How To Clean Dog Poop Off Couch: Get Stains Out Fast

What is the best way to clean dog poop off a couch quickly? The fastest way to start is to act fast! Get supplies right away. Lift off any solid poop first. Be gentle. Then, blot the wet spot. Do not rub. Rubbing pushes the mess deeper into the couch. Blotting lifts it out.

Cleaning dog poop from your couch is never fun. But it happens! Maybe your new puppy had an accident. Maybe your old dog had a tummy ache. Seeing that mess on your nice couch makes your heart sink. Don’t worry. You can clean it. You can make your couch look and smell good again. This guide shows you how. We will go step-by-step. We will talk about different kinds of messes and different couches.

How To Clean Dog Poop Off Couch
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What To Do Right Away

Speed is your best friend here. The faster you clean, the better chance you have to get the stain out completely.

Stop: Do not panic. Stay calm.
Gather: Get your cleaning things ready.
Act: Start cleaning right away.

Getting Your Supplies Ready

You need some things to clean the mess well. Get these items before you start.

Paper towels. Get a lot.
Rubber gloves. Protect your hands.
Plastic bag. To put the mess and used towels in.
Spoon or something flat (like cardboard). To scoop up solids.
Cleaning solution. An enzyme cleaner for dog poop is best. Or a DIY cleaner.
Clean cloths or rags. You need a few.
A spray bottle. For your cleaning mix.
Water. Clean, cool water.
Maybe a scrub brush (soft one for fabric).

Taking Off the Solid Mess

This is the first big step. You need to get the chunks off the couch. Do this carefully.

Put on your rubber gloves. This is important for hygiene.
Use the spoon or flat thing. Gently scoop up the solid poop.
Put the scooped poop right into the plastic bag.
Try not to spread it around. Just lift it off.
Get as much solid stuff as you can.
Close the plastic bag tightly. Take it outside to the trash bin right away if you can. This helps with the smell.

Dealing With the Wet Spot: Blot, Don’t Rub

Now you have the wet part. This is where the stain and smell come from. This is a very important step.

Get your paper towels.
Put them on the wet spot. Press down gently.
Do not rub back and forth. This pushes the mess deeper into the couch fibers. It makes the stain harder to get out.
Just press down. Let the paper towels soak up the liquid.
Lift the wet paper towels off. Put them in your plastic bag.
Get new paper towels. Put them on the spot again.
Keep doing this. Use new paper towels until they come up almost dry. You are trying to lift the mess out of the couch.

This action helps to blot fresh dog poop stain effectively. It pulls the stain and smell out instead of pushing them in.

Choosing Your Cleaning Power

You have the mess lifted. Now you need to clean the area. You need something that breaks down what dog poop is made of.

Why Use Enzyme Cleaners?

Dog poop has proteins and other things in it that regular cleaners don’t break down well. It also has bacteria. These things cause stains and bad smells.

Enzyme cleaners have special tiny workers (enzymes). These enzymes eat the stuff in pet messes. They break down the organic matter. This means they break down the things that cause the stain and the smell.

Using an enzyme cleaner for dog poop is often the best way to get rid of the stain and the smell for good. An enzyme cleaner for pet accidents works on many kinds of pet messes, like urine or vomit too. They are made for this job. They get into the fibers and clean deeply.

Picking the Best Pet Stain Remover for Fabric Couch

There are many cleaners out there. For a fabric couch, you want a cleaner safe for upholstery. Always check the cleaner bottle label. It should say it is safe for fabric or upholstery. It is also smart to test a small hidden spot on your couch first. Put a tiny bit of cleaner on a spot you can’t see. Like the back of a cushion or under the couch skirt. Wait a few minutes. See if it changes the color or texture of the fabric. If it looks okay, you can use it on the mess.

Some good options include:

Enzyme Cleaners: Many brands make cleaners specifically for pet stains using enzymes. These are highly recommended to clean dog poop stain upholstery effectively.
Specialized Pet Stain Removers: Some cleaners are not enzyme-based but are designed for pet messes. Read reviews to see if they work well.
DIY Cleaners: You can make your own cleaner with simple things you have at home.

