Oh no, your kitty had an accident! Whether it’s because of a health issue, stress, or possibly spraying to mark their territory, dealing with cat urine spots can be a pain. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but those little brown spots are tenacious and can seem impossible to remove.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get rid of cat urine spots (and the associated odor) for good. In this post, we’ll go over some simple tips and tricks for getting rid of cat urine stains and odors.
The first step is to clean up as much of the urine as possible. The longer the urine sits, the harder it will be to remove. Use a paper towel or old cloth to blot up as much liquid as you can. Once you’ve soaked up as much as possible, it’s time to start the deep cleaning.
Cleaning Cat Urine Spots With Household Vinegar
There are a few different household cleaners that can effectively clean cat urine spots. For example, white vinegar is acidic and can help break down the uric acid in cat urine. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the solution on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the stain.
Cleaning Cat Urine Spots With Hydrogen Peroxide
Another option is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also acidic and can help break down the uric acid in cat urine. Be sure to use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Any higher concentration can damage your carpet or upholstery. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and spritz on the stain. Let it sit for about five minutes before blotting it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains.
Using Other Natural Alternatives
If you’d prefer not to use harsh chemicals, there are some other natural alternatives that can also be effective. One option is baking soda - baking soda is absorbent and can help neutralize odors. Sprinkle baking soda generously on the affected area and let it sit for about 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the stain is removed and the odor is gone.
Enzyme Cleaners Can Do the Job
Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes that break down organic matter. When used on cat urine spots, the enzymes in the cleaner break down the proteins in the urine, which neutralizes the odor. Enzyme cleaners also break down the stains, making them much easier to remove.
There are several benefits to using enzyme cleaners for removing cat urine spots and odor:
- They are effective - enzyme cleaners quickly break down both the odor and the stains associated with cat urine.
- They are safe - enzyme cleaners are safe to use around pets and children.
- They are easy to find - enzyme cleaners can be found in most pet stores.
- They are affordable - enzyme cleaners are very affordable, especially when compared to professional carpet cleaning services.
We recently did a review of five of the best enzyme cleaners for cat urine. Check that out to learn more about these cleaners.
Cat urine stains and odors can be tough to remove - but not impossible! The key is acting as quickly as possible after you discover the spot. Once it has dried, it can still be removed but may take a bit more effort. With these simple tips and tricks, you can get rid of those pesky stains and odors for good.