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How to Neutralize a Cat Urine Smell

| Updated September 26, 2017

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towels

  • White vinegar

  • Liquid dish-washing detergent

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Baking soda

  • Scrub brush

  • Vacuum

Cat urine has a strong smell and is one of the toughest odors to get rid of. When dealing with cat urine odor you do not want to mask or cover up the smell, you want to neutralize it so that it is eliminated. Urine goes through a decaying process the longer it sits in your carpet. This is from bacteria consuming wastes, and at the same time, converting the waste to gases, which is where the strong ammonia smell comes from. There are inexpensive non-toxic household products that when combined, create a homemade recipe that will neutralize cat urine smell.

Blot up urine spot with paper towels. Continue using clean paper towels to absorb as much urine as possible.

Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then wet the area with the solution. Let the solution set on the carpet for 30 minutes, allowing it to penetrate deep within the carpet fibers. Use clean paper towels to absorb the solution that remains. To get the area as dry as possible, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the excess moisture.

Sprinkle baking soda over the area. Mix a quarter of a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tsp. of liquid dish-washing detergent together and drizzle over the baking soda. Work the mixture into the carpet with a scrub brush. Allow to air dry.

Vacuum over the area once it is completely dry.

Tips

  • Although you are not dealing with toxic chemicals, it is best to wear rubber gloves when scrubbing the affected area.