What Cleans Cat Urine Out of Furniture?

Cats who aren't housebroken, or who are feeling stressed or threatened, sometimes act out by urinating outside of their litter boxes. Acting quickly is key to making sure feline urine stains can be properly treated. Using a black light is helpful in revealing the stained area in cases where the stain is on darker upholstery. Fresh stains appear bright yellow, while older stains appear pale yellow or green.

  1. White Vinegar

    • Vinegar is a natural cleanser and deodorizer. The acetic acid in vinegar excels at neutralizing odors and breaking down many different types of stains, including those caused by uric acid.

      Before using vinegar on the affected area, absorb any excess cat urine with paper towels first, and then blot with a sponge saturated with cold water. Reblot the area with dry paper towels, and then spray a mixture of 2 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar on the area. Let the solution soak into the area for at least an hour before blotting again with a sponge soaked with cold water.

    Dish Detergent

    • Mix 1 tablespoon liquid dish detergent with 2 cups of lukewarm water, and apply the solution to the area with a clean white cloth rag. Blot when applying the solution, as rubbing with the cloth can inadvertently work the urine into your upholstery. Continue blotting until most of the urine is absorbed, rinse the cloth out in a sink, and repeat with more solution until the stain has disappeared. For tough urine stains, mix 1 tablespoon dish detergent with 1 tablespoon white vinegar and dilute with 2 cups warm water.

    Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda and Hand Soap

    • Hydrogen peroxide will often bleach fabrics, making this method a poor option for darker upholstery. Test a piece of colored fabric with the following solution before applying to upholstered furniture.

      Mix 15 oz. hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 dollops of liquid hand soap in a clean container. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Rinse the treated area by blotting it with a sponge or cloth rag soaked with warm water.

    Carbonated Soda Water

    • Applying a simple solution of 50 percent carbonated soda water and 50 percent white vinegar to a cat urine stain will help fade the stain and neutralize odor. The CO2 gas in the soda's carbonation is more effective at permeating the stain than regular water.

      Pour the solution directly on to the stain and let it soak for a few minutes. Rinse the solution off with a clean damp cloth rag or sponge, and then dry the area by blotting it with paper towels.