How to Clean Cat Pee Out of Carpet: Step-by-Step Guide
Cat pee is one of the most stubborn smells to get out of a carpet, and if you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably faced this challenge at least once.
The trick is to act quickly and use the right products to fully remove both the stain and the smell.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Blot the Area (Don’t Rub!)

As soon as you spot the accident, grab some paper towels or a clean cloth and blot the area. Don’t rub, as that can spread the urine deeper into the carpet fibers. You want to absorb as much moisture as possible right away.
If the spot has dried, don’t worry—you can still clean it. But keep in mind that dried urine may take a little more elbow grease to fully remove.
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Start Training Today! 🐾Step 2: Use an Enzymatic Cleaner
Once you’ve soaked up as much of the urine as possible, reach for an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins and bacteria in cat urine, which is where the smell comes from. Normal cleaners might mask the odor, but they won’t completely eliminate it.

Spray the enzymatic cleaner generously over the affected area, making sure it penetrates the carpet fibers. Let it sit for the time recommended on the bottle—usually about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar Combo (If Needed)
If you don’t have an enzymatic cleaner handy, you can create a DIY solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and spray it over the affected area. Vinegar helps neutralize the odor while disinfecting the spot.

Once the vinegar solution has soaked in, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the area. Baking soda helps absorb the smell and any remaining moisture.
Let the baking soda sit for several hours (overnight is even better). Then vacuum it up once it’s completely dry.
Step 4: Rinse and Blot Again
After treating the stain, it’s a good idea to rinse the area with a small amount of water. This helps to flush out any remaining cleaner, vinegar, or urine. Once you’ve rinsed, blot the area again with a clean cloth or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Step 5: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum (Optional)
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, now’s the time to use it. This can help extract moisture and prevent any remaining liquid from soaking deeper into the carpet. If you don’t have one, just make sure you’ve blotted the area as dry as possible.

Step 6: Air Dry Completely
After all the cleaning and blotting, make sure to let the carpet air dry fully. You can speed up the process by placing a fan nearby or opening windows for better airflow. If moisture remains in the carpet, it could lead to mold or mildew, which brings a whole new set of problems.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular household cleaners on cat pee?
A: While you can use household cleaners, they don’t always eliminate the odor completely. Enzymatic cleaners are your best bet because they break down the proteins in cat urine, which are the main cause of lingering smells.
Q: How do I prevent my cat from peeing in the same spot again?
A: Cats are creatures of habit, and if they smell urine in a particular spot, they’re likely to return to it. Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the odor completely. You can also place a deterrent spray or aluminum foil over the area until your cat is retrained to use the litter box.
Q: What if the smell won’t go away after cleaning?
A: If the smell lingers after a deep clean, you may need to repeat the process, especially with older stains. Sometimes, calling a professional carpet cleaner can help if the stain has soaked deep into the padding.

Final Thoughts
Cleaning cat pee from a carpet may not be the most glamorous job, but it’s absolutely manageable if you act quickly and use the right products.
Enzymatic cleaners, baking soda, and vinegar are your go-to tools for tackling both stains and odors. Remember, patience and persistence are key. With the right approach, you’ll have your carpet looking (and smelling) fresh in no time.
And hopefully, your cat will keep their business confined to the litter box from now on!

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