Everyone wants a clean home. It feels inviting, comfortable and it’s easier to relax when things are really clean. Unpleasant smells around the home can be a challenge to remove if you don't have the slightest clue where to start. If you have kids running around, then chances are you've had milk spilled a time or two and we all know old rotting milk is putrid. If you have pets in your home like 85 million other American families, then you've likely experienced an accident or two, or several in your time. Cat odors are especially difficult to remove because their urine is so concentrated. Cats derive from desert climates and in order to survive they had to evolve to absorb the bulk of the moisture they ingested. This is why you don't see cats drink as often as dogs do. This also means they do not urinate as much as dogs do which leads to stinky urine. If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of discovering your precious kitty had an accident on your rugs, carpet or upholstery, acting quickly will be your best bet in removing the pet stain.
1: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove as much of the urine as possible.
2: Apply an enzymatic cleaner (sold at pet stores) directly to the affected area. These enzyme cleaners aid in breaking down the acid in cat urine to remove the foul odor.
3: Allow cleaner to sit for at least 10-15 minutes, even if the bottle suggests less time.
4: Then with a clean cloth blot up the cleaner, be sure to use a clean part of the cloth or new cloth with each blot to avoid reintroducing the urine back to the spot.
5: Rinse the spot by dipping a clean cloth into a bowl of warm water and blotting the spot until rinsed.
6: Dry affected area by blotting with a clean cloth until dry.
7: Repeat as necessary.
1: Mix 1 ½ cups warm water with ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2: Blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean cloth.
3: Saturate the affected area with the vinegar water mixture and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. Vinegar is a great natural solvent and naturally kills bacteria too!
4: Blot up the remaining moisture with a clean cloth until dry.
5: After affected area has dried, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the affected area and allow to sit overnight. In the morning, vacuum up remaining baking soda.
Test an inconspicuous spot of the carpet with this mixture first to ensure it doesn't change the color of your carpet, if it passes the test then follow the steps below.
1: Using a clean cloth, blot up as much of the urine as possible.
2: Apply generous amount of baking soda to the affected area.
3: Make a solution of ¾ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of bleach free dish detergent.
4: Drizzle concoction over baking soda and the affected area.
5: Using a soft bristle brush, using a circular motion, work the solution into the carpet so the baking soda can work its magic! Baking soda is one of the most effective tools in absorbing liquid which is important when removing cat urine.
6: Allow mixture to sit on spot until it has dried, then vacuum up the remaining baking soda.
7: Repeat if necessary
If you are still having trouble removing the odor after you have tried one or all of these steps, you could greatly benefit from a steam cleaning by AmeriBest Carpet Cleaning. We have the tools and cleaners necessary to aid you in the removal of foul odors from your home. Give us a call today!