Uh Oh! Removing Urine from Furniture

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a cat guardian is inappropriate cat urination, especially if it happens to take place on your furniture. Here are some tips for getting the cat urine out. 

Step 1: Blot and press, don't scrub
Rubbing a urine spot to absorb the moisture only spread the stink. Instead, get a cloth or paper towel and press down hard to get out any soaked-in urine. After you're finished, leave another cloth or pile of paper towels on the spot to soak up more. 

Step 2: Use an enzymatic cleaner
Uric acid, the stuff that causes the odor, is not water soluble and will not respond to water-based clean-up methods. Any enzymatic cleaner breaks down the uric acid and removes the smell. Soak the soiled area with the enzymatic cleaner--as deep into the cushions as the urine did. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Enzymatic cleaners can cause stains or lightening of the dye on leather furniture. Test the cleaner in a small, less visible place to see if it damages the leather before using it. 

Step 3: Cover the area and let it dry 
Cover the area where you used the enzymatic cleaner with a towel or anything that helps cats and people avoid the spot. If the stain and the cleaner went deep into the cushions, it could take several days to dry. If possible, leave the cushions outdoors in the sun to help dry them and remove odors. 


Alternative Cleaning
If you don't have enzymatic cleaner, here are a couple of alternative (but somewhat less effective) methods. 

Alternative 1: Vinegar and baking soda 
Soak up as much urine as possible from the upholstery. Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the stain, and let it sit for 5 minutes. The baking soda will help deodorize the stain. In a spray bottle or other container, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Spray or pour the mixture onto the baking soda-covered stain, and let sit for another 5 minutes. Then blot the stain with a cloth or paper towel to dry it. 

Alternative 2: Peroxide, dish detergent and baking soda 
Hydrogen peroxide can break down some of the chemicals in urine through a process called oxidation. Start by soaking up as much urine as possible. Then sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Mix 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of grease-cutting dish detergent in a bowl. Pour mixture onto a towel , and blot it on the stain. The detergent will get rid of the odor-creating fatty acids, and the peroxide's fizz will lift out crystals that leave stains. 

If you used any of these methods with leather furniture, apply leather conditioner once the cushion is dry and odor-free, because these methods tend to dry out leather. 


Article provided by JaneA Kelley from Catster Magazine. 

---