As much as you may love your furry four-legged friend, there is nothing more frustrating than when your cat pees somewhere that is not a litter box. Cat urine soaked in carpet can be particularly challenging to deal with, as the smell often does not go away even after frequent cleanings. The good news is you do not have to replace your carpet just because your cat pees on it. Instead, seek other solutions for getting cat pee smell out of carpet.
There are countless methods that claim to remove cat pee from carpet, but few are actually effective. In recent years, vinegar has been identified as a super natural cleaner for everything from wood to textiles. However, The Journal of Environmental Health has tested vinegar and other natural solutions and found them to not be effective for cleaning carpets. Other common myths refer to ammonia, hairspray, and household detergents for pet odor removal. Unfortunately, these types of products usually do not work to remove stubborn urine smells from carpets.
Ways To Get Cat Pee Smell Out Of Carpet
Now that you know what products not to use, let’s talk about solutions that actually work. If you want to know how to get cat pee smell out of carpet, here are a few solutions that may work:
1. Club Soda & Baking Soda Combo
Once you have removed the actual urine from the carpet, you may have a lingering odor that just will not quit. When this happens, a two-step process that involves the use of club soda and baking soda may do the trick. This DIY solution involves gently scrubbing the area with club soda before letting the carpet dry. Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. In the same way that baking soda absorbs odors in the fridge, it can also absorb odors in your carpet. Leave the baking soda for about an hour and then vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
2. Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners are often used on pet messes in homes as they help break down stains and neutralize odors. When an enzymatic cleaner is applied to pet urine, it releases cultures that actually eat the urine, leaving your carpet sanitary and odorless. Enzymatic cleaners are not the same as non-protein-based fabric and carpet deodorizers. These products are often not strong enough to eliminate the strong smell of cat urine. However, a spray made with enzymes can be useful for breaking down pet urine and diminishing the odor. Remember to be cautious when using any type of cleaning product around animals.
3. Carpet Cleaner With Solution For Pets
If you happen to have a carpet cleaner machine around, know that it can be highly useful for removing cat pee smells from carpets. Most modern carpet cleaners work by expelling clean water mixed with cleaning solution onto the carpet. The dirty water is then sucked back up into the tank. Ideally, you want to use a solution designed exclusively for pet urine as these cleaners often contain special enzymes designed to neutralize tough odors. While traditional carpet cleaners work well for removing pet stains and odors, you want to avoid using steam cleansers as the heat from the machine can cause odors to set in the carpet fibers.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
While hydrogen peroxide is better suited for hardwood floors, it can be used on a carpet in a pinch. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to clean all types of items, from countertops and door knobs to glass and sinks. What many people do not know is that hydrogen peroxide can also help banish pet odors. As hydrogen peroxide oxidizes, it helps to naturally break down odors. Simply pour the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for about five minutes before blotting up the excess.
5. 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.
Speak To The Pet Stain & Odor Removal Specialists
All it takes is one accident outside of the litter box and your house can smell terrible for days, weeks, or even longer. While cat pee smell can be very challenging to get rid of, a professional trained in pet urine removal can get the job done quickly and efficiently. For more information on how to get cat pee smell out of carpet or to inquire about pet urine-removal services, reach out to Safe-Dry today.