How to Remove Cat Urine Odor from Carpet

The smell of cat urine is an undeniable scent that can make just about anyone cringe. Although cat urine doesn’t smell as bad when it first exits the body, as the bacteria begins to break down, the odor of ammonia becomes more noticeable. 

Whether you’re looking for a way to get rid of cat urine odor as a renter, or you’ve tried everything and are simply on the hunt for more ways to kick the unpleasant scent to the curb, you’re in the right place. 

6 Ways to Get Rid of Cat Urine Odor

There are both natural and store-bought solutions to eliminate the potent smell of cat pee. Here are a few tried and true favorites that’ll tackle the strong smell for good! 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

It can send most people running for the hills. This kitchen staple is great for getting rid of stinky messes. All you have to do is combine one part apple cider vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. 

Spray the area that has cat pee and allow it to sit for up to 20 minutes. Next, take a clean towel and gently blot until it’s dry. 

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture

When we were kids, seeing the reaction when you combined baking soda and vinegar could blow your mind. Did you know mixing these two things together can create a paste that eliminates the smell of ammonia? 

All you need to do is apply the paste mixture to an area that is covered in cat pee. Let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Tap the region dry with a clean towel. The best thing about this method is that it can also get rid of stubborn stains in addition to unwanted aromas. 

3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

Another solution you can make with products you likely already have at home consists of mixing a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dish soap. Adding a tablespoon of baking soda is also suggested for potent smells. 

Mix all three ingredients together and apply to the carpet, furniture, or linen affected by cat urine. After 15 minutes, rinse with cold water and use a clean towel to dry. Like baking soda and vinegar, this mixture can also help with stains! 

4. Club Soda

You can pour club soda on old cat pee to remove the smell. Simply pour it directly on the area and let it sit. Similar to other methods, blot it dry. You may need to use this method a few times to get rid of stubborn smells. 

5. Store-Bought Enzyme Cleaner

One of the most effective ways to get rid of cat urine odor is to use an enzyme cleaner that you can find in most stores. It’s important that you follow the instructions on the packaging for the highest probability of the product working. 

Be sure you find an enzyme cleaner that is specifically made to tackle pet stains or smells. 

6. Clean the Litter Box

Your home may smell like cat urine if the litter box isn’t cleaned enough. While you should scoop out any clumps at least once a day, the entire litter box should be deep cleaned at least once per month. 

You can use some of the ingredients listed above to tackle this job. If you use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, make sure you thoroughly rinse the litter box and wipe it dry. The smell of vinegar is incredibly strong to cats and may bother them if not rinsed properly. 

You can also sprinkle baking soda on top of the cat litter to ensure that there is no unwanted smell throughout the day. 

Preventing Cat Urine Odor 

The best way to keep your home smelling nice and free of cat urine is by preventing it in the first place. The first thing you should do is make sure that there isn’t an underlying medical condition causing your cat’s pee to smell stronger or for them to use places other than their litter box to do their business. 

Also, make sure your cat has a comfortable place to go. It’s not uncommon for felines to dislike litter boxes that are covered in any way whether this is a domed lid or a litter box hidden in furniture. 

They simply don’t like the extra effort required, which can cause them to go elsewhere. Don’t keep a litter box under a table, desk, or in a dark corner in your basement. It may take some trial and error, but learning the type of “bathroom” your cat prefers could be half the battle!