Making Your Own DIY Dog Poop Cleaner for Furniture

You can make a simple cleaner if you don’t have a special pet cleaner. This is a natural cleaning for dog messes option.

Option 1: Dish Soap and Water

Mix a small amount of mild dish soap (like the kind for washing dishes by hand) with cool water.
Use just a drop or two of soap in a cup of water. Too much soap is bad. It can leave a sticky spot that attracts more dirt.

Option 2: Vinegar and Water

Mix white vinegar and cool water. Use half vinegar and half water.
Vinegar is acidic. It helps clean and can help with smell.
Be careful with vinegar on some fabrics. Test it first.

How to Use Your DIY Cleaner:

Put the mix in a spray bottle.
Lightly spray the stained area. Do not make the couch too wet.
Use a clean cloth. Gently blot the spot. Work from the outside of the stain towards the middle. This stops the stain from spreading bigger.
Do not rub hard. Just press and lift.
Rinse your cloth often in clean water. Or use a new clean cloth.
Keep blotting with the cleaner mix.
When the stain seems gone, use a clean cloth with just cool water. Blot the area to rinse out the soap or vinegar.
Then, blot with dry paper towels or a dry cloth to get out as much water as possible.

These DIY methods can help clean dog poop stain upholstery, but they might not fully remove the smell like enzyme cleaners do.

Using an Enzyme Cleaner: The Deep Clean

Using an enzyme cleaner is often the best way to get a deep clean and remove dog poop smell from couch fabric.

First, do the scooping and blotting steps described earlier. Get up all solids and blot up as much wetness as you can.
Read the instructions on your enzyme cleaner bottle. Follow what it says. Every brand is a little different.
Usually, you spray the cleaner on the stained spot. Make sure you cover the whole area where the mess was.
The cleaner needs time to work. The enzymes need time to eat the mess. The bottle will tell you how long. It might be 10 minutes or more.
Do not let the cleaner dry on the couch while it is working. If it starts to dry, spray a little more.
After the waiting time, use a clean cloth or paper towels to blot up the cleaner. Blot gently.
You might need to put clean water on the spot and blot it up to rinse the area. Check the cleaner bottle instructions. Some enzyme cleaners do not need rinsing.
Blot very well with dry paper towels or a dry cloth. Get the spot as dry as possible.
You might need to do this cleaning process more than once for tough stains or smells.

Enzyme cleaners are usually the best pet stain remover for fabric couch surfaces because they deal with the stuff you can’t see that causes lingering issues.

Dealing With the Lingering Smell

Even if the stain looks gone, you might still smell something bad. That’s because tiny bits of the mess and bacteria are still there. An enzyme cleaner helps a lot with this. But sometimes you need extra steps to remove dog poop smell from couch fabric completely.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is great at soaking up smells.

After you have cleaned the area and blotted it dry, sprinkle a good amount of dry baking soda over the spot.
Let the baking soda sit there for several hours. Overnight is even better. It will pull the smells out of the couch fibers.
After waiting, use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the baking soda. Make sure your vacuum can handle powder well.

Other Smell Fighters

Activated Charcoal: You can put a bowl of activated charcoal near the spot. It absorbs smells from the air.
Fresh Air: Open windows. Fresh air helps a lot to air out smells.
Fabric Fresheners: After the spot is clean and dry, you can use a fabric spray designed to remove odors. Test it in a hidden spot first.

Combining cleaning with an enzyme cleaner and then using baking soda is a powerful way to remove dog poop smell from couch upholstery.

Cleaning Different Couch Materials

Not all couches are the same. The best way to clean depends on what your couch is made of.

Cleaning Dog Feces Off Leather Sofa

Leather is different from fabric. It does not soak up liquid as fast. But it can stain and the wrong cleaners can damage it.

