NEVER Clean Cat Pee Like This — Old Mexican Trick That Actually Works, by Lupe Santos on YouTube. 9 min.
- Video length
- 9 min
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Blot the wet spot with a clean towel right away. Press down firmly and let the towel soak up the urine instead of rubbing it into the carpet.
Stop scrubbing the stain. Scrubbing pushes urine deeper into the carpet backing and padding, which is why the smell keeps returning.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Test it on a hidden patch of carpet first and check for color change.
Spray the vinegar mix over the stain until it is damp but not soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to neutralise the urine.
Blot the area again with a dry towel to lift as much moisture as you can. Repeat the spray and blot if the spot still smells.
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot. Leave it to dry completely, which can take several hours or overnight.
Vacuum up all the baking soda once it is dry. Check that no powder is left before you let your cat back into the room.
For old or set-in spots, use a UV flashlight in a dark room to find dried urine. Treat each glowing spot the same way.
On hardwood or stone floors, wipe with the vinegar mix and dry quickly. Do not leave liquid sitting on wood, as it can warp.
If the smell stays after drying, use an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine. Follow the bottle directions and keep pets away until dry.
Tips and common mistakes
Never cover the smell with perfume or air freshener, because your cat can still detect the urine and may keep using the spot.
Keep your cat out of the room until the carpet is fully dry and all baking soda is vacuumed up.
Test vinegar on a hidden patch first, since it can affect some carpet dyes and finishes.
If your cat keeps peeing outside the litter box, talk to your vet to rule out a health problem.
Questions
Why does the cat pee smell come back after cleaning?
Scrubbing pushes urine into the carpet padding, and ordinary cleaners do not break down the urine salts. Blotting and an enzyme cleaner reach deeper to remove the source.
Can I use vinegar and baking soda on hardwood floors?
You can wipe lightly with the diluted vinegar mix, but dry it right away. Too much moisture can warp or stain wood, so keep the area as dry as possible.
When should I use an enzyme cleaner instead?
Use one for old, set-in stains or when the smell lingers after the vinegar and baking soda method. Choose a product labelled for pet urine and follow its directions.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
