How to Get Cat Pee Smell & Stains Out of a Mattress in 5 Easy Steps
Cats are renowned for their good litter box habits. However, sick or senior cats can have the occasional accident. Cat urine has an extremely potent odor that can be difficult to eliminate, and you must deal with the problem immediately to prevent the cat from peeing on the spot again. If the cat can still smell the scent of urine on the mattress, they will deduce that peeing on the spot is alright with you.
If you have tried numerous solutions to no avail, consider using the tips in this article.
Before You Start
If the cat just wet the bed and the mattress is still wet, use paper towels to blot the urine. Try to blot as much urine as you can. Next, rinse the spot with plain water before using one of the cleaning products below.
Our research revealed that the following household products are the most effective at eliminating urine odor. However, they vary in effectiveness and safety. These include:
Start with baking soda since it is the least hazardous, and work your way up depending on whether the product works. For example, if the baking soda works, you will not have to use the enzyme-based detergent.
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The 5 Steps For Getting Cat Pee Smell Out of a Mattress
1. Using Baking Soda
While baking soda might not be as powerful or effective as borax, we recommend using it first since it is non-toxic and the most cost-effective option on this list. Additionally, baking soda is renowned for its odor-eating properties, which is why it is commonly used to remove smells from closets and refrigerators. Implement these steps:
Once the spot is completely dry, use a brush or vacuum to remove the baking soda residue. Hopefully, it should have worked. If not, proceed to step two.
2. An Enzyme-Based Detergent
Enzyme-based detergents are exceptional at odor removal, thanks to their enzymes, which “eat” organic material such as cat urine. Proceed as follows:
Once the mattress has dried completely, smell the area carefully for lingering odors. If there is still an odor, repeat the process. If the odor lingers after a second enzyme-based detergent treatment, proceed to the next step.
3. Using Vinegar
While vinegar is neither toxic nor dangerous, some people do not like its smell. If you can tolerate it, consider using it since it is remarkably effective at eliminating odors. The good news is that vinegar’s scent dissipates over time. Follow these steps:
There is a good chance that this will work. If not, move on to step four.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent cleaner and deodorizer. However, it is also toxic and dangerous. Therefore, you have to take precautionary measures when using it. For starters, you should wear a mask and gloves since hydrogen peroxide fumes are also toxic.
You can use it either in pure form or in diluted form. Pour the hydrogen peroxide on the stained area, then allow the mattress to air dry.
5. Borax
Borax is a powerful chemical that is a staple ingredient in cleaning products and pesticides, thanks to its antibacterial properties. However, it is also incredibly toxic, regardless of whether it is ingested or inhaled. We suggest only using borax as a last resort due to how dangerous it is. Again, remember to wear a mask and gloves.
To remove urine smell, do the following:
Once the mattress is fully dry, brush off the powder residue.
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Summary
There is a good chance that baking soda will work. If it does not, experiment with the other solutions until you find one that works for you. You will also need to address your cat’s urinating issue. Start with taking them to the vet for a thorough evaluation to rule out potential health issues. Additionally, ensure their litter box is always clean since cats do not like dirty or smelly litter boxes.
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: beton studio, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
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