Act Super Fast: Poop on leather needs to be cleaned up instantly. Leather can stain permanently if you wait.
Scoop Carefully: Lift off solids with a spoon or cardboard. Be extra careful not to scratch the leather.
Wipe, Don’t Blot: For leather, you can use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the area. Work from the outside in.
Use Mild Soap: Mix a tiny bit of mild hand soap or leather cleaner with cool water. Make a little bit of suds.
Dip a soft cloth in the suds (not the water). Wipe the area gently.
Wipe with a clean, damp cloth (with just water) to rinse off the soap.
Dry the spot right away with a soft, dry cloth. Buff it gently.
Leather Cleaner/Conditioner: After it’s clean and dry, use a leather cleaner made for furniture, then a leather conditioner. This keeps the leather soft and helps protect it. Test these products in a hidden spot first.
Avoid: Do not use harsh chemicals, too much water, or heat on leather. This can damage it. Do not use enzyme cleaners made for fabric on leather unless the product specifically says it is safe for leather. Enzymes can sometimes break down the leather itself.

Cleaning Dog Poop Off Fabric Couch (Upholstery)

Fabric couches are common. There are different types of fabric.

Check the Tag: Many couches have a cleaning tag. Look for letters like ‘W’, ‘S’, ‘WS’, or ‘X’.
- ‘W’ means you can use water-based cleaners. This is most common.
- ‘S’ means use solvent-based cleaners only (no water). Pet messes are wet, so this is tricky. You might need a professional cleaner.
- ‘WS’ means you can use either water-based or solvent-based.
- ‘X’ means vacuum only (no liquid cleaners). Again, very tricky for poop. May need professional help.
Follow Steps: For ‘W’ or ‘WS’ fabrics, follow the scoop, blot, clean (enzyme cleaner or DIY), rinse, and dry steps described earlier.
Blotting is Key: Remember to blot, never rub fabric. This is very important to lift the clean dog poop stain upholstery mess out.
Don’t Oversaturate: Do not make the fabric too wet. Too much water can damage the cushion underneath or cause water stains or mold.
Let it Dry Fully: Make sure the spot dries completely. Use a fan to help speed up drying.

Dealing With Dried Dog Poop Stains

Sometimes you don’t find the mess right away. It dries onto the couch. This is harder to clean but still possible.

Scrape Gently: Use a spoon or stiff brush (like a toothbrush you won’t use again) to gently scrape off as much of the dried poop as you can. Do this carefully so you don’t damage the fabric fibers. Put the dry bits in a bag.
Re-wet the Stain: You need to make the stain wet again so you can lift it. Spray the dried stain lightly with cool water. Just make it damp, not soaking wet.
Apply Cleaner: Apply your chosen cleaner (enzyme cleaner is best for dried stains and smells) to the re-wetted spot. Make sure the cleaner covers the stain.
Let it Sit: Let the cleaner sit on the stain for the time the bottle says. For dried stains, you might need to let it sit longer than for a fresh one. The enzymes need time to break down the dried mess.
Blot: Use a clean cloth or paper towels to blot the area. Apply gentle pressure. You should start to see the stain lifting onto the cloth.
Repeat if Needed: For stubborn dried stains, you might need to spray more cleaner, let it sit, and blot again several times.
Rinse and Dry: Once the stain is gone, rinse the area by blotting with a cloth dampened with clean water. Then blot with dry cloths or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
Use Baking Soda: After cleaning and drying, use baking soda to help remove any lingering smell from the dried mess.

Cleaning dried dog feces off leather sofa surfaces needs even more care. You would follow similar steps to cleaning fresh poop off leather but might need to use the leather cleaner on the dried mark gently multiple times after scraping.

Making Sure Your Couch is Clean and Safe

Getting the stain out and the smell gone is great. But dog poop has bacteria. You want to make sure the spot is clean and safe for your family and pets.

How to Disinfect Couch After Dog Poop

After you have cleaned the stain and removed the smell, you should disinfect the area. This kills germs.

Check Your Couch Material: Not all disinfectants are safe for all couch materials. Again, check the couch tag and test in a hidden spot.
Safe Disinfectant Options:
- Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): Can kill bacteria. Spray a small amount on the cleaned spot. Let it air dry. Test first, as it can affect some colors or materials. It usually dries quickly.
- Disinfectant Sprays: Some sprays kill germs. Make sure it says it kills bacteria and viruses. Check that it is safe for upholstery. Some might have strong smells or chemicals you don’t want on your couch.
- Steam Cleaner: If you have a steam cleaner made for upholstery, the heat can kill germs. Make sure your couch fabric can handle steam (check the tag!).
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3% solution): Can disinfect and help with stains. Test carefully! It can bleach some fabrics. Put a small amount on a cloth and blot the area. Or put it in a spray bottle, spray lightly, and blot after a few minutes. Rinse with water (blotting) and dry well.

