Cat Peed on the Upholstery? DIY Tips to Get the Stain Out

Cat pee on upholstery can be a big problem. Unless the upholstery is cleaned very well, the cat urine stain can smell very bad. In addition, cats have a way of peeing in the same place multiple times. Removing the stain entirely may discourage your cat from repeating the offense, but stain removal of this nature can be a challenge. The following tips will help you remove cat urine from your home's sofa, love seat, or upholstered arm chair.

Find the Stain with a Black Light

Finding old stains can be problematic. The stain itself may disappear, but the smell will linger for a long time after the act has taken place. You can't clean what you can't see, so the best way to locate an old stain on upholstered furniture is to use a black light. Simply wait until after dark, then turn on a black light in the room where the cat peed on the furniture. Look for stains on the upholstery, then mark the area with a pin or a post-it note.

Start with a Damp Stain

If the stain is old and dry, the first step will be to re-wet the area. Pour a small amount of cold water on the part of the upholstery that sustained the damage until the stain feels damp once again. If the stain is fresh and the urine is still wet, use damp rags or a microfiber cloth to absorb the urine until the stain is simply damp.

Remove the Upholstery Cover from the Cushion

If you can, take the upholstery cover off of the cushion to clean them separately. Do not reassemble the cushion and the cover until the cleaning process is completely finished and the upholstery is dry.

Use Vinegar to Clean the Stain

Vinegar is slightly acidic, anti-bacterial, and deodorizing. To start the cleaning process, mix together equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and spray the stained area. Blot the vinegar, then spray, then blot again.

Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors

After blotting and spraying the area with vinegar, spread baking soda over the stains and allow the baking soda to soak up the stain. Leave the baking soda on the stain overnight to absorb all the odors. If the stain persists after the cleaning process is complete, repeat as necessary until the stain is completely removed.

Contact a Professional Upholstery Cleaner

If this process doesn't work, contact a professional upholstery-cleaning company in your area, such as Atlantic Carpet Care. Professionals have access to commercial-grade cleaning products that can more easily clean your upholstery.


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