Removing cat urine from carpets is never fun, just ask anybody who owns a cat!
Cat urine has a very distinct smell, and unfortunately it’s one that lingers. So, we asked our team of professional cleaners for their top cat-urine-cleaning tips – and here’s what they recommended.
Your Ultimate Guide: Banishing That Cat Urine Smell From Your Carpet
Anyone who’s owned a cat knows that despite how cute and cuddly they are… they sure can leave some terrible smells behind.
Dealing with cat urine on carpets is particularly tricky because when the urine dries, it undergoes a chemical reaction that makes it near impossible to get rid of.
That being said, there are effective cat urine removal methods which we’ll explore now!
Steps to to Removing Cat Urine from Carpets (and Other Fabrics)
If your kitty has just had an accident, here are the five key steps for removing cat urine from carpets:
- Blot the area using paper towels or a clean cloth. You want to soak up as much liquid as possible without rubbing. Rubbing will actually spread the urine further into the fabric fibres and make it much harder to clean!
- Apply a cleaning solution, whether that’s special pet cleaning products, carpet cleaner or even a homemade blend of water and white vinegar. You want to spread it all over the area and ensure it saturates the fabric, then leave for 10-15 minutes.
- Blot the area again with clean, dry towels to absorb the cleaning solution and residual urine. Then, rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot again.
- Use a specialised pet odour neutraliser or enzymatic cleaner to break down the chemical compounds left behind by the urine that may cause a stink. And use generous amounts – it has to reach all the fibres that the urine reached.
- Allow the area to air-dry completely, and you can even let it dry in the sun for added odour-removing properties. Another option is to sprinkle with baking soda once it’s dry, to try to absorb any lingering scents.
Your Trusty Cleaning Kit: The Best Products to Tackle Cat Urine
Now that you know the basics of what causes that awful cat-urine smell, you need the right tools for the job!
Meet the Dynamic Duo: Baking Soda and Vinegar
The combination of baking soda and white vinegar are one of the best natural solutions for cat urine stains.
Both ingredients have natural odour-busting properties, which will help eliminate that cat-urine smell before it can set in. Plus, baking soda has natural bleaching properties while the vinegar acts as a natural solvent.
Unleash the Power of Enzymes: Why They’re Your Best Bet Against Cat Pee
Enzyme cleaners are perfect for removing cat urine from carpets. They work on a molecular level to break down the uric acid and organic matter in the cat urine, which completely neutralises the smell.
Watch Out! Avoid These Products When Dealing with Cat Urine
When your cat pees on the carpet, your first instinct might be to panic and dollop on every cleaning product you can find. But that’s not such a good idea…
You want to avoid using any cleaners that contain ammonia. Ammonia basically mimics the smell of urine, potentially encouraging cats to re-mark the area!
Steer clear of steam cleaners as well, as the heat can bake the stain and the odour into the fabric.
Time’s Ticking: How Cat Pee Becomes Your Worst Nightmare Over Time
If you don’t clean up cat urine immediately, I’ve got some bad news…
Once the cat urine dries, the uric acid breaks down and turns into ammonia. This chemical reaction transforms and intensifies the odour into something yucky. Plus, the water evaporates and this only concentrates the stench!
That’s why it’s crucial to clean cat urine very quickly once you notice it.
Keep It Fresh: Tips to Maintain a Cat-Urine-Free Carpet
Once you’ve cleaned cat urine out of your carpet, you’re highly unlikely to want it to happen again!
So, here are some tips for preventing another accident in the future.
An Ounce of Prevention: A Clean Litter Box Can Save Your Carpets
Much like you, cats hate dirty litter boxes. If their litter box is soiled, they might seek out another area (like your carpet!) to do their business.
By keeping the litter box clean, you can ensure they go to their designated spot.
Breathe Easy: Tips to Keep Your Carpets Smelling Fresh Longer
Cats are natural hunters with much more sensitive noses, so there may be scents in the carpets that’s encouraging your cat to litter there.
Be sure to regularly vacuum your carpets and shampoo them occasionally. If any areas have visible or intense stains, it might be worth hiring a steam cleaner or enlisting the help of a professional.
Wecasa can connect you with local expert domestic cleaners – who’ll have your carpets good as new in no time. And yes, they can even eliminate the smell of cat urine!
