I’m trying to understand recurring pet urine odor problems from real home-cleaning experiences. I’m not selling anything and I’m not linking to anything.

If you had old dog/cat urine odor in carpet, couch cushions, rugs, floor cracks, carpet pad, or an older home and the smell came back after cleaning: What did you try first?

What failed: odor came back, stain stayed, pet returned to the spot, cleaner fragrance was too strong, surface damage, or something else? Did it feel like you needed a stronger cleaner, or that the cleaner did not get deep enough / stay wet long enough / get re-checked after drying? If you already had a cleaner or DIY method you trusted, would anything that helps apply it deeper, keep the area wet/covered long enough, block pets while it dries, and remind you to re-check after 24-72 hours be useful? Or is knowing the method enough?

I’m especially interested in cases involving carpet pad, couch cushions, floor cracks, old/deep smell, or smell that returns after the area dries.