How to Remove Cat Urine From Your Upholstery

Your lovable cat may leave an unwelcome stain.

Whether you're a new cat owner, or someone who's taken care of felines for years, at some point your cat may leave a urine spot on the sofa or an upholstered chair. Cat urine can go deep into the fabric and cushioning, making it harder for you to clean the stain and get rid of the odor. It's not an impossible task, but the stain must be removed immediately or you'll have little chance of getting rid of the smell, according to the Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program.

Things You'll Need

• Clean white towel or white paper towels
• White vinegar
• Clean sponge
• Rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol

Instructions

1. Blot up the excess urine from the upholstered furniture, using a clean white towel or white paper towels. Dab at the stain -- don't rub it. If the stain is on a removable cover, take the cover off and launder it according to the manufacturer's directions.

2. Dilute white vinegar with water. Dip a clean sponge or white cloth into the solution. Dab it into the soiled area, working in a circular motion from the edges of the stain toward the center so you don't spread it. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes. Rinse out your sponge.

3. Mix laundry detergent with cool water. Dip your sponge into the soapy water and dab it into the stained area. Work from the edges of the stain inward, as you did before. Rinse out your sponge.

4. Sponge the area with fresh, cool water to rinse it. Then blot up as much moisture as you can, using white cloths or towels.

5. Disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol to remove any lingering odor that may result if the urine absorbed into the furniture's padding. Saturate the area, then rinse it with cool water. Absorb as much of the liquid as possible, by blotting the area with white towels. Dab the towels into the area -- don't rub.

Tips & Warnings

• If the smell persists, apply a product designed to remove the odor of cat urine.

• Test cleaning products in an inconspicuous area of the upholstery to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric.

References

• Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program: Removing Urine Stains From Carpets and Upholstery