How to Get Cat Pee Out of Carpet
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Cleaning cat pee from your carpet just got easier.
Can cat urine be removed from carpet?
If you’re the loving owner of a sweet kitty cat, you know that accidents are bound to happen. And unfortunately, cat pee is one of the worst offenders because of its strong odor. When accidents are left alone or not cleaned thoroughly, your cat may go back to that same area to do their business. If you’re wondering how to get cat pee out of carpet—both old and new—you’ve come to the right place.
While cat pee can definitely be removed from carpet, it’s critical to move fast. Jessica Ek, senior director at the American Cleaning Institute, says, “The sooner you clean up a cat mess, the more successful you will likely be at removing it. Urine can soak deeply into the carpet, which can then make it more difficult to get out.”
Ahead, we’ll explain how to get cat pee out of carpet. Once you’re done here, review the best pet stain removers and then learn how to get rid of pet odor, how to get rid of cat pee smell, how to get dog pee out of carpet, and how to clean carpet.
Carpet-cleaning supplies
If you’re ready to learn how to get cat pee out of carpet, gather this list of supplies and then follow the step-by-step guide for a fail-proof cleanup:
- Dry, absorbent cloth (or paper towels)
- Rubber gloves
- Pet stain remover
- Vacuum
- Deterrent
- Black/UV Light
Soak up wet pee
The first step is to use a clean, dry, highly absorbent cloth to blot as much of the mess as you can. If the pee has started to dry or is already dry, Ek says, “it can be helpful to douse the area in cool water and continue blotting until just damp, to get up as much as you can first.”
An absorbent cloth is best, but you can also use paper towels if that’s all you have on hand. Either way, it’s a good idea to wear a pair of rubber gloves while you work.
Spray stain remover and odor neutralizer
A high-quality pet stain remover and odor neutralizer are key to cleaning up cat urine, especially to get the strong scent out of the carpet and eliminate all traces of it.
“Things like baking soda might help absorb the stain and odor, but your pet will likely still be able to smell it even if you can’t,” notes Ek. “Pet stain remover products have enzymes that specialize in breaking down these kinds of stains and will give you the best success of full removal.”
Each pet stain remover has its own instructions, so refer to the label of your chosen product. Typically, the process involves spraying, waiting, and then blotting. Experts suggest you work from the outer edge of the stain towards the middle.
Review our list of the best pet stain removers, which includes the viral Folex Carpet Spot Remover, Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator, and Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator Foam, to name a few of our favorites.
Vacuum your carpet
For an extra deep clean, use a vacuum intended for pet stains. This extra step can suck up pee that’s migrated deep into your carpet or upholstery. Two top picks include the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser and the Bissell Little Green Machine, both of which loosen and lift stains and odors from soft surfaces. We also love the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Pet—it uses a blast of hot air to lift out set-in stains in seconds.
For best results, run the vacuum back and forth over the damp area, working from the outer edge of the stain toward the middle. Let the area dry completely. If possible, keep your pet away from the area until the spot is dry to the touch.
Use a deterrent
Cats like to revisit old spots, even if they’ve been cleaned really well.
“It’s one thing to clean up cat urine so that you don’t see it or smell it anymore. It’s another to clean it to the point that the cat doesn’t smell it anymore,” says Ek. “They have a sensitive sense of smell and the urine scent will encourage them to return to the same spot to pee again.”
A good option is Nature’s Miracle Pet Block Repellent Spray Just for Cats. One verified Amazon reviewer says, “I had a problem with one of my cats peeing on my new couch. I sprayed this on before bed every night and it has not happened again!”
How to get old cat pee out of the carpet
The process for how to get pee out of carpet is similar whether it’s a fresh stain or an old spot. The biggest difference is that you don’t need to blot the wet pee. Instead, start with the pet stain remover and follow the label’s instructions.
“Be sure to use enough product so that it can soak into the spot,” notes Ek. “After cleaning, wait for the spot to dry and see if the stain remains. You may have to do this several times to get the stain and odor out completely.”
If you can smell the stain but don’t know where it is, using a UV Flashlight can help. The stain will light up, indicating where your cat has peed before. Next, learn how to stop your cat from peeing on the carpet altogether.
Sources:
- Jessica Ek, senior director at the American Cleaning Institute
Originally Published: July 04, 2022
