How to Get Cat Urine Out of Carpeting and Why It’s So Strong

As a cat owner, you may have faced the dreaded challenge of removing cat urine from your carpets. The strong smell can be frustrating and persistent, but don’t worry! In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to effectively get cat urine out of carpeting. Additionally, we’ll explore the reasons behind the powerful odor of cat urine to help you better understand your feline friend.

The Science Behind Cat Urine’s Strong Odor

We know science is boring, so we’ll try to make this little lesson about cat urine as simple as possible so that our readers aren’t bored to death about what makes cat urine so strong and what can be done to treat it.

Cat urine has a distinct and powerful smell, primarily due to the high concentration of ammonia and certain pheromones. These components serve several purposes for cats, including marking territory, attracting mates, and signaling social status.

Ammonia: Cat urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia over time. The strong ammonia smell in cat urine can be particularly pungent and difficult to eliminate.

Felinine: Cats produce a sulfur-containing compound called felinine, which is excreted in their urine. As felinine breaks down, it releases volatile sulfur compounds, which contribute to the strong odor.

Pheromones: Cats use pheromones to communicate with other cats. Some of these pheromones, such as MMB (3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol), are present in cat urine and add to its distinct smell.

So there you have it! Ammonia combined with felinine, sulfur, and pheromones equals one nauseous odor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Cat Urine from Carpets

Now that we understand why cat urine smells so strong, let’s dive into the home steps you can use to remove it from your carpet effectively.

Step 1: Blot the Urine

Use paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to blot as much of the urine as possible. Apply pressure to absorb the liquid without rubbing, which could spread the stain.

Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts WHITE vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar helps neutralize the ammonia in cat urine, which reduces the odor.

Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the mixture. This helps break down the stain and further combat the odor.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Spray the affected area generously with the vinegar, dish soap, and water mixture. Ensure the solution penetrates the carpet fibers and padding to reach the urine.

Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the stain and neutralize the odor.

Step 4: Blot the Area Again

Use a sponge with water to blot the area, removing the mixture.  Then use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to blot the area again and continue to blot until there is little to know transfer of moisture. This will help remove any remaining liquid and cleaning solution.

Step 5: Apply Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area. Baking soda helps absorb remaining moisture and odors.

Allow the baking soda to sit overnight.

Step 6: Vacuum the Area

Once the baking soda has absorbed the moisture and odors, use a brush or broom to loosen the powder and then vacuum the area thoroughly to remove the baking soda and any remaining residue.

Preventing Future Accidents

To prevent future accidents, consider cleaning your cat’s litter box more frequently and providing additional litter boxes if you have multiple cats. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of illness, as changes in urination habits could indicate a health issue.

The above remedy works for fresh urine.  If you’re dealing with an old accident, call Tru-Clean Surface Care for professional assistance.

Pet’s LOVE Tru-Clean Surface Care!

Let’s face it. If you have a pet, you know that even the most well-trained will have an accident. That’s why we call them accidents. Have you ever walked into your home and been greeted with the aroma of pet urine? Have you ever noticed how it’s more noticeable when the humidity levels increase? As the most referred carpet cleaning company in SW Florida, we love pets and have the proper cleaning solutions and anti-bacterial treatment agents to ensure that odor disappears while leaving you with fresh-clean carpets.

Tru-Clean Surface Care is a Certified Partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the International Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI).  We are a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider, A+ Rated with the Better Business Bureau, and an eight-year-in-a-row winner of the coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award.  Our cleaning solutions are allergen free and safe for pets and infants.

If your pet has had an accident, Give Tru-Clean Surface Care a call.

For more information about Tru-Clean Surface Care and the carpet cleaning and pet urine treatment services we offer, please visit us online at www.TruCleanSurfaceCare.com or call us any time at 239-541-4888 – Cape Coral and Lee County, 239-206-1935 – Bonita Springs, Naples, and Marco Island or 941-621-2198 – Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Florida.