Choose a disinfectant that is safe for your specific couch material. Apply it to the cleaned area. Let it work for the time the product suggests. Then let the area dry completely. How to disinfect couch after dog poop depends on the material, but alcohol or specific upholstery disinfectants are common choices.

Natural Cleaning for Dog Messes

Maybe you prefer to use natural products. Some natural options can help clean up dog poop messes, especially the liquid part and smell.

Vinegar: As mentioned, a mix of white vinegar and water (50/50) can clean and deodorize. It’s acidic, which helps break down some parts of the mess. Always test it first.
Baking Soda: Excellent for soaking up smells. Use it dry after cleaning.
Club Soda: The bubbles in club soda can sometimes help lift stains. Blot with club soda, then blot dry. Follow with another cleaner if needed.
Cornstarch: Can help soak up wetness or grease from the mess. Put it on the wet spot, let it sit, then brush or vacuum it up. Follow with other cleaning steps.
Lemon Juice: Acidic like vinegar, can help with stains and smells. Can also bleach fabrics, so test with extreme care. Not recommended for dark fabrics.

While these natural methods can help, an enzyme cleaner is generally much more effective at completely breaking down the organic matter and removing the smell from pet accidents. For a deep clean and full smell removal, especially on fabric, enzyme cleaners are hard to beat. Natural options can be good for pre-treating or for follow-up on less severe messes or certain materials.

Drying the Couch

After cleaning, it is very important to dry the area completely. A wet spot can lead to mold, mildew, and a musty smell.

Blot, Blot, Blot: Use thick towels or lots of paper towels to blot the cleaned area. Press down firmly to soak up moisture. Change towels as they get wet.
Apply Pressure: Stand or kneel on the towels placed over the spot (put something waterproof down first, like a plastic bag, then the towels) to press water out of the cushion.
Air Dry: Open windows. Use a fan pointed at the spot. Air movement helps evaporation.
Avoid Heat: Do not use a hair dryer or heater very close to the spot, especially on leather or delicate fabrics. It can cause damage.
Give it Time: It might take several hours or even a day or two for a spot to dry completely, depending on how wet it got and the humidity. Make sure it is fully dry before using the couch normally again.

Preventing Future Accidents

Cleaning up is a big job. It’s better if it doesn’t happen again! Here are some tips to help prevent future dog poop accidents on your couch.

Training: Make sure your dog is well potty trained. Take them out often, especially after waking up, eating, or playing.
Watch Your Dog: Keep an eye on your dog when they are in the living room, especially puppies or dogs with upset tummies. Learn the signs they need to go out (sniffing, circling).
Limit Couch Access: If accidents happen often, block off access to the couch or the room when you can’t watch them closely.
Clean Past Accidents Very Well: Dogs are attracted to the smell of past accidents. Using an enzyme cleaner is key to removing the smell completely so they don’t go in the same spot again.
Regular Vet Visits: Sometimes accidents are caused by health problems. If your dog starts having accidents often, see your vet.
Plenty of Potty Breaks: Make sure your dog gets enough time outside to do their business.
Consider a Pet-Friendly Couch Cover: A washable cover can protect your couch from spills, dirt, and accidents.

Taking steps to prevent accidents saves you a lot of cleaning work later!

