Whether you’re a new cat owner or have had cats for years, dealing with the occasional stray urine mark on your furniture can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. Cat urine contains strong-smelling proteins that can be difficult to remove, and the longer it sits on your couch, the harder it is to get rid of. Also, cats usually urinate on the same spot repeatedly, so if you don’t completely remove the smell, they will keep coming back to that spot.
In this guide, we explain how to get cat pee out of a couch using methods for different types of couches and materials. Some solutions involve using products specifically designed to remove pet odors, while others use natural ingredients in your pantry. The key is to act fast and treat both the stain and the odor simultaneously.
Let’s dive in!
Solution #1: Use a Pet Odor Remover Spray
The most commonly used and effective way to get cat pee out of a couch is by using a pet odor remover spray. An enzyme cleaner is a type of cleaner that specifically targets and breaks down the proteins in cat urine, eliminating both the stain and the odor. These cleaners are available online or at pet stores and come in spray bottles for easy application. The best part is that it eliminates odors that can attract cats back for repeat’ accidents.’
Solution #2: Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is one of the most versatile household items and works wonders at removing odors due to its alkaline base. Most people use it to combat odors in their fridge, but it can also be used to absorb cat urine odors on your couch.
Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the affected area and let it sit for at least an hour, then vacuum it up. The baking soda will absorb the odor, leaving your couch smelling fresh. If the smell lingers, you can mix the baking soda with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for a more powerful solution.
Solution #3: Use Vinegar to Clean Clean the Area
If you don’t have an enzymatic cleaner on hand, vinegar is another powerful natural ingredient. It works by killing off the bacteria that cause the odor and can also help to neutralize the ammonia in cat urine.
To use vinegar, mix three parts of warm water to one part of white vinegar and pour it over the affected area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before dry blotting with a towel. Repeat this process until the stain and odor are completely gone.
How to Get Cat Pee Out of a Microfibre Couch?
Microfibre couch cushions are relatively easier to clean than other couch fabrics because they are durable, thick, and resistant to liquids due to their tight weave of microscopic fibers. Here’s how to tackle the odor and stain using a few simple methods.
Step 1: Blot the Area
If the pee is still wet, use an old towel or rag to blot the spot, soaking up as much liquid as possible.
Step 2: Use Natural Odor Neutralizers
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the affected area to absorb odors. Let it sit for at least an hour—or even overnight—before vacuuming it up.
You can also apply a vinegar solution (three parts water, one part vinegar) to the area. Wait a few minutes, then blot with a cloth. Repeat as necessary.
Step 3: Steam Clean for Deep Cleaning
For a deeper clean, use a steam cleaner. Fill the tank halfway with warm water and add a bit of fabric cleaner or detergent. Follow the steam cleaner’s instructions to remove any lingering odor or stain.
How to Get Cat Pee Out of a Velvet Couch?
Velvet is a delicate fabric that requires special attention, especially when it comes to removing cat pee. Here are some tips to help you get rid of the stain and odor:
Step 1: Blot with a Cloth
Start by blotting the affected area with a clean cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible while it’s still wet. Use a dabbing motion rather than scrubbing to avoid damaging the fabric or causing color bleed. Switch to a new section of the cloth as needed to keep the area clean. If dealing with an old or dried stain, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Check the Upholstery Tag
Look for the upholstery tag on your couch. If it’s labeled with a “W” or “S-W,” it can be cleaned with water-based treatments. This means it’s safe to use a moisture-based cleaner, such as a vinegar solution.
Step 3: Apply a Vinegar Solution
Mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the mixture onto the area with the old stain. Allow it to air-dry naturally; the vinegar will help neutralize odors.
Step 4: Use Salt for Extra Absorption
After the vinegar solution has dried for a few hours, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the area. Salt helps absorb any remaining moisture and unpleasant odors. After leaving it for a couple of hours, vacuum the salt to finish up.
How to Remove Cat Pee Out of A Leather Couch?
Leather, like microfiber, is more durable, but it’s easily damaged by harsh cleaners and other substances. Using the white vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixture is a natural, safe solution that you can utilize to get the job done.
Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray the Affected Area with the Mixture
Spray the mixture onto the smell-affected area. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Blot with a Towel
Wipe clean with a damp towel using gentle circles and allow to air dry completely.
How to Get the Smell of Cat Pee Out of the Couch Foam?
Cat pee on couch foam can be tricky to clean because the foam absorbs liquid deeply. Often, scrubbing just drives the stain deeper into the material, making it difficult to remove. The following steps will help to remove the smell of cat pee from couch foam.
- Apply a light layer of baking soda on the entire surface instead of just the affected area.
- Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer that helps absorb lingering odors.
- Vacuum the baking soda up thoroughly, and then use a damp towel to clean any remaining residue.
Important Note: Baking soda can pose a risk to your cat if inhaled. Ensure your cat is kept away from the couch during the cleaning process, and thoroughly remove all traces of baking soda from the couch once you are done.
More Tips for Getting Rid of The Odor From Couch
- Clean fresh stains as soon as possible to prevent the smell from setting into the couch.
- Regularly vacuum your couch cushions on both sides with an upholstery brush to remove pet hair and debris. Open windows while cleaning to bring in fresh air, helping to refresh your couch and reduce odors naturally.
- If the smell persists, consider contacting a professional cleaning service for deeper cleaning methods. They may have specialized equipment and products that can effectively remove stubborn odors from your couch.
- Tackle the root of the problem and address any underlying behavioral issues with your cat. Properly training and providing a clean litter box can help prevent future accidents on your couch.