How to Break Down Cat Urea
Cat urine consists of urea, urochrome and uric acid crystals. Urea is what makes urine sticky once it begins to dry. Breaking down this substance makes urine easier to remove from the soiled surface. Most traditional cleaners, however, can't sufficiently break down urine enough to eliminate the smell. To break down cat urea, you'll need a cleaner that contains urease, an enzyme that breaks urea down into carbon dioxide and ammonia. Those two compounds then evaporate.
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Instructions
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Buy an enzyme cleaner designed specifically for urine. A product made for cat urine is ideal. Other enzyme cleaners, such as those designed to remove blood or mold, aren't always effective on urine.
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Blot up remaining urine with an absorbent cloth. Less urine means less urea for the cleaning solution to deal with. It's not necessary to remove all moisture, though. Enzyme cleaners work on both dry and wet areas.
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Apply cleaner to the soiled area. For small stains on delicate items, dip a cloth in the solution and apply the cloth to the stain. Otherwise, pour the cleaning solution directly onto the item. For carpets, you may need to inject the solution under the carpet using the tool included with the product. Saturate the entire area. Press the area with gloved hands or with your shoes to force the solution into the material.
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Cover the area with clean plastic. Tape down the edges all the way around to retain moisture and warmth. This type of enzyme works best in a moist, warm environment. Let the cleaner sit for 24 hours.
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Remove the plastic and let the item air dry in a well-ventilated area. Blotting up remaining cleaner isn't necessary. To speed drying, direct a fan toward the item or dry it with a hair dryer set on the lowest setting.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the enzyme cleaner manufacture's directions exactly. Incorrect application can weaken or kill the enzymes and greatly reduce the product's effectiveness.
You may need to repeat this procedure to remove all urea.
If you can't obtain an enzyme cleaner, substitute a paste made of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Do not use other cleaners, such as detergents, on the soiled area before applying an enzyme cleaner. They can deactivate the enzymes. If you already have, you may need to apply a pre-treater to neutralize these chemicals.
Test all cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous part of the soiled item to check for bleaching.
Use only white cloths to apply enzyme cleaner as the solution may cause dye to run.
