Old Cat Urine Odor Removal: Home Remedy

As much as cats are a beloved part of the family, they can leave some less-than-pleasant smells in the house. One moment you’re playing with your furry feline, the next you’re wriggling your nose from the unmistakable stench of old cat urine.

Due to cost, professional cleaning is rarely an option, so many people turn to tried-and-tested old cat urine odor removal—home remedy edition. Why should you have to suffer from the pungent smell in your home when there are various DIY solutions available?

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How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell With Home Remedies

Many pet owners are puzzled about removing the cat pee smell with home remedies because they either think they’re less effective than professional options or are worried about potentially harmful chemicals. But the truth is, there are a variety of natural and safe solutions that work just as well or better.

Enzyme Cleaning Sprays

The easiest and most convenient way to tone down the smell of stale old urine is to use enzyme cleaning sprays, which contain friendly bacteria that help break down and remove the offending scent. The enzymes dig deep into fabrics and carpets, working quickly to neutralize the ammoniacal odor your kitty rudely left behind.

Generally speaking, a homemade enzyme cleaner for cat urine will work just as well, provided you use the right ingredients. For example, you can mix two parts white vinegar with one part water and spray it into fabric surfaces like curtains or couches. The solution should sit for an hour before being washed away with a damp cloth.

Pros

+ Quick to neutralize odors

+ No damage to fabrics or carpets

+ Non-toxic and reusable method

Cons

– The smell of vinegar can linger for a few days

– Requires some elbow grease for scrubbing

Baking Soda

Baking soda for cat pee is one of the longest-standing DIY odor removal methods. The powder is incredibly absorbent and can quickly soak up any lingering smells without much effort on your part.

Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stained area, leave it for a few hours or overnight to thoroughly get into the fibers, and then vacuum it up. For fabrics that cannot be vacuumed—mix a solution of water and baking soda and scrub the material with a brush.

And since cats are no strangers to peeing on clothes, you can use this remedy as a pre-wash for heavily soiled garments. This will act as a natural deodorizer, helping eliminate the smell once and for all.

Pros

+ Inexpensive and readily available

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+ Can be used on almost any surface

+ Washing machine-friendly for linens and clothing

+ Non-toxic and fragrance-free

Cons

– Requires vacuuming afterward

– May need to be repeated for a more challenging cat pee stain

Apple Cider Vinegar

Given the acidity of apple cider vinegar, it’s a highly effective cat urine remover that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It’s basically a gentle form of bleach that can be used to clean fabric surfaces like curtains and couches, as well as hard surfaces like tile and laminate floors.

Simply mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with two cups of warm water and use the solution to spray or mop affected areas. The process can be repeated if needed, but make sure you do a test on a hidden area first to ensure it won’t cause any permanent damage.

The vinegary smell isn’t quite as strong as white vinegar, and it’s a bit more pleasant overall, but you still want to make sure you rinse away the solution with old rags or mops. Any excess liquid should be blotted up with a towel. For clothes, you can throw some vinegar in the washing machine, along with an enzyme-based detergent, for extra cleaning power.

Pros

+ Mildly acidic for effective removal

+ Can be applied to fabric, carpets, and hard surfaces

+ Spray or mop application for increased convenience

Cons

– Acidic properties can cause damage to certain surfaces if not used properly

Hydrogen Peroxide

If you’re looking for an all-purpose cleaning solution, hydrogen peroxide certainly lives up to its reputation. This colorless and odorless homemade cat urine cleaner is inherently antibacterial and antiseptic, making it ideal for tackling challenging scents and messes.

Using a 5% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, you can spray or mop hard surfaces and floorings. You can leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it away with a cloth or an old towel. For fabrics, use a 3% solution and blot the unfortunate area with a sponge or towel to absorb any excess liquid.

Pros

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+ No strong smells or chemicals

+ Can be used on both fabric and hard surfaces

+ Short contact time for minimal disruption

Cons

– May discolor certain fabrics or surfaces if used in high concentrations

– Not recommended for light colors due to the risk of bleaching

Listerine

Most of us wouldn’t think to use Listerine to remove cat urine odor, as it’s primarily used to freshen up our breaths and kill germs. But this particular anti-bacterial trait creates a powerful remedy for unpleasant scents and stains.

Mix a solution of two parts water and one part Listerine, and spray or blot the solution onto fabric surfaces like carpets and furniture. Keeping a cat off the couch or bed is already a challenge, so you definitely don’t want to make it worse by adding a nasty smell.

You can add some baking soda to the blend for additional deodorizing power. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before blotting the area with a towel—no rinsing is required.

Pros

+ Refreshing and minty scent

+ Safe to use on fabric and hard surfaces

+ Potent enough to remove stubborn urine stains

Cons

– Not recommended for light colors due to potential discoloration

– Deodorizing power may not last very long without multiple treatments

Key Takeaways

Regardless of which old cat urine odor removal home remedy you decide to go with, you should follow the directions closely and remember to do a test in an inconspicuous area first. If all goes well, you should be rid of that unpleasantly pungent smell in no time.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor