Tips for Removing Cat Urine From Carpet
"The faster you start removing cat urine from carpet the easier it is to avoid a permanent stain and bad odor from bacteria that forms in the urine. To clean the carpet, soak the area with an enzyme based commercial cleaning product down to the carpet pad. It can take up to 2 weeks for the area to dry and the stain to go away. Cats are likely to return to area to urinate again, so either prohibit access, feed your cat at the spot where urination occurred, or cover area with aluminum foil. Over a few weeks the size of the covered area can be reduced until only a small piece is left. Another tip is to move the litter box to the area where the accident occurred."
Removing cat urine from carpet needs to happen right away if you want to avoid having to replace the padding under the carpet. Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell. If the cleaning is not thorough, your cat could use the odor as a marker for where he or she should urinate in the future.
Here are some ways for removing cat urine from carpet:
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Find the Right Spot
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the urine since some cats prefer to urinate in hidden places. An inexpensive black light or a Ultraviolet Urine Detector designed to detect urine can help spot the areas that must be cleaned. The light will cause the cat urine stains to glow. -
Soak Up the Liquid
Remove as much liquid as possible. Use a paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Stand on the paper towel or apply pressure to force liquid into the towel.
- Use an Enzyme Based Cleaner
There are two types of urine cleaners with the first based on oxygen and the second with enzymes. The cleaners with enzymes such as Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover (Good Housekeeping best pick) are stronger and remove odor causing bacteria. Be sure to test any cleaner on a hidden area to avoid discoloring of the carpet. Peroxide is a common discoloring agent in cat urine stain removers that can stain. You can also try using one of our suggested cat urine home remedies. After applying the stain remover rub the stain with a cloth from the outside in.
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Steam Clean
You can use a small steam cleaner to remove cat urine from your carpet. These can often be rented at larger grocery stores or at hardware stores. Some cat urine and stain removers do not want you to use steam. Read the label.
General Tips:
1. Do not combine cleaning products. We recommend soaking the cat urine stain down to the carpet pad with Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover.
Saturate the Carpet and Carpet Bad
When Removing Cat Urine Odor
2. After cleaning urine odor will remain for up to 2 weeks. This is normal. The stained area may feel damp during this entire period.
3. Do not combine cleaning products. Chemicals in one might interfere with the other. Do not use a product like Nature's Miracle and then steam clean. Only use one approach.
4. Keep your cat away from the treated area. If this is difficult, then cover the area with tin foil. Most cats do not like the feeling of foil under there feet.
5. Even if you clean the stain the urine acid might harm the carpet. You might see some type of stain on the carpet even after cleaning.
6. For minor issues one cat urine home remedy would be to blot as much liquid as possible. Apply vinegar or lemon juice and then scrub with warm soapy watter. Sponge dry and repeat. Finish by wiping area with a cloth moistened in ammonia to neutralize any odor. Test on carpet before use.
7. To avoid future accidents, cover the area after cleaning with
aluminum foil. Reduce the size of the area covered with foil
gradually over several weeks. Other tips are to feed the cat on the
spot or move the litter box to that spot.
References for Removing Cat Urine from Carpet:
Household Hints & Handy Tips
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