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The recommended solution is to use a brand-name stain remover you trust in your machine. However, you can make an upholstery cleaning solution using a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and dish soap.

To get urine smell out of a fabric couch, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Gently dab the solution on the affected spot and let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it dry. For stubborn smells, especially if your pet likes to pee in the same spot, it’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaner versus choosing the DIY route. A pro can use an upholstery steam cleaner to get the dried urine smell out of the fabric.

Vinegar is acidic and makes a great cleaning agent for many items throughout the house, including some upholstery. It should not be used for any upholstery with the code S or X. It can be used for W labels. To use a vinegar solution, mix equal parts water and vinegar and blot the stain using a gentle circular motion with a clean microfibre cloth and then allow to dry completely. As with any DIY solution, test a small and inconspicuous section first.

It’s possible to DIY upholstery cleaning, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional. If you use aggressive cleaning solutions or are too rough with the material while trying to clean it, you could do permanent damage that demands repair or a full replacement. This issue is especially risky with more delicate materials, like leather, silk, and rayon. Some upholstery needs to be dry cleaned, and knowing how and when to use different cleaning methods is paramount for avoiding damage. A professional upholstery cleaner will know what products and methods are safe to use.