How To Clean Cat Pee From Carpet

How To Find Invisible Cat Urine Stains

The first challenge of eliminating odors is finding them. Cats tend to urinate in corners, hidden areas and against borders. A helpful strategy is to check the perimeter of the carpet first. On some carpets, stains may be visible, but in many cases theyre not. There are several ways to locate the source of the smell. The first is to purchase a hand-held black light. The ultra-violet rays used by black lights use the same wavelength as biological waste such as urine. When using a backlight to find cat urine spots , turn out the lights and shine the black light over all areas of the carpet. Most urine stains will produce a noticeable glow. Use small objects to mark stained areas youll need to find them again with the lights on. Unfortunately, black lights dont work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you may have to find stains the more difficult and distasteful way by crawling on your hands and knees and using your nose to sniff out smelly spots.

Why Doesnt Your Cat Pee Inside Its Litter Box

People may regard the fact that their cats dont urinate inside the litter box as completely normal and there is nothing to be alarming about it. However, if your cats do this on a daily basis, it is worth spending some time checking on your feline friend.

Here are three possible reasons to account for why some cats prefer peeing outside the litter box:

Use Paper Towels Or An Old Rag To Blot The Spot With Cold Water

The first thing to do is absorb as much cat urine as possible from the carpet onto some disposable material. You can use paper towels or old rags. This will take away 70% of your struggle bonus points if youre cleaning up right after your cat has sprayed the carpet.

Remember to dab the surface of the carpet and not scrub your carpet by any means. The latter will result in the carpet further absorbing the urine, and that is counterproductive.

A general rule while cleaning fabrics is to never use hot water on a stain as that causes the stain to set on the fabric. Stick to cold water at all times.

You May Like: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain Free Canned Cat Food

Dont Want To Use Chemicals Heres How To Clean Pet Urine Stains Naturally

If you dont want to use chemicals, it is possible to clean up pet urine stains with natural ingredients. Many homemade solutions require just vinegar and baking soda. While vinegar is a natural stain lifter, using baking soda is how to get the pee smell out of carpets. A homemade pet stain carpet cleaner made with vinegar can be premixed in a glass spray bottle and stored for immediate use. After you saturate the urine-stained area with the vinegar solution, gently scrub the carpet with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, put baking soda over the area, let it dry, then vacuum the carpet to fully lift all the odors that the baking soda has absorbed.

As mentioned above, cat pee is more stubborn than dog pee. If the smell of cat pee persists, you may have to remove the carpet entirely to get at the wooden subfloor underneath. In this case, the only way to fully ensure that the odor is gone is to clean the floor beneath the carpet using the same method as above and then seal it with a shellac sealant.

We Love Our Furry Friends But Not The Messes They Make Here’s How To Get Rid Of Stains And Odors For Good

Maybe the new puppy or kitty you brought home hasnt learned the rules yet. Or maybe your housebroken pet had an accident. As most pet owners know, accidents do happen.

And sometimes it may not be an accident. After all, dogs and cats are biologically wired to communicate through their urine marking territory, among other behaviors. That means even pets with generally good house manners may be leaving an important message. Its just not for you.

Whatever the reason, the scent can be off-putting and linger for a long time. Pet pee can ruin or discolor carpets, rugs and upholstery. Jen Jones, dog behaviorist at Your Dog Advisor, says uric acid causes the stain and the odor.

When the urine is not properly cleaned up, the strong uric acid forms into crystals, she says. These crystals are expert bonders, too, and they will tightly latch onto the surface they are exposed to. And cats have even more concentrated urine than dogs.

Alessandro Gazzo of Emilys Maids says the tight bonding happens in the million microscopic sponges in the padding underneath your carpet meant for comfort and acoustic insulation. That adds up to one big challenge eliminating pet pee stains and odors. Heres how to tackle your pet pee problem.

• Water.

Also Check: How Cold Can Cats Be Outside

How To Clean The Urine Stain

Locating the source of the smell is step one in dealing with the problem. Once you have found the stain it is time to treat the areas. The fact that the urine has now dried into the carpet means that a deeper clean will be necessary to ensure all of the urine is removed.

Before you grab your go-to household or carpet cleaner and get to work, you need to first make sure the cleaning product you use is not ammonia-based. This can actually set the stain and worsen the situation. Ideally, you should use an enzyme-based cleaner such as this Pet Stain and Odour Remover from Simple Solution. We recommend an enzyme formula as it is specifically formulated for use on pet stains and can effectively break down the stain and the odour. Apply the chosen enzymatic cleaner to the stains liberally and leave it to dry.

While these shop-bought cleaners are effective, you may also have suitable products within your cupboards that can do the job just as well. White vinegar is commonly used as it also deals with the issue by neutralizing the alkaline salts within the dried urine. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and pour this solution onto the stained area. Scrub it into the carpet and then leave the solution to sit for around 15 minutes. After 15 minutes use an old rag to soak up as much of the solution as you can then allow the area to dry.

