If you’ve ever walked into a room and suddenly smelled that sharp, ammonia-like odor, you know how frustrating cat pee can be. Whether it’s an accident on the carpet, sofa, bed, or even clothes, cat urine is one of the toughest smells to eliminate. The reason is simple: once it dries, it forms strong uric acid crystals that don’t go away with regular cleaning.
In this How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell – Complete Guide, you’ll learn exactly how to neutralize odor from every type of surface using simple, effective, science-backed methods. You’ll also learn what not to use, why the smell keeps coming back, and how to prevent future accidents for good.
Why Cat Pee Smells So Strong
Cat urine contains uric acid, creatinine, pheromones, and bacteria. Once it dries, the uric acid forms crystals that can continue releasing odor for years if not cleaned properly. Regular soap, detergent, or surface cleaners usually mask the smell temporarily, but the odor returns once the surface gets warm or humid.
That’s why the cleaning methods in this guide focus on breaking down and neutralizing those uric acid crystals.
If you’re dealing with other types of tough stains around the house too, you might also find this guide helpful: How to Remove Set-In Stains.
Step 1: Find the Exact Spot
Cats often pee in hidden corners, under furniture, or on fabrics that don’t immediately show stains. Before you start cleaning:
1. Use Your Nose
Start by smelling around the area to find the strongest odor. This helps narrow down the source.
2. Look for Yellowish Spots
Cat urine leaves a yellow or slightly dark patch on porous surfaces.
3. Use a UV Blacklight
Cat pee glows under UV light. This is the fastest way to locate dried urine spots on carpets, rugs, or walls.
Finding all spots is important because cleaning only one area won’t fully eliminate the odor if there are multiple urine marks.
Step 2: Act Quickly on Fresh Pee
Fresh cat urine is much easier to clean. Here’s what to do immediately:
1. Blot, Don’t Rub
Use paper towels or a dry cloth. Press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Rubbing pushes the urine deeper into fibers.
2. Apply Cold Water
Lightly rinse the area with cold water and blot again.
3. Never Use Steam or Heat
Heat binds the uric acid crystals to the fibers, making the smell permanent.
This is the same reason you should avoid hot water when dealing with laundry-related odor, similar to removing urine stains and smell from clothes.
Step 3: Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down uric acid crystals—something no regular cleaner can do.
How to Use an Enzyme Cleaner
- Saturate the area completely.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Cover with a towel and allow it to air-dry for 24–48 hours.
- Repeat if the odor persists.
Enzyme cleaners are ideal for:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Upholstery
- Mattresses
- Clothing
- Hardwood floors
- Tile grout
Most of the time, this step alone removes 80–90% of the odor.
Step 4: Natural Home Remedies
If you prefer natural cleaning solutions, several home remedies can help neutralize mild odors.
1. White Vinegar + Water Solution
Mix equal parts water and vinegar.
Spray generously on the affected area and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Vinegar neutralizes ammonia odor, but it does not break uric acid crystals alone, so follow with baking soda.
2. Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount over the damp area.
Let it sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Mix
Mix:
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Apply carefully on carpets or mattresses (always spot test first).
This method is also helpful for removing hard water stains because of its mineral-breaking effect.
Step 5: How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell from Carpets
Carpets are the most common place for accidents. Follow this method:
1. Blot out fresh urine
Use a dry towel until no more moisture comes out.
2. Apply enzyme cleaner
Soak the area thoroughly.
3. Cover and let sit for at least 24 hours
The cleaner must reach the carpet padding, where the urine usually settles.
4. Repeat if needed
Deep stains may need 2–3 rounds.
If your carpet also has old stains, you might find this article helpful:
How to Get Old Stains Out of Carpet.
Step 6: Removing Cat Pee Smell from the Sofa or Upholstery
Upholstery absorbs odor deeply because of its foam padding.
Steps:
- Blot the urine immediately.
- Apply enzyme cleaner and gently work it in.
- Lift cushions if possible and clean the underside.
- Allow full drying time (24–48 hours).
Use fans to speed up drying.
Step 7: Removing Cat Pee Smell from the Mattress
Cats often pee on beds because they absorb scent strongly.
What to Do
- Blot immediately.
- Apply enzyme cleaner until the mattress feels wet—this ensures full penetration.
- Cover with plastic wrap and leave overnight.
- Let the mattress air-dry completely.
A second application is often needed because mattresses trap liquid deeply.
Step 8: Eliminating Cat Pee Smell from Clothes or Bedding
If your cat pees on clothes or bedding:
1. Rinse the fabric with cold water
Never use hot water initially.
2. Soak the item in enzyme cleaner
Most enzyme cleaners allow you to add them to the wash cycle.
3. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle
Use ½ cup vinegar.
4. Air dry
Heat from dryers sets odors permanently.
If you’re interested in more laundry tips, check out:
Whiten White Clothes Without Bleach.
Step 9: Removing Cat Pee Smell from Hardwood Floors
Cat urine can seep into wood grain and cracks, leaving long-lasting odor.
How to Clean Wood Floors:
- Wipe fresh urine immediately.
- Mop with an enzyme cleaner safe for wood.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Repeat until the smell is gone.
If the wood has absorbed too much urine, sanding or refinishing may be needed.
Step 10: Why the Smell Keeps Coming Back
If the odor returns, it means:
- The urine reached deep layers (padding, subfloor, foam).
- You didn’t use an enzyme-based cleaner.
- Humidity reactivated the dried uric acid crystals.
- Another hidden pee spot wasn’t cleaned.
Cats may also repeatedly mark areas where they smell old urine.
Step 11: Preventing Future Pee Accidents
Prevention is just as important as cleaning. Here’s how to stop your cat from peeing outside the litter box:
1. Keep litter boxes clean
Scoop daily and change litter weekly.
2. Add an extra litter box
The rule is: Number of cats + 1 extra box.
3. Treat medical issues
UTIs, kidney problems, and bladder stones can cause inappropriate urination.
4. Reduce stress
New pets, new furniture, or changes at home can stress cats.
5. Use calming sprays
Pheromone diffusers help reduce marking behavior.
If pests are stressing your cat, learn how to naturally deal with them here:
How to Get Rid of Rats Naturally.
Step 12: When to Call a Professional Cleaner
Call a professional if:
- The urine has soaked into subflooring
- The smell remains after multiple enzyme treatments
- You have multiple cats marking repeatedly
- The mattress or sofa padding is severely saturated
Professional steam extraction combined with deep enzyme treatment can fully restore carpets and upholstery.
Step 13: Natural Deodorizers
Even after removing the urine, a mild lingering odor may remain.
You can use:
- Activated charcoal bags
- Baking soda bowls
- Air purifiers
- Essential oil diffusers (cat-safe oils only—like lavender or chamomile)
These help freshen the area but should only be used after full cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Cat pee is one of the strongest and most persistent odors, but with the right cleaning methods, you can remove it completely from carpets, mattresses, furniture, and clothes. The key is using enzyme cleaners and avoiding heat, which makes the smell worse.
With consistent litter box care, stress management, and quick action, you can prevent future accidents and keep your home fresh and odor-free.
If you’re dealing with similar types of stubborn household issues, explore more practical guides such as how to kill roaches naturally and other home care solutions.
