Answer to Question #36861 in Inorganic Chemistry for Kaley

Question

I read that putting hot water+ dawn dish soap would help rinse out the smell of pet urine ( we just got a untrained puppy). Earlier i tried pet detergent+ hot water. Though i vacuumed the spots I think the dawn (anionic) and detergent (anionic) mixed. The smell is powerful and awful, what should i do? Please help

Answer 1

The odor of urine is generally caused by ammonia and organic amines. Amines show basic properties, so they can be removed using acids. The acetic acid (vinegar) is seemed to be usable in this case. Soak your polluted clothes with vinegar and leave for two hours. After that rinse them well - the vinegar will be completely removed as well as the pong from amines.