How To Stop A Cat Peeing On Carpet

Obviously itâs better that your feline friend is not peeing on the carpet in the first place.

• The first thing to check is whether you have the litter box set up properly. Cats like privacy along with peace and quiet. If possible, put the litter box in a tranquil area of the house.

• As cats have a strong sense of smell your kitty will detect the odour of a litter tray before you do. Try to scoop every day and thoroughly clean the tray out once a week. Check our article here on how to clean a litter box.

• Make sure the litter box isnât too small and that if you have more than one cat that the tray is big enough.

• If you find your cat suddenly starts having accidents around the house, consider whether anything has changed: a new pet or person in the home can upset cats, as well as whether you have changed the type of cat litter or moved the tray.

• If the problem persists, take your cat to the vet for a check up and advice on how to deal with the problem.

You May Like: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food

They Are Having Some Health Problems:

The first cause you should immediately think of is something wrong with your cats well-being. It is probable that your cat is suffering from some kind of illness that prevents him/her from urinating at the appropriate places.

Some diseases that negatively affect your cats health are diabetes, feline lower urinary tract disease, infection of their urinary tract, etc. These can be the main causes that make your cat feel uncomfortable being in the litter box. In this situation, consulting your veterinarian is the best solution to tackle this problem.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

Vinegar, while a bit smelly itself, works to remove the lasting odor of sprayed cat urine because vinegar is an acid that neutralizes the alkaline salts that form in dried urine stains.

A solution of one part water and one part vinegar can be used to clean walls and floors. Proponents say that the vinegar smell subsides after a few days, taking the urine smell with it.

You May Like: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food

How To Clean Cat Pee

Cleaning up soiling accidents as soon as you notice them can prevent odors from permanently setting in, making it less likely that your cat will revisit the area.

For each of these surfaces and fabrics, our experts recommend using a pet enzyme cleaner as your primary cleaning solution. Products vary by manufacturer, so follow label directions for best results.

Clean Cat Urine Naturally

Seventh Generation is one of the most trusted names in organic cleaning products. The carpet cleaner is no exception. Not only does it take care of cat urine in carpet it also cleans many other organic stains such as coffee, wine, beer and grease. Seventh Generation carpet cleaner will not create any unpleasant fumes and wont leave any harmful residues behind.

Natumate Pet Stain & Odor Remover combines a number of organic substances to create a cleaner that works not only on pet urine, but also vomit, blood and food stains. This cleaner can be used on carpets, dirty laundry, fabric, tile, sealed wood floors, upholstery, and furniture.

Simple Solution NATURAL Stain & Odor Eliminator is perhaps my favorite product for removing cat urine from carpet. These guys know how to remove cat urine. Natural bio-cultures, corn-based ethanol and plant-based cleansers are combined to make cat pee go bye-bye. You can order a .

Subject

• Requirements: rags, vinegar, water, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish detergent, measuring cup

Quick Tips

• First, if it’s a fresh stain you’re dealing with, you’ll need to blot up as much of the cat urine as possible.
• Saturate the stain with a water and vinegar solution.
• Sprinkle the affected area with baking soda.
• Bring together some hydrogen peroxide and some dish detergent.
• Drizzle the hydrogen peroxide/dish detergent mixture over the baking soda.
• Kick back and let it dry.

Related Articles

You May Like: How To Train Your Cat To Not Bite

Is A Concrete Pad Or Foundation The Same As A Subfloor

Generally speaking, the answer is No. A subfloor is most often a wood surface laid down over joists as the bottom layer for a finished floor lay on top of.

Of course any bottom layer can be penetrated by a pet accident. And, getting dog and cat urine smell out of concrete is no easy task unless you know what youre doing.

Fortunately, this is just another type of foundation, and the treatment approach is very similar. Youve got to get the stained area soaked with an organic cleaner to rid the stain and urine odor under your finished layer.

How To Prevent Litter Box Accidents

Its much easier to prevent accidents than it is to clean them up. Here are a few expert-recommended techniques to help you help your cat not use your home as a bathroom.

Rule out a health issue. A cat who experiences discomfort or pain in the litter box will avoid using it. Pain can be caused by urinary tract infections, urinary stones or crystals, or be related to defecation. Have your cat thoroughly checked out by your veterinarian to make sure he is healthy.

Rule out behavioral issues. If you have a cat who pees outside the box, your best bet to resolve it is to find out what is causing it, says Hampton. Cats who spray urine may use it to soothe themselves when they are upset. Cats can get upset about even minor household changes including new noises or even new furniture.

You may want to check with a certified cat behaviorist or your veterinarian to determine the source of your cats behavior. Always avoid punishing or scolding her, as this will only make things worse, says Hampton.

Keep a tidy litter box. Maintaining a clean litter box reduces the build-up of ammonia, which is the source of the pungent smell in cat urine. Boxes should be scooped at a minimum of daily and thoroughly disinfected at least monthly, says Gibbons.

If your cat is a senior who has trouble with mobility, set up the litter box for easy accessibility.

Recommended Reading: My Cat’s Whisker Fell Out

Best Products For Cleaning Cat Pee

Some people may suggest spraying a vinegar and water mixture to stains, then once dry, sprinkling it with baking soda. The thinking is that baking soda works chemically to neutralize odors, while the acid in vinegar neutralizes the alkaline in dried urine and kills bacteria. However, this method will not be effective at cleaning up cat urine or preventing further elimination in that area.

Most products formulated for use on pet urine stains and odors are enzyme-based, and its what our cat experts recommend. Enzyme cleaners work promptly to break up the ammonia and carbon dioxide in urea, both of which evaporate quickly. Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in urine that cause cats to continue to mark the same spot, stopping the problem before it gets worse.

Removing Cat Urine Odor From Bedding And Clothes

While it may feel like a spiteful insult, a cat spraying or urinating on your mattress, bedding or clothing is their way of letting you know they need your attention. Dont get mad get clean!

• Put the urine-soiled items into your washer and wash separately in the hottest temperature recommended by the items care label. In addition to your detergent, add a quarter cup of a white vinegar to your washers bleach dispenser.
• Use the natural power of baking soda to help neutralize cat urine odor in soiled bedding and clothes. Add a half-cup directly to the drum with your clothes, or use a detergent that has baking soda in it.
• Optional: Use ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean 3-in-1 Power Paks, combining ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda with OxiClean Stain Fighters. You can also add a scent booster, such as ARM & HAMMER Clean Scentsations In-Wash Scent Booster with Odor Blasters for even more urine odor removal power.

Note: Use caution when cleaning delicate fabrics. Also, remember never to use chlorine bleach when washing items soiled with cat pee. Mixing bleach with the ammonia in cat urine can create dangerous gases.

To help understand why your cat might be peeing everywhere all of a sudden, read our resource about this frustrating, though not uncommon cat behavior. Follow these litter box tips and be sure to set up the litter box properly to help prevent future urine mishaps.

*When applied promptly as directed after an ordinary pet stain has occurred.

Don’t Miss: What Does It Mean When Your Cat Nibbles On You

The Bottom Line On How To Get Dog And Cat Pee Out Of Carpet

Even the most conscientious of pet owners needs to know how to get pet urine out of carpet surfaces because accidents happen. Individuals who prefer cleaners that are free of synthetic chemicals can make homemade cleaning solutions from common household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. There are also excellent store-bought products that can help you figure out how to get urine out of carpet and upholstery areas. It is more difficult to remove pet waste the longer it stays in the carpet. You must immediately disinfect and deodorize the area for the best results.

Cat Urine Gets Worse With Time

Cat urine thats outside the litter box is usually unnoticed until it becomes a problem.

After a while, the bacterium in the urine decomposes and gives off an ammonia-like odor thats characteristic of stale, old urine.

In the second stage of the decomposition process, the urine emits mercaptans, which are compounds that give skunk spray its characteristic bad smell.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Matts Out Of Cat Hair

Hire A Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

While there are plenty of tips, tricks, and methods that claim to remove cat pee smell out of carpet, many do not do a great job and odors can still linger. When you really want to get rid of cat pee smells in your house for good, hire a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner. While not all types of odors require carpet cleaning services, cat pee can be particularly hard to remove and it can be nearly impossible to do it yourself. However, professional carpet and upholstery cleaners have the experience, products, and equipment needed to clean even the most untreatable carpets.

Getting Rid Of Cat Urine Odor From Non

If your cat is peeing on non-carpeted surfaces such as ceramic tile, grout, vinyl plank, or linoleum, heres how to get a deep clean that removes the urine odor.

For a DIY solution:

Cleaning non-carpet surfaces requires a non-ammonia and non-vinegar based solution, whether its homemade or commercial. Note: Make sure any product you use to get rid of cat urine does not contain chlorine bleach. Cat urine contains ammonia and when it mixes with bleach, dangerous gases are created. OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover uses the power of oxygen to remove stains and help neutralize odors. Most people think of OxiClean VSR as a laundry booster, but it can also be used to clean many types of flooring, including ceramic tile, grout, vinyl plank, and linoleum. Its chlorine-bleach-free and can be used to clean up cat urine. Follow these steps to clean up cat pee and eliminate odor on solid flooring.

• Fill a gallon bucket with hot water. Using the provided scoop, pour one scoop filled to Line 1 of OxiClean into the bucket. Stir the solution with a long-handled spoon until the OxiClean dissolves.
• Apply solution to the floor and allow it to stand 1-5 minutes. Use a mop or sponge to clean the affected spot go ahead and clean your whole floor while youre at it if you want! You dont want any lingering cat pee smell in the air or on your floor.
• Dump the solution and fill the bucket half-full with cold water. Remop the floor with water to rinse.

Don’t Miss: How To Train A Kitten Not To Bite