How to Clean Dried Cat Urine from Carpet?

No one likes to clean pet messes. Cat urine has an awful smell, and cleaning becomes tough when the urine gets dry.

However, you can make things easier if you know which method to use and how to clean. This article explains the easiest yet most effective methods to remove dry pet urine from carpets.

4 Effective Methods to Clean Dried Cat Urine from Carpet

Method 1: Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are commonly available in pet stores and online. They work quickly and don’t require any tools. Here’s how to use enzymatic cleaners to remove dried cat urine from carpets.

• Wear a face mask and safety gloves before you start working.
• Pour some warm water over the dried urine to loosen it up.
• Absorb as much urine as you can with a paper towel. Don’t forget to replace the paper towel once it is fully wet.
• Apply the cleaner on the spot and follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Rinse the spot with a cloth dipped in warm water. Blot the area to remove excess water.
• Repeat the procedure if required.

Method 2: Vinegar

Vinegar is available in almost all homes. It removes stains and odors from the carpet. However, vinegar must be diluted before applied on carpets and tested on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the carpet.

• Add equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle; shake well.
• Spray on the urine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Blot the excess moisture with a paper towel.
• Rinse the area with a damp cloth and let the area dry.
• Repeat if the stain or smell doesn’t disappear.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the stain if vinegar fails; baking soda and vinegar cause an acid-base reaction that removes the stain. Ensure you let the baking soda and vinegar sit for at least 12 hours.

Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap, and Baking Soda

A mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide removes stubborn urine stains from carpets. The steps below mention how to use it. Please note that it is a potent cleaner and can damage your carpet’s fibers. Hence, it is important to test it on a hidden spot.

• Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 3 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of dish soap. Do not use bleach or ammonia-based dish soap.
• Loosen the dried urine with warm water; blot with a paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the spot and spray the cleaner; let them sit for a few minutes.
• Use a soft scrub brush to remove the stain.
• Let the mixture dry.
• Remove baking powder with a vacuum, rinse with a damp cloth, and let the spot air dry completely before using.

Method 4: Carpet Cleaners

You don’t have to use any DIY or commercial cleaner if you have a carpet or steam cleaner. Loosen the dry urine with water and blot to remove excess moisture. Now treat the mess like any other.

How to Remove Cat Urine’s Odor from Carpet?

Cat urine smells bad. It may make you vomit and make your kids run out of the room. However, it is easy to remove the smell if you act fast. Simply pour baking soda over the cleaned spot and let it sit for 2-3 hours. Vacuum the powder to remove all the smell.

The smell removal may take some time if the urine gets dry. You can make a homemade cleaning solution to eliminate the nasty smell. Take a spray bottle, fill it halfway with warm water, add ¼ cup white vinegar and a few drops of colorless essential oils. Using colored oil can discolor your carpet. Spray the mixture over the spot and vacuum after 5-6 hours.

If the smell doesn’t vanish, you’ll have to deep clean the carpet or hire a professional to take care of it.  

Read More: How to Get Dried Slime Out of Carpet?

Tips to Stop Cats Peeing on Carpets

• Set up the litter box properly; place it in a quiet and private area. Cats like privacy when peeing.
• Empty the litter box at least every 2 days. Cats have a strong sense of smell and won’t use the litter box if it smells.
• The litter box must be big enough for your cat, and the cat must be large if you have more than one cat.
• Strong scents such as mint, citrus, and vinegar deter cats from peeing on carpets. Place these scents at the spot your cat frequently urinates.
• Your cat may suddenly start having accidents around the house for various reasons, such as a new pet or person, disease, or pain.
• Use diapers for older pets.
• You may need to consult a vet if the problem persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to locate a urine stain on the carpet?

It is easier to spot a wet spot than a dry one. The easiest way is to shine a black light over the carpet. The UV light helps identify the stained spots.

You can also pull the curtains during daylight. The dimmer light helps you spot the stain. This method only works if you have lighter shade curtains.

Why is vinegar good cat urine cleaner?

Although it has a pungent smell, vinegar is excellent cat urine cleaner. Cat urine is alkaline, while vinegar is acidic. So the acidic behavior of vinegar helps neutralize the salts present in the cat’s urine. As far as the vinegar’s smell is concerned, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the diluted vinegar solution for a good fragrance. 

Does cat urine ruin carpet?

Yes, if you don’t remove the cat’s urine immediately from the carpet, it can ruin it. Dried cat urine can stain your carpet permanently, and it also gives a foul odor to the rug that will become hard to eliminate.  

Do I need to deep clean my carpet for cat urine?

It depends. Most surface and dried stains can be cleaned with DIY or carpet cleaner. However, if the urine has penetrated the carpet fiber and seeped to the bottom, you have to deep clean the carpet to remove it completely and eliminate the smell.