Putting It All Together: A Quick Guide

Here is a summary of the main steps for cleaning dog poop off a fabric couch:

Step	Action	Important Tip
1. Act Fast	Get supplies, stay calm.	The sooner, the better.
2. Remove Solids	Use spoon/cardboard to scoop poop into a bag.	Be gentle, don’t spread.
3. Blot Wetness	Use paper towels to press and lift liquid.	DO NOT RUB. Blot from outside in.
4. Apply Cleaner	Use enzyme cleaner or DIY mix. Follow product steps.	Test in a hidden spot first.
5. Let Cleaner Work	Give enzyme cleaner time to break down mess.	Keep spot damp if needed during wait time.
6. Blot Cleaner	Use clean cloth/towels to blot up cleaner and mess.	Rinse cloth often, use new ones.
7. Rinse (If Needed)	Blot with damp cloth (just water) to rinse cleaning residue.	Don’t over-wet the couch.
8. Dry Thoroughly	Blot with dry towels. Use fan.	Make sure it’s completely dry to prevent mold/smell.
9. Deodorize	Sprinkle baking soda, let sit, vacuum.	Helps remove any leftover smell.
10. Disinfect	Use a safe disinfectant (like alcohol). Test first.	Kills germs after cleaning.

For cleaning dog feces off leather sofa, the steps are similar but involve wiping gently instead of blotting, using minimal moisture, and using leather-safe cleaners and conditioners.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are answers to some common questions about cleaning dog poop from couches.

How long does it take for dog poop stain to come out of couch?

It depends on many things. How fast did you clean it? What kind of fabric is it? Did you use a good cleaner like an enzyme cleaner? Fresh stains are usually faster. Dried stains take more time and effort. Sometimes you need to clean the spot more than once. With fast action and the right cleaner, you can often get the stain out in one go, but the whole process including drying might take hours.

Can I just use soap and water to clean dog poop?

You can try. Mild dish soap and water can clean the surface dirt. But they often do not break down the proteins and bacteria inside the mess that cause deep stains and smells. An enzyme cleaner is much better for fully removing pet stains and smells. Soap and water might be okay for a very small, fresh mess if you act super fast, but it might not remove dog poop smell from couch fabric completely.

Does vinegar remove dog poop smell from couch?

Vinegar can help reduce smells because it is acidic and can kill some bacteria. Mixing white vinegar and water (50/50) and using it to clean the spot can help. However, it doesn’t break down the smell-causing stuff as well as an enzyme cleaner does. Sometimes, the vinegar smell itself is strong for a while. It’s a good natural option, but enzyme cleaners are usually more effective for tough pet odors.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for cleaning dog poop?

Hydrogen peroxide (the 3% kind from the store) can help clean and disinfect. It can also help remove stains. But it can bleach colors. You must test it on a hidden spot of your couch fabric first! If it doesn’t change the color, you can use it carefully. Blot it on, let it sit a few minutes, then blot with water to rinse, and dry well. It is not usually recommended for leather.

What is the best pet stain remover for fabric couch?

Most experts agree that enzyme cleaners are the best pet stain remover for fabric couch messes like dog poop. They break down the organic parts of the mess that cause stains and smells at a deep level. Look for a cleaner specifically labeled as an “enzyme cleaner for pet accidents” or “pet stain and odor remover.” Always check reviews and test on your couch first.

How do I make sure the smell is completely gone?

Using an enzyme cleaner is the best start to remove dog poop smell from couch upholstery because it breaks down the source of the smell. After cleaning with the enzyme cleaner and drying, use baking soda. Sprinkle a thick layer on the spot, let it sit overnight, and vacuum it up. Good air flow (open windows, fan) helps too. If the smell is still there, you might need to clean the spot again with the enzyme cleaner.

Can dog poop permanently stain a couch?

Yes, it can, especially if not cleaned up quickly or properly. Letting it sit, or rubbing the stain deeper into the fabric, makes it much harder, sometimes impossible, to remove completely. The color of the poop and the color and type of the couch fabric also matter. Acting fast, blotting, and using an effective cleaner like an enzyme cleaner gives you the best chance to clean dog poop stain upholstery fully.

What should I do if the stain won’t come out?

If you have tried cleaning multiple times with a good cleaner and the stain is still there, you have a few options. You can try a stronger commercial stain remover (test first!). You could rent a carpet or upholstery cleaner machine (make sure it is safe for your couch fabric). Or, you can call a professional upholstery cleaner. They have stronger tools and cleaners that might be able to remove the stain.

Cleaning up dog poop from your couch is a tough chore, but with the right steps and products, you can usually get it clean and fresh again. Remember to act quickly, blot carefully, and use an enzyme cleaner for the best results on stains and smells.