How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell on Your Carpets & Upholstery

Your nose doesn’t lie: The smell of cat pee is hard to hide. We’re here to help you make it vanish fast with a couple key things in your cleaning closet. This step-by- step will guide you. Remember, before beginning, read the carpet/upholstery manufacturer’s tag for cleaning instructions and make sure you can use stain removers and upholstery cleaners on your surfaces. Also, always test any new products in an inconspicuous place before using them.

Project Overview

Cleaning Time: 20 minutes

Drying Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $15

Everything You'll Need

Equipment & Tools: Vacuum Carpet Cleaner

Supplies: Enzyme-Based Odor Remover Stain Remover Used Rags

Step 1: Locate the Smell

As you might imagine, cat urine odors worsen over time and the smell may remain even after you can’t spot the stain. So don’t wait too long before getting your nose on the trail. And remember: Cats can get into some pretty hard-to- reach places! You can even use a blacklight to find older spots that might not still be wet.

Step 2: Spray an Odor Remover

Treat the area with an enzyme-based odor remover. Why enzymes? They help “eat” the microscopic particles that make up the stain. Enzyme cleaners break down the uric acid, microorganisms and other proteins found in cat urine. Try Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula for the best results; it produces enzymes when activated. Non-enzyme-based cleaners can help you in a pinch, too, including BISSELL® Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize Pretreat. Whatever product you choose, make sure you cover the entire area, and beyond, where the urine may have soaked into the carpet backing for the best results.

Step 3: Break Out a Damp Towel

Cover the pre-treated area with a wet towel. There’s a scientific reason for this: If kept moist, the enzymes in the cleaning spray will continue to multiply and battle the stain until it’s gone. Keep it covered for 2-24 hours, depending on the stain severity.

Step 4: Clean the Surface

If the accident stain or smell remains, go a step further and use a carpet cleaner that targets problem spots head on. BISSELL® Little Green® Portable Carpet Cleaner is small but mighty when it comes to suction power. Simply fill it with BISSELL® PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator for a gentle shampooing effect that truly works. You can even run over the area again without the sprayer to suck up extra moisture.

Step 5: Re-Treat with Odor Remover (Optional)

Use the same enzyme-based odor remover you did in Step 2, letting it sit for 2-24 hours (again, it depends on how set-in the stain is). If you have a tough odor, doubling down on enzyme action often does the trick!

Step 6: Dry Everything Out

Dab your trouble area to soak up leftover moisture. You can then fan it out with a portable fan, or open a window and let fresh air in to speed up the process.

Voilà — you’ve solved the problem of how to get rid of cat urine smell. Keep these tips in your back pocket and these products in your cabinet in case you need them again.

Ever Wondered?

Can I use baking soda, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean up a cat pee smell?

These methods don't eliminate odor in fabrics and carpets because they don't remove the uric acid found in cat pee. It will come back when the room gets humid.