There's nothing worse than the lingering smell of cat urine. It takes a long cleaning process to solve this problem, and of course also some good habits that you as a cat owner must do. This cleaning process requires several things, which when done correctly, will give optimal results.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Cat Urine
Step 1. Absorb the remaining urine on the carpet with a tissue
Keep absorbing until the tissue you are using is dry. This way, the next process will be easier. The tissue used must be new and clean, then press it against the urine-affected area on the carpet.
- If the urine is dry, there is no need to do the above method.
- In addition to tissue, you can also use an old towel to absorb the rest of the cat's urine. The thicker texture of the towel makes the urine absorb more quickly, so it will dry faster. If available, use an old white towel. When there are no more visible yellow stains on the towels, it means the urine is dry.
Step 2. Also use a cleanser that contains enzymes, such as Nature's Miracle soap
This cleanser contains special biological enzymes that are able to break down protein in the urine so as to eliminate odors.
Please note that some cleaners that contain enzymes may not work optimally if certain chemicals were used to treat the stain beforehand. Therefore, always use an enzyme cleaner before using other ingredients. Follow the instructions listed. After that, let it dry for a few days. You may not have to do anything else afterward
Step 3. If the enzyme cleaner doesn't completely remove the odor, you can also use a vinegar mixture as an alternative solution
Mix white vinegar and water in a bowl or spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. After that, sprinkle or spray the problem areas with the mixture. Sprinkle a little more on the area where the cat's urine is so that the urine is completely gone.
If you have a black light or UV light, you can use it to see exactly where the urine is, as cat urine glows in the dark when exposed to it
Step 4. After finding out exactly where the urine is, rub the vinegar mixture onto the problem area
Use a bristle brush and scrub the area until it's completely wet. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia smell in the cat's urine.
Step 5. Dry the area
Use a paper towel or dry cloth to absorb any excess vinegar. Then, hang in the sun to dry completely.
Step 6. If your cat's urine is on furniture or other hard objects, you'll need to spray the area with a disinfectant
Wash the problem area with a cleansing soap that doesn't contain ammonia, as ammonia smells exactly like cat and dog urine. After that, rinse with water. Mix water and bleach in a 10:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Before spraying the mixture on the problem area, put on rubber gloves. Leave it for 30 seconds, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining bleach.
Be careful with bleach, as, in some cases, the ingredients can damage it and cause it to wear off
Step 7. Also check your clothes
If you have urine on clothes, add 60 ml of apple cider vinegar to your laundry detergent when washing the clothes. If the smell persists, add an enzyme cleaner to the washing machine as well.
Dry cleaning can also be done. However, if the stains and odors don't go away, it's better not to use them anymore
Method 2 of 3: Removing Odor in Problem Areas
Step 1. Sprinkle sodium bicarbonate or baking soda on the problem area
The content in this ingredient can function as a natural cleanser that is also able to absorb odors and provide fragrance.
Step 2. Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of detergent
After that, sprinkle the mixture on top of the baking soda that you sprinkled earlier.
At first, it may not be obvious whether or not the stain will fade when using the solution
Step 3. Use a brush to scrub the mixture after sprinkling it over a sprinkling of baking soda
It's best to wear rubber gloves. Then, wait and see the results.
Step 4. Dry the area using a tissue or dry cloth
Step 5. Then, use a vacuum cleaner on the area to remove any traces of urine and detergent mixture that you used earlier
Drying with a wet suction method can be the right solution because by doing so, the suction will absorb the liquid into the container. In fact, using a regular suction method can work, but the results will not be as effective as a wet suction.
- For best results, when using a wet suction cup, use cold water in the suction cup and remember to follow the instructions provided.
- Never use a steam cleaner, as the high temperature will stain it.
Method 3 of 3: Reducing the Risk of Cats Pooping Carelessly
Step 1. Retrain your cat
However, never yell at or punish a cat for defecating in the wrong place. Move your cat to its litter box and praise it when it manages to pee in it. This will trigger a positive reaction in the cat so that it will pee in its litter box.
Step 2. Change the litter in your cat's box more often
Cats love a clean litter box, just as humans love a clean bathroom. If you ignore the cat's needs on this one, the cat will pee everywhere.
Place the cat's litter box in a quiet place away from feeding areas. That way, the cat will use the box properly
Step 3. Consider the possibility of being castrated or sterile
A neutered cat won't accidentally smell water to mark territory, so you won't find puddles of urine all over the place. Plus, you definitely don't want to take care of a bunch of new kittens that have to be trained from scratch.
Step 4. Get your cat checked by the vet
Usually, the cats that defecate in the open are the old cats or the young ones. And cats at that age are susceptible to internal diseases which are generally characterized by improper bowel habits. Contact your veterinarian to discuss the matter. If ignored, the possibility of a cat developing a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or diabetes will go undetected and will certainly be life-threatening.
Tips
- Don't be surprised if something like this happens when you bring a new cat home. You should train the cat to use the litter box first, clean the litter if the cat is not used to using the litter box, and take her to the vet if the cat is still littering despite training.
- If you're tired of constantly cleaning up the cat litter, or are afraid that the urine has soaked too deep into the carpet or floor, seek the services of a professional. It's a bit expensive, but the results will be more optimal.
- If you have expensive carpet, consult a professional before cleaning to avoid further damage.
- Cats and dogs can recognize the smell they leave behind, even if the stain appears to have been removed. Therefore, using an enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle soap is highly recommended because such a cleanser can completely remove odors.