Cat pee on the carpet is a smelly and frustrating challenge that pet owners often face. The awful, persistent smell and the tough stain can feel like an impossible task to manage. If you, too, are grappling with the problem of how to clean cat pee on carpet, we’ll walk you through this comprehensive guide with solutions to clean both fresh urine and old stains.
Why is Cat Urine So Stubborn?
Compared to dogs and humans, the urine of cats is much more concentrated with strong compounds like uric acid and ammonia, which gives it the awful cat urine smell. The stain, if not treated almost instantly, can penetrate into carpet fibres and padding, making the cat urine odours smell even worse over time. If it is left unattended for a long time, it becomes very challenging to clean and to get rid of the stain and smell.
Steps to Clean Cat Pee on Carpet
You can follow the steps provided below to clean your cat’s urine from the carpet easily.
Step 1: Blot the Fresh Urine
If you catch your cat peeing, you need to act quickly by using paper towels or a piece of cloth to absorb the pee as much as possible. Do not rub vigorously as this can push the urine deeper; rather, dab the area. This also prevents it from seeping deeper into the carpet and spreading the urine smell.
If necessary, soak the cloth with cold water to lightly dampen the area and then blot again a few times. Ensure that the cloth absorbs as much moisture as possible to protect from mould formation.
Step 2: Apply a Vinegar Solution to Clean Cat Urine
The cat pee smell is notorious and can be hard to get rid of. You can use white vinegar to neutralise the cat urine smell as it acts as a natural disinfectant. Mix an equal amount of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution over the cat urine-stained area generously.
After letting the liquid sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, blot the cat pee again with paper towels or a clean cloth. This helps get rid of the cat urine odours and also reduces staining.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell
For some extra caution, you can also sprinkle baking soda over areas after it is completely dry. Baking soda is very good for odour removal and also helps to remove any moisture left deep within the carpet.
Once you sprinkle baking soda over the area, let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Follow this with a quick vacuum to remove the residues of the soda.
Step 4: Use an Enzymatic Cleaner
If the stain is old and stubborn, you need to use enzymatic cleaners as they effectively help break down stains and smells from carpets and fabrics. These enzymatic cleaners contain natural enzymes and do not contain harsh chemicals that might damage the carpet or harm your pets.
You need to spray the cleaner on the affected area and let it sit according to the package instructions. Let it sit for several hours and dry completely. The time required for drying depends on the temperature and the air circulation in your room. If the stain persists, repeat it.
Some Other Options to Get Rid of the Cat Pee Smell
If the above-mentioned DIY methods do not work, you can try these to clean cat urine:
Steam Cleaner
For a deeper clean, you can use a steam cleaner to get rid of the cat pee stain and lingering smell. However, you need to be cautious while using it. Avoid using it on fresh urine or before using an enzymatic cleaner, as the heat can further set the urine smell.
Professional Cleaning Solutions
If you do not want to go through the hassle of cleaning the pee or do not have time to deal with it, prefer seeking help from professional carpet cleaners. They can easily help get rid of the cat urine from carpets and upholstery.
Ways to Prevent Your Cat from Peeing in the Same Spot
If your cat continues to urinate in the same place, this might mean that the smell isn’t completely removed. Here’s what you can do:
- Block access to the areas until the odour is completely gone.
- Use a blacklight to find hidden stains.
- You can also use essential oils over the area or in a diffuser to discourage your cat.
- Clean the litter box regularly and ensure that it’s placed in a quiet and dry area.
Tips to Prevent Future Accidents
Here are a few tips to prevent your cat from peeing on the carpet:
- Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter weekly.
- Keep multiple litter boxes in multi-cat households.
- Clean the surrounding areas and furniture that may have absorbed cat pee.
- Use spray deterrents around previously stained areas.
- Provide scratching posts and toys to reduce stress-related accidents.
Conclusion
Cat pee on the carpet can be a total nightmare, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can be easily managed. Remember to act quickly, use the correct cleaners, and avoid harsh chemicals. White vinegar, baking soda, and a quality enzymatic cleaner are your best options.
At Harmony Clean, we understand how important a clean, fresh-smelling house is when you share it with your pets. If you’re struggling with lingering odours or need help with a deep clean, get in touch with us.