The appearance of the smell of cat urine in the apartment does not mean that the owner is disgusting and does not take good care of the animal. It also does not mean that the pet is sick or has a bad character. Any owner, even the most careful, can face this problem. But there is also good news: the problem is difficult, but completely solvable. There are many tricks to remove the smell of cat urine, as well as more modern means that help remove odorous stains.
Before starting to eliminate the problem, you must first find the source of the smell. If only cat urine gave off a specific “scent”, that would be a small part of the problem. And a big part of it is that you often have to deal with markings – the spraying of urine on vertical surfaces that cats (and some cats) do to mark their territory.
It is good if there is an ultraviolet lamp in the house. But if there is no such device, it is recommended to buy a special flashlight in a pet store to effectively search for “traces of a crime”. All floors, carpets, mattresses, furniture and doors must be brightened. In a beam of ultraviolet light, drops and spots of urine become greenish or yellow in color. Traces of fresh urine will be brighter, but with the help of this lantern, you can also detect old dull spots, which should also be removed. Having identified the places, you need to choose one of the ways to remove the smell of cat urine.
Baking soda
If a puddle or mark is found on a horizontal hard surface, you can use ordinary baking soda. Wipe the place dry with an unnecessary rag or paper napkins, which should be immediately disposed of in the trash. Then sprinkle this area with a generous layer of baking soda. Sprinkle water on top so that the soda gets wet and turns into mush. Leave it like this for a couple of hours, then wipe it dry.
Important: do not use soda on glossy surfaces (polished furniture, varnished parquet), as it is abrasive and can leave small scratches. Also, the product will not remove traces from the mattress and leather products (shoe insoles, bottoms of bags), because urine is absorbed too deeply, where sodium bicarbonate cannot penetrate.
Soda also “knows” how to remove the smell of cat urine from the toilet. To do this, before adding the filler, you need to pour soda in an even layer on the bottom of the tray, and pour the filler on top. Excess liquid will be absorbed by soda, and the smell will weaken. The naturalness of the substance will not cause any harm to the cat’s health, even if it “digs” to the very bottom.
Potassium permanganate solution
For soft and smooth surfaces (for example, removal from furniture), a solution of potassium permanganate is quite suitable. This tool is sold in pharmacies and hardware stores. Potassium permanganate enters into a chemical reaction with urine enzymes and splits them into smaller structures. So it turns out to neutralize the smell.
- Dark purple crystals should be diluted with water and dissolved to obtain a dark pink solution, which can be used to treat contaminated surfaces.
- Fabrics, foam and leather can be thoroughly wetted.
- Leave the place wet for a while, and then dry or let things dry on their own.
The potassium permanganate solution itself has a weak, non-irritating smell.
But it should be borne in mind that potassium permanganate is not suitable for light and colored materials, as it will most likely leave stains that are difficult to get rid of. Shoes and other leather products can be treated with it, but only dark things.
Vinegar
Let’s analyze how to remove the smell of cat urine from light materials. You can use vinegar essence. Vinegar diluted with water (a ratio of approximately 1:3) is an acceptable remedy. With diluted vinegar, you can remove urine from almost any surface: from the floor, sofa upholstery, carpet, other soft furniture, shoes.
For a better effect, the place soaked in vinegar can be covered with baking soda. If the traces are old, it is better to wait and wipe them later.
A stronger solution will help destroy old stains: water and vinegar should be taken in equal parts.
Hydrogen peroxide
In particularly difficult cases, 3% hydrogen peroxide can help. It is not necessary to dilute, wet a rag or napkin and wash the contaminated surfaces.
You can use peroxide together with baking soda: pour white powder on the spot and cover it with peroxide. It will immediately smell of ammonia, which means that it will be possible to remove the smell. It is better to leave this remedy overnight or at least for a few hours. After wiping, the ammonia will evaporate along with the smell of cat urine.
But this method is better to use only on surfaces resistant to chemical action: ceramic tiles, unpainted wooden floor. If absolutely necessary, you can use peroxide for old linoleum and worn shoes, the appearance of which does not hurt to spoil. Unsightly spots may remain on the carpet or fabric upholstery, varnished shoes will also be covered with divorces.
Iodine
How to remove the smell of cat urine from leather shoes? It is better to treat it with a solution of potassium permanganate, which was mentioned above, or with an iodine solution. Literally 10-15 drops of iodine should be added to half a liter of water and shaken until evenly distributed. Thoroughly wet the product with a swab dipped in iodine solution, and then dry it in the open air.
Important: fabric shoes, especially light ones, cannot be treated with iodine or potassium permanganate!
Household soap
Every house has a piece of household soap. This simple remedy also helps with the smell of urine. However, any soap that contains glycerin in a good concentration will help remove the smell of cat urine, as it destroys uric acid crystals.
If the clothes are dirty, they should be washed with household soap. It is better than using washing powder. Fabric shoes can also be washed.
You can also wipe any problem areas with a soapy solution, after which wipe several times with a damp cloth so that the surface does not slide.
Alcohol solutions
If the stain is fresh, antiseptic agents work well: vodka, medical and technical alcohol. True, alcohol solutions are not very helpful in removing the smell of cat urine. However, vodka vapors can scare away cats. It can be expected that the next time the pet will not follow in this place.
Household chemicals
With some caution, you can use household chemicals, such as:
- Vanish carpet cleaner;
- Conditioner for rinsing linen “Lenor” and other brands;
- Fairy dishwashing detergent (some recommend adding hydrogen peroxide);
- Mouth rinses (mint, coniferous).
But the use of these products is suitable for such a cat, which is indifferent to flavorings, and this is often not the case.
Professional tools
If you have the time and money, you can purchase any of the modern stain removers that help repel animal odors. They are produced in the form of liquids, foams, gels, powders and sprays. Many of them are based on special enzymes or enzymes. They decompose urine into volatile substances: ammonia compounds and carbon dioxide. Here are the names of some of the tools:
- Hartz;
- Nature’s Miracle;
- Un-Duz-It;
- Duftapet;
- VergasSoft;
- LeArtis;
- Urinse;
- Pet Stain & Odor;
- Bio-G;
- Urine Off.
The product “Odorgone” (USA) is particularly popular – an effective odor eliminator consisting of natural components. It is especially suitable for allergy sufferers.
It is necessary to pre-wet the surface, apply the product in the required concentration for a certain time (see the instructions). Then treat the place with clean water. The listed tools are also suitable for processing the tray.
Doubtful and harmful methods
Among other, less effective, but very original methods, users name the following means:
- Tea infusion;
- Coffee grounds;
- Lemon juice;
- Dry mustard porridge;
- Ointment “star”;
- Natural essential oils;
- Colognes and other perfumes.
But the use of various aromas will only help to slightly kill the smell, besides, an excessive concentration of perfume can drive crazy not only the owners, but also the cat itself, who will fall into a stressful situation and start urinating in the corners with triple force.
In no case should you use chlorine-containing products, although this is sometimes the first thing that comes to mind. Firstly, chlorine can damage any surface, and secondly, the aggressive smell of chlorine has a depressing effect on animals. Do not use bleaches either.
In general, when using any means, you need to carefully monitor the pet’s reactions. You can achieve the opposite effect.