Your lovely home doesn’t have to smell like a neglected litter box, even if you have many cats. When your cat urinates inappropriately, focus on cleaning it as soon as possible. Delaying will make it hard to eliminate the odor and the stubborn stains.
Even so, like every other odor or stain, removing a cat urine odor needs a strategy. Doing it the wrong way will see your cat return to the same spot to pee. And I know that’s not what you want. With that said, here is how you can remove cat urine odor on various surfaces without breaking a sweat.
Why Is It Hard To Remove Cat Urine Smell?
The main reason that makes cat urine odor hard to remove is its chemical composition. Cat urine consists of uric acid, which is less odorless. After overstaying, uric acid breaks down to ammonia which has a pungent smell. Moreover, this horrible ammonia smell can last on the floor or clothes for a while.
How to Remove Cat Urine Odor on the Carpet
First, pick up an old towel or paper towel to blot and absorb the urine on the spot. Remember not to scrub the area as you can damage the carpet. Next, rinse the area with lukewarm water, then dry it off using a dry towel.
Afterward, pour some enzymatic cleaner on the area, and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. However, follow the instructions on the label. You can cover that area with a laundry basket. That ensures your curious cat doesn’t come near the spot.
An enzymatic cleaner catalyzes the uric acid into gasses. These gasses will evaporate, leaving your house smelling better.
Using Sodium Bicarbonate to Remove Cat Urine Smell On The Carpet
If your cat’s urine has not overstayed on the floor, you can use sodium bicarbonate to clear the urine and odor. First, blot the area using a paper towel or an old towel. Then sprinkle sodium bicarbonate on the spot. Let it sit for 45 to 60 minutes. Next, vacuum up everything.
How to Remove Cat Urine Odor on the Furniture Using Vinegar
Encountering cat urine on your furniture might be a common occurrence. More so, if you have lots of cats and the litter box is one. So what’s the best option? Throw away the furniture? Give away your cats? No.
It’s easy to remove cat urine using that white vinegar that might be in your kitchen cupboard. Vinegar is the best since its acidic nature neutralizes those bacteria that create a horrible smell on your cat’s urine. Moreover, when the vinegar evaporates, the cat smell disappears.
First, mix vinegar and lukewarm water in a bowl (1:1)
Put it aside and first start blotting all the urine on the furniture.
Next, scoop the water and vinegar solution and spread it all over the spot.
Let it rest for 30-45 minutes. Afterward, rinse it off using a clean towel. If the smell is persistent, repeat the whole process.
How To Remove Cat Urine Smell From Clothes
Sometimes your cat might confuse the laundry basket with her litter box—leaving your clothes smelling like cat pee.
What is the best strategy? Clean the clothes using bleach to remove the urine stain and odor? No.
First, separate the clothes that have cat urine. If it was a lot of urine, use a paper towel to blot it away. As a caution, don’t scrub the clothes as you might damage or drive the smell into the fabric.
Next, mix vinegar and water in one bucket (best ratio to use, 1: 3).
Afterward, soak these clothes with cat pee on this solution for 10-20 minutes.
Add one cup of detergent to these soaked clothes, then wash them as usual.
If the smell persists, apply a baking soda (a cup) and a quarter cup of vinegar and rewash them.
Afterward, air-dry your clothes.
Worth noting, don’t steam dry your clothes? According to Petmd, the steam might make that pungent smell permanent.
Inappropriate Elimination, Why Your Cat Won’t Use the Litter Box
It’s easy to remove cat urine odor that might make your house smell awful. Armed with this knowledge, you also need to figure out why your furry friend won’t pee on that expensive litter box you bought.
· The litter box is dirty. As a solution, clean the litter box daily, ensuring there is no pungent smell that may push your cat away.
· There are a few litter boxes in the house. That’s common in a house with many cats. You will find some cats will be territorial and won’t allow others to use the available litter box.
In case of that, ensure you avail a litter box per cat. Also, ensure there is one extra litter box.
· Your cat is spraying
Spraying is common in intact cats. For example, males will spray all over the house during mating season. They do so to mark their territory and chase away any competitors. If so, ensure your cat is neutered.
Female cats spray all over to signify that they are ready to mate.
· Health issues like diabetes or urinary tract infection can also make your house-trained cat pee inappropriately.
If you suspect your furry friend is sick, visit a vet as soon as possible.
· Arthritis might make your cat find it hard to use a litter box. The little box entrance could be high, or you might have placed it somewhere inaccessible.
First, analyze how you can accommodate your cat’s needs by finding a lower litter box. Also, put the litter box in an accessible location.
Also, look for a way to keep your cat comfortable by putting him on pain relievers or joint supplements. In case of that, first, consult a veterinarian.
Essential Tips You Should Not Forget
· Don’t remove cat urine using your bare hands. Wear protective gloves and a protective mask. That way, you will not touch the urine or inhale any gasses.
· Always keep your cat away while you are cleaning. It will be much easier to work without your cat’s distraction. Moreover, your cat won’t start licking the area you are cleaning.
Final Thoughts
You can easily remove cat urine odor in your house without seeking the service of an expensive cleaning company. All you have to do is follow the instructions detailed in this article.
As always, remember to clean the urine as soon as possible. By doing so, you will have eliminated the chance of this urine seeping on your floor or becoming a permanent stain on your clothes.