Even the most tidy household will be unpleasant, due to the smell of pet odors, and the smell of cat pee in particular. Cat urine has recalcitrant compounds such as uric acid and ammonia that do not only smell foul, they can penetrate fabrics and the flooring.
Most regular cleaners are just covering up the smell, and the fact is that since living with an ongoing odor one must deal with those compounds in their source, and that is where the skill of professional approaches and the associated products come in.
The Specialist Solution: Odor-Decomposing Enzyme Cleaner
An enzyme-based cleaner is one of the best methods for permanently removing cat pee smell. Contrary to the usual cleaners which merely cover the odors, the enzyme-based cleaners decompose the odor-containing molecules in cat urine. The reason as to why experts recommend this approach is that it is targeted at the uric acid crystals and ammonia compounds that render cat urine so persistent.
Rocco and Roxie
$24
One of the ranked highly rated products is the Rocco and Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator, which is an enzyme product that is meant to be used on pet odors and stains. It is specifically formulated to decompose the organic matter in deep regions where the smell is found and not to freshen the surface.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Blot first: Clean up as much fresh urine as is possible using absorbent towels or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Dilute and remove: Adding a little warm water over the spot and blotting to dilute concentrated urine.
- Apply enzyme cleaner: Wet the area with the Rocco and Roxie solution, ensuring it penetrates all wet urine spots.
- Let it work: Let the product rest for at least 10 minutes, or as long as overnight for old stains. This allows the enzymes to break down odor-causing compounds.
- Absorb and dry: Wipe off the liquid and allow the surface to dry. Once dry, vacuum and inspect. Repeat if necessary.
Professionals underline that two secrets of success are contact and time; the cleaner must have access to the urine and time to decompose it.
Home Solutions That Work
In case you want more solutions to the problem of cat urine smell without commercial sprays, these home remedies are supported by cleaning professionals and pet specialists.
1. Vinegar and Water Solution
White vinegar is acidic and it assists in counteracting the alkaloids of cat urine.
How to use:
- Blend one-half white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the dirty surface until it is wet.
- Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before blotting on a clean cloth.
- Repeat until the smell fades.
2. Baking Soda Odor Absorption
It is known that baking soda neutralizes odors and absorbs the remaining odors after the worst of the liquid has been removed.
How to use:
- Spray the surrounding with baking soda after cleaning with vinegar or enzyme product.
- Keep it overnight preferably.
- Vacuum it up the next day.
3. Hydrogen peroxide + Dish soap (Hard Surface)
The combination can be used to elevate and counterbalance urine scent especially in tiles, linoleum or any hard floor.
How to use:
- Add a few drops of dish soap to approximately 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
- Rub on into the affected part and allow to bubble a few minutes.
- Wipe with a clean cloth.
4. Activated Charcoal/Air Purifiers (Supplemental)
This is not a cleaning technique of its own, but an activated charcoal bag or an air purifier can be used to absorb the air in the room after the source of pet odor has been addressed. It aids in making your home smell fresh in between the cleaning.
Professional Secrets to Sustainable Improvement
- Do not use cleaners based on ammonia. There is already ammonia in cat urine and adding more of it can make the cats revert back to the point.
- Act quickly. The more you treat the area the less chance that the odor will be laid down deep within the fiber or the flooring.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing. Scrubbing may cause urine to penetrate further into materials; blot instead.
Final Words
To rid the world of the cat pee smell, it takes more than wiping or air freshener. The secret is to counteract the odor-causing compounds at their source, and that is what the enzyme-based cleaners, such as the Rocco and Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator, do exceptionally well, as they break them down on a molecular level.
