I love to travel with my cat in car in different places. But sometimes accidentally, my cat pees on my car, and it’s smell really strong and hard to get rid of. So, in this article, I will share how to get cat pee smell out of a car using some simple steps.
Cat pee has a strong odor because of the ammonia it contains. If your cat pees inside the car and if it stays on the surface for too long, the smell becomes even stronger. So, you have to clean up as soon as possible. Below, I will explain which steps I follow and how to get cat pee smell out of a car and make it smell fresh again.
First thing you have to do to get cat pee smell out of a car is to find where the cat peed. If your car surface is fresh, it’s easy to find out the spot where the cat peed. But if the pees have dried. It may be harder to find. You can use your nose to help find the source of the smell. Once you find it, you can begin cleaning.
Step 2: Blot the Pee
After finding the spot, the next step in how to get cat pee smell out of a car is to blot up the pee. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much pee as possible.
Press down gently to absorb the liquid, but don’t rub the area. Rubbing can make the stain spread. If the pee is already dry, you can skip this step and go straight to cleaning.
Step 3: Use Vinegar and Water Solution
The best way to start cleaning cat pee is to use a mix of vinegar and water. This method is effective when learning how to get cat pee smell out of a car.
Water and white vinegar mix in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution on the spot where the cat peed. Vinegar helps break down the ammonia in the cat pee, which causes the strong smell.
After spraying the solution, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to blot up the vinegar and water solution from the car seat or carpet.
Step 4: Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda is another helpful tool when figuring out how to get cat pee smell out of a car. After cleaning with vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda on the spot. Baking soda helps to absorb smells, which will make your car smell better.
For a few hours, let the baking soda on the spot. If possible, leave it overnight. This gives the baking soda more time to absorb the cat pee smell.
Step 5: Vacuum the Area
Once the baking soda has had time to work, the next step in how to get cat pee smell out of a car is to vacuum it up. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda from the car seat or carpet. You have to confirm to get all the baking soda out.
Step 6: Use an Enzyme Cleaner
If the smell is still there after using vinegar and baking soda, you may need an enzyme cleaner. This type of cleaner is made specifically to break down the proteins in cat pee that cause the bad smell. You can find enzyme cleaners at most pet stores.
Spray the enzyme cleaner on the affected area and let it sit for the amount of time listed on the bottle. With a clean cloth, blot the area. Using an enzyme cleaner is a key step in how to get cat pee smell out of a car, as it removes any lingering odors.
Step 7: Let Your Car Air Out
After cleaning the spot, it’s a good idea to let your car air out. Open the windows and let fresh air into the car for a few hours. This can help get rid of any remaining smell and is an important part of how to get cat pee smell out of a car. Fresh air helps clear out odors that might still be stuck inside the car.
Step 8: Repeat the Steps if Necessary
If the smell isn’t gone after one cleaning, you might need to repeat the process. Sometimes, it can take a few cleanings to fully remove the smell. Be patient, and keep following these steps on how to get cat pee smell out of a car until the smell is gone.
Step 9: Prevent Future Accidents
Now that you know how to get cat pee smell out of a car, it’s important to try and prevent future accidents. Here are some ways to prevent your cat from peeing in the car again:
- Use a pet carrier: This keeps your cat in one place during car rides, which can prevent accidents.
- Train your cat: Make sure your cat uses the litter box before going on a car ride.
By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of your cat peeing in the car again.
Additional Tips for How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of a Car
Here are a few extra tips that can help you keep your car smelling fresh and avoid dealing with the smell of cat pee in the future:
- Use air fresheners: After cleaning, you can use an air freshener to make your car smell nice.
- Clean spills right away: If your cat pees in the car again, clean it up as soon as you can to stop the smell from getting worse.
- Use seat covers: If your cat often rides in the car, using seat covers can make cleaning up easier.
- Use charcoal bags: These can absorb odors over time, helping keep the air in your car fresh.
Conclusion
By following these steps and tips, you now know how to get cat pee smell out of a car. It’s important to clean the mess as soon as you can and use the right products to ensure that the smell doesn’t stay.
FAQs
Cat pee has a strong smell because it contains ammonia. If the pee stays for a long time, it can become even stronger due to the growth of bacteria.
Some regular cleaning products may not be strong enough to remove the cat pee smell. It’s best to use a mixture of vinegar and water or an enzyme cleaner, which are more effