How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell: Proven Tips for a Fresh Home

Having a cat at home brings endless joy and companionship, but it also introduces unique cleaning challenges—especially when dealing with cat urine. Knowing how to get rid of cat pee smell is essential to maintaining a clean, healthy, and inviting space.

Before adopting a kitten, consider the cleaning responsibilities that come with it: learning how to clean a litter box, how to remove cat hair from clothes, and how to handle the occasional accident.

Cat urine has a strong, long-lasting odor that can quickly fill your home. Don’t worry—this guide from Yorleny’s Cleaning Services will show you how to remove cat urine smell effectively. Using proven cleaning methods, you’ll eliminate cat urine smell from carpets, furniture, and floors, leaving your home refreshed and odor-free.

Why Cat Pee Smells So Bad—and Why It’s Hard to Remove

What cat urine is made of

Contrary to popular belief, cat urine isn’t inherently worse than other animals’ waste. The issue begins when it’s not cleaned promptly. According to studies, over time, bacteria decompose the liquid and release ammonia-like fumes, making it vital to know how to get rid of cat urine smell before it sets in.

The persistent odor comes from uric acid, a compound that clings to surfaces such as carpets, fabrics, and wood. Even after cleaning, uric acid can recrystallize in humid conditions, reactivating the odor. Using the best methods for how to get cat pee smell out—like enzyme-based cleaners—prevents this reappearance.

How cat pee affects floors, fabrics, and indoor air

Cat urine’s chemical makeup can permanently damage surfaces and worsen indoor air quality. If left untreated, it can create an unhealthy environment. That’s why it’s important to act fast and learn how to get rid of cat urine odour using the proper products.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Fresh Accident

Blot, don’t rub

To start the process of how to get rid of cat pee smell, gently blot fresh urine with paper towels or a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing—it spreads the stain and pushes the odor deeper. For fabrics, rinse the area with cold water before applying any cleaner.

Neutralize the odor before it sets

Once the area is dry, use an enzymatic or vinegar-based solution to eliminate cat urine smell completely. Spray it over the affected surface, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then blot again. This breaks down uric acid and prevents lingering odors.

When and how to use enzyme-based cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners are the best way to ensure you fully get rid of cat urine odour. They work by breaking down uric acid crystals at the molecular level. These specialized products also handle fecal and vomit stains, making them ideal for households with pets.

For long-term freshness, use enzyme cleaners regularly in areas where your cat frequently goes. This ensures you’ll always know how to get rid of cat pee smell effectively and keep your home consistently clean.

DIY Home Remedies to Remove Cat Urine Smell

Baking soda and vinegar

If you’re learning how to get rid of cat pee smell naturally, baking soda and vinegar are your best allies. First, blot up as much liquid as possible, then spray the area with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Blot again to lift excess moisture.

After the area is slightly damp, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda and let it sit for 8–12 hours or until completely dry. Finally, vacuum the spot thoroughly. For stronger odors, repeat the process or follow up with an enzymatic cleaner to fully eliminate cat urine smell and prevent it from returning.

Hydrogen peroxide + dish soap

Another effective solution for how to get rid of cat pee smell is a mix of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda. First, blot as much urine as possible. In a spray bottle, combine ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup dish soap, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Before using, test it on a hidden area to avoid discoloration, since hydrogen peroxide can lighten some fabrics. Spray the affected area, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, gently scrub with a brush, and then blot dry. This method breaks down the odor molecules and helps eliminate cat urine smell at its source.

Soap and Ground Coffee

If you prefer a more natural approach to how to get rid of cat pee smell, try using soap and ground coffee. Clean the affected surface first with mild soap, then apply dry coffee grounds evenly over it.

Once the coffee is completely dry, gently brush it away or vacuum it up. Ground coffee absorbs unpleasant odors effectively but should only be used on dark materials to prevent staining. Always test it in an inconspicuous area before full application.

How to Remove Cat Pee Smell by Surface Type

Carpet and rugs

When figuring out how to get rid of cat pee smell from carpets or rugs, start by blotting the affected spot thoroughly. Then, apply a high-quality enzymatic cleaner designed for pet odors.

For older or stubborn stains, mix white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide for an effective DIY cleaner. Avoid using heat or ammonia-based products, as these can permanently set the odor into the fibers.

Hardwood and laminate flooring

To learn how to get rid of cat pee smell from hardwood or laminate flooring, act quickly. Wipe the area immediately to prevent absorption, then use a gentle enzymatic cleaner.

Laminate floors are more sensitive to moisture, so use minimal liquid. For persistent odors in hardwood, deeper treatment like sanding and sealing may be necessary to fully remove cat urine smell and restore freshness.

Tile, grout, and baseboards

Tiles and grout can trap odor particles, so knowing how to get rid of cat pee smell in these areas is crucial. Start by cleaning the surface with equal parts white vinegar and water. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to loosen embedded odors.

Next, apply a specialized enzymatic product to neutralize any lingering scent. For grout and baseboards, always test cleaning solutions on a hidden area first, as vinegar can damage porous surfaces or lighten finishes.

Upholstery and mattresses

If your furniture or mattress was affected, you can still follow how to get rid of cat pee smell effectively using household items. First, absorb as much urine as possible with paper towels or a clean cloth. Then, spray a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to neutralize the odor.

Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb any remaining residue. Let it sit for several hours before vacuuming. If the smell persists, use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for fabrics to eliminate cat urine smell completely.

Why You Might Still Smell Cat Pee (Even After Cleaning)

Deep padding saturation

If you can still smell cat urine after cleaning, it is likely due to deep padding saturation, which conventional cleaning cannot reach. Cat urine contains compounds such as uric acid, which embed in porous surfaces and cause the odor to persist or return when activated by moisture.

HVAC systems and recurring smells

When a cat pees near or into an HVAC vent, the urine can penetrate deep into the ductwork and insulation, resulting in repeated odors that regular cleaning cannot remove. The system’s airflow reactivates and circulates the smell throughout your home, particularly when it is humid.

In that scenario, completely turn off your HVAC system at both the thermostat and the circuit breaker. Clean the vents and duct interiors. Change your HVAC air filter to keep toxins from recirculating. If you don’t know how to get rid of cat pee smell in this case you could also try hiring a professional to help you eradicate the stench.

Signs you need a professional odor removal service

Consider seeking expert assistance if:

• The odor lingers despite multiple DIY cleaning attempts.
• The odor is coming from an unreachable part of your ductwork.
• There is evident mold inside the ductwork.
• Your ducts are ancient, or the insulation has absorbed the odor.
• You suspect a refrigerant leak or another mechanical problem.

Professionals have industrial cleaning equipment and may do deodorizing treatments, as well as replace severely damaged duct parts. They will know how to get rid of cat pee smell in the best and most efficient way.

Ready for a Professional Deep Clean?

Contact Yorleny’s Cleaning Service in South Florida

Learning how to get rid of cat pee smell is essential to maintaining a fresh, healthy home — but even with the best DIY tricks, pet odors can sometimes linger deep within carpets and furniture. That’s where Yorleny’s Cleaning Services comes in.

Our expert team specializes in removing stubborn pet stains and odors safely and effectively, helping Florida homeowners restore freshness and comfort to their living spaces.

Say goodbye to pet odors for good! Contact Yorleny’s Cleaning Service today to schedule your next deep cleaning and enjoy a truly odor-free home.

FAQ: Cat Urine Odor Removal

How long does cat urine smell last?

If you don’t know how to get rid of cat pee smell correctly, the odor can linger for years or even become permanent. The odor remains because uric acid crystals are not water soluble and can remain on porous surfaces such as carpets and wood. The stench may dissipate on non-porous surfaces such as tile in weeks with proper cleaning, but on porous materials, it will return with humidity until the uric acid is broken down.

Will blacklight help me find all the spots?

Using a blacklight can be a helpful step when figuring out how to get rid of cat pee smell, as it reveals many hidden urine spots that are invisible to the naked eye. However, it won’t always detect every affected area. The visibility depends on factors like the surface material, the age of the stain, and whether cleaning products have been used before.

Can the smell impact my home’s value?

Yes — failing to address how to get rid of cat pee smell can significantly affect your home’s resale value. Persistent pet odors create an unpleasant first impression and make potential buyers assume the property is poorly maintained. Strong scents can result in lower offers, fewer interested buyers, and a longer time on the market.