If you have a cat, you know how distinct and unpleasant the smell of cat pee can be. While most cats use their litter boxes, accidents do happen from time to time. When cat urine gets on the carpet, it can be particularly troublesome because it seeps in deep and takes a lot of effort to clean. Don’t worry, though—we’ll cover how to effectively remove cat urine and its odor from your carpet. Let’s dive in.
First off, you might think of using a steam cleaner, but that’s not a good idea. The heat and steam can actually bond the urine’s protein to the carpet fibers. Instead, keep these supplies ready for a cleaning emergency:
– Baking soda
– Vinegar
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Dishcloths
– Dish soap
– Enzymatic cleaner
– Paper towels
– Water
– Carpet shampooer
Steam Cleaner vs Shampooer: Which Is Better?
A carpet shampooer is a better option for cleaning up cat urine since it uses cold water and soap to scrub the carpet fibers and then sucks out the dirty water. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, use heat, which can make the smell worse. But even if you don’t have a carpet shampooer, there are other effective methods you can use with common household items.
3 Methods to Remove Urine Smells & Stains
1. Enzymatic Cleaner Method
An enzymatic cleaner contains special enzymes that break down the proteins in urine, effectively eliminating stains and odors. Here’s how to use it:
1. Blot up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels.
2. Spray the enzymatic cleaner on the stain, making sure to cover it completely.
3. Follow the instructions on the cleaner bottle—usually, you need to let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Blot up the cleaner with a clean cloth until the area is dry.
You may have to repeat the process if the stain or odor persists once the carpet is dry.
2. Vinegar & Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda work great together to neutralize odors and clean stains. Follow these steps:
1. Mix 1.5 cups of warm water with ½ cup of white vinegar in a bowl or spray bottle.
2. Blot up as much of the urine as you can with a clean cloth.
3. Saturate the stain with the vinegar solution and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Blot up the vinegar solution.
5. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit overnight to absorb the odor.
6. Vacuum up the baking soda the next morning.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap, and Baking Soda
This method uses everyday household items to tackle the stain and smell:
1. Blot up as much urine as possible with a clean cloth.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area.
3. Mix ¾ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
4. Pour the mixture over the baking soda-covered stain.
5. Let it sit for a few hours, then blot it up and vacuum the residue.
By using these methods, you can help ensure your carpet stays clean and free of unpleasant odors.
