How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell on Couch: Simple Steps for a Fresh Sofa

Learn effective methods to eliminate cat urine odor from your couch with simple household products and proven techniques.

Table of Contents

Strip Your Sofa Covers and Remove Pillows

Before tackling the odor, prepare the couch for cleaning. If your sofa has removable covers, take them off along with any cushion covers. Check the care labels for washing instructions — machine washable covers can be laundered according to the manufacturer’s directions. For those not suited to machine washing, set them aside for hand-washing or dry cleaning. Non-removable fabric will require spot treatment.

Now, target loose cushions. Remove them from the couch to inspect both sides for any signs of staining. This also allows better access to the base area where the odor might have seeped in. With all fabric components stripped, you’re set to move forward with a thorough cleaning process.

Use a Black Light to Identify All of the Stains

To ensure you’re treating every spot, using a black light can be surprisingly effective. Cat urine contains phosphors that glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, making a black light a useful tool for spotting hidden stains that are invisible to the naked eye.

Here’s how to do it:

• Dim the lights in the room for better visibility of the glowing stains.
• Slowly scan the couch with the black light close to the fabric.
• Mark the areas with small pieces of masking tape so they can be easily found later.
• Repeat the process until the entire couch has been checked.

Remember to check all surfaces and crevices, including the sides and back of the sofa, as well as any removable cushions. This thorough process ensures that you don’t miss any spots which could leave lingering odors.

Apply an Enzymatic Cleaner to the Affected Area

To effectively neutralize cat urine odors, an enzymatic cleaner is a go-to solution. These cleaners contain specific enzymes that break down the urine’s proteins, eliminating the smell at its source rather than merely masking it.

Before applying, blot up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels. Dampen the area with water and blot again if the stain has dried. Then, saturate the spot thoroughly with the enzymatic cleaner.

It’s crucial to follow the product’s instructions, as some require the area to stay wet for several hours to work effectively. The cleaner may need to be reapplied for older or particularly stubborn stains.

Remember to test a small, inconspicuous area of your couch fabric first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t cause discoloration.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Area After Cleaning

Once the enzymatic cleaner has worked its magic, baking soda serves as a natural deodorizer, neutralizing any lingering odors.

Generously cover the treated area with the baking soda and let it sit for several hours or even overnight if possible.

The longer it remains on the surface, the more time it has to absorb odors.

Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly from the couch to reveal a fresher-smelling sofa.

Remember to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to effectively remove all particles without spreading the residue back into the air.

Prevent Future Incidents By Addressing the Cause

Understanding your cat’s behavior is crucial to prevent repeated accidents. Ensure your pet has easy access to a clean litter box; cats often avoid dirty or overused ones.

Stress can also lead to inappropriate urination, so consider any recent changes in the household that may be affecting your cat’s well-being.

Providing a calm and stable environment can significantly reduce anxiety-related incidents. Additionally, having your cat examined by a veterinarian can rule out medical issues like urinary tract infections that might be causing the problem.

Regularly cleaning the litter box and providing a peaceful home life can go a long way toward keeping your couches free from unwanted smells.