Accidents happen—whether from kids, pets, or spills—and one of the most stubborn odors to remove is urine. A Sofa, being absorbent and often difficult to clean, can quickly trap unpleasant smells. The right cleaning method depends heavily on the sofa material. Here’s how to remove pee smell from different types of sofas effectively.

Fabric sofa

Fabric sofas absorb liquid quickly, so immediate action is key.

Steps:

1. Blot excess liquid with paper towels.

2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and lightly spray the stained area.

3. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp spot and let it sit for several hours.

4. Vacuum the baking soda to remove odor and residue.

Tip: For deeper odors, use an enzyme-based cleaner designed to break down urine proteins.

Leather Sofa

Leather is less absorbent, but urine can still seep into seams and cause lingering smells.

Steps:

1. Wipe the surface immediately with a damp cloth.

2. Mix mild soap with warm water and gently clean the affected area.

3. Dry with a soft towel.

4. Apply a leather conditioner to prevent drying or cracking.

Tip: Avoid harsh cleaners like vinegar or alcohol, which may damage the leather finish.

Faux Leather or PU Sofa

Artificial leather is more resistant than fabric but less durable than genuine leather.

Steps:

1. Blot the liquid quickly with a dry cloth.

2. Use a mild dish soap and water solution to wipe down the area.

3. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

4. If odor persists, use a small amount of baking soda paste, leave it for 30 minutes, then wipe off.

Tip: Always test cleaning solutions on a hidden spot to avoid discoloration.

Microfiber Sofa

Microfiber has a tight weave that resists stains but can still hold odors.

Steps:

1. Check the cleaning code on the sofa tag (S, W, or WS).

2. For water-safe sofas, mix vinegar and water, spray lightly, and blot.

3. For solvent-only sofas, use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and scrub gently with a soft brush.

4. Finish with baking soda to neutralize any odor.

Tip: Avoid oversaturating microfiber, as it may leave water rings.

Mixed Material Sofas (Fabric + Leather)

Some sofas combine fabric cushions with leather arms or sides.

Steps:

1. Treat the fabric parts with vinegar and baking soda as described above.

2. Clean the leather sections with mild soap and water.

3. Allow the entire sofa to dry completely before use.

Tip: Use separate cleaning cloths for fabric and leather to avoid cross-contamination.

Preventing Future Odors

• Use washable slipcovers for fabric sofas.

• Place waterproof pads on areas where pets often sit.

• Vacuum and clean regularly to stop odors from setting in.

• Address accidents immediately instead of letting them soak.

Conclusion

Getting pee smell out of a sofa requires choosing the right cleaning method based on the sofa’s material. Fabric responds best to vinegar and baking soda, leather requires gentle soap and conditioning, faux leather benefits from mild cleaners, and microfiber needs special care with the correct cleaning code. With prompt action and the right approach, your sofa can be restored to a fresh and odor-free state.

✅ For stubborn odors that don’t go away, professional upholstery cleaning may be the safest solution.