining a clean and odour-free environment benefits your and your dog’s well-being. If you have concerns about your dog’s urination habits or overall health, always consult your veterinarian for guidance.