How to remove the smell of cat urine from the sofa

In this article you will learn how to clean a sofa from cat urine. Get practical tips on removing odor in a variety of ways. Find out what preventative measures to take to prevent this incident from happening again.

Causes of persistent cat urine odor

Cat urine has a persistent foul odor. It's all about its composition:

• urea (sticky substance);
• urochrome (a substance that colors urine);
• acid (colorless crystals with a pungent odor).

When the acid breaks down, it produces chemicals with a strong odor. It is the smell of acid that is difficult to get rid of, because when moisture comes into contact with it again, it becomes active again.

You can't just wash it off with water because they don't dissolve in water. You can get rid of odors, including dog odors, only with products that chemically decompose crystals.

How to remove the smell of cat urine in different ways

There are many ways to clean a sofa and eliminate the smell. The main thing is to act quickly before the liquid is absorbed and dries. In this case, it is necessary to immediately remove as much urine as possible before it is absorbed deeply into the sofa. This can be done using napkins or a rag. Blot the wet spot with them.

Laundry soap solution

Grate the laundry soap and dilute it in warm water. Use the resulting solution to wash the contaminated area. To do this, it is better to take a dishwashing sponge and rub the soap solution well with the felt side. Wait a few minutes and wipe the area dry. Use a hair dryer to dry completely.

Lemon juice

You will need freshly squeezed lemon juice. Saturate a rag or sponge with it. Apply to the stained area. This method will get rid of the yellow stain on the sofa and its smell. Cats cannot tolerate citrus scents. This will prevent re-marking. To achieve better results, repeat the procedure.

IMPORTANT! Lemon juice may discolor delicate fabrics. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to wash the treated area with clean water.

Vinegar

Using table vinegar, it is possible to remove even old traces of urine on the sofa. It is necessary to dilute vinegar with water 1:1. Rub the resulting liquid into the sofa. During the neutralization process, a decomposition product is formed; to remove it, sprinkle the area with baking soda. Leave until completely dry. Collect any remaining residue with a vacuum cleaner.

IMPORTANT! The specific smell will soon disappear after this procedure.

Potassium permanganate solution

Dissolve manganese in warm water until rich pink. Use the resulting solution to wipe the contaminated surface with a rag or sponge. After a few minutes, wipe the area with clean warm water.

This method is suitable for a fresh stain. Also, a solution of potassium permanganate has a deodorizing effect.

IMPORTANT! Do not use this method on a light-colored sofa because it may turn the fabric pink.

Baking soda

Soda should be mixed with water until it becomes a homogeneous paste. Apply the resulting mixture to the contaminated area using a brush. Wait until it dries completely and remove the resulting crust.

Hydrogen peroxide

Using peroxide will get rid of both the stain and the smell of cat urine. Dilute peroxide with water 1:1. Apply to the stain and wait until it dries. Another option: mix three teaspoons of peroxide, two tablespoons of liquid soap and two tablespoons of baking soda. Apply to the stain and wait for it to dry. Then you need to wash off the residue with clean warm water.

IMPORTANT! Peroxide can discolor fabric, so test the reaction on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Special products to combat unpleasant odors

In stores in your city you can find special products to combat unpleasant odors. It is best to stock up on this product in advance so that you can use it as quickly as possible. Choose an ammonia-free product that contains enzymes or bacteria. They destroy uric salt crystals and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Proven effective remedies:

• Dezosan (completely eliminates the smell of cat urine at the molecular level);
• Zoosan (safe drug, completely neutralizes unpleasant odor);
• Urine off cat & kitten (safe product for cats and people, which contains bacteria and enzymes that block odor);
• OdorGone (a natural, safe and hypoallergenic product with plant extracts, can remove stubborn odors, has bactericidal properties);
• Odor kill (eliminates the smell of cat urine, has a vanilla aroma).

IMPORTANT! Before using a special product, read the instructions and follow the steps listed.

If the smell does not come out

If you have tried all the methods to eliminate the smell, but have not achieved the desired result, all that remains is to replace the sofa with a new one or replace the filling yourself. To do this, open the nearest seam on the sofa upholstery. Carefully inspect and remove the dirty litter. It will be yellow in color with an unpleasant odor. Place new filler in this place. Wash the sofa upholstery, wait for it to dry and sew it back. This method will completely get rid of the unpleasant odor and save your furniture.

What you don't need to do to remove cat odor

Do not try to mask the smell with air fresheners, deodorants, herbs, various fragrances, scented oils and coffee. All these remedies will not eliminate the odor forever. They are only able to disguise him for a while, but he will definitely return. Also in double size.

Also, do not use substances containing chlorine in the fight. It will not only enhance the aroma from your pet’s antics, but will also ruin the surface of the sofa. In addition, chlorine fumes are harmful to the animal and human body and have a harmful effect on health.

Preventive measures

To prevent your pet from marking a sofa or other place not intended for this, you must immediately accustom the kitten to the litter box as soon as it appears in your home. The tray should be larger than the animal itself and have a protective rim. It is necessary to prevent granules from spilling out during instillation.

Choose better silica gel fillers. They absorb moisture well and block unpleasant odors.Choosing the right place for the cat's litter box will facilitate quick training to the litter box and eliminate unpleasant surprises in the wrong places.

2. It is necessary to timely change the filler and clean the tray. It is recommended to perform such manipulations at least once a day.
3. Moving or a long separation from the owner is stressful for the cat and may cause it to leave the mark in another place. Help your pet cope with stress; do not leave your cat alone for more than a day.
4. If an adult cat, who previously always went to her litter box, begins to leave marks, then perhaps it is time to change the tray to a new one or replace the litter with another one. This may also be a consequence of illness; it is necessary to show your pet to a veterinarian.
5. Neutered cats do not mark their territory in all corners. The procedure is best carried out at nine months, before the pet's sexual experience.

IMPORTANT! The tray should be in a comfortable, quiet corner, away from prying eyes. Access to it must always be open.

If a cat marks its territory, it is necessary to identify the cause and try to eliminate it. It is also necessary to clean the area where the cat left a wet mark to avoid a repeat incident. After all, the smell of cat urine will be a signal for the pet to go there again and again, and cause discomfort to the owners. Be attentive to your pets and they will reward you with good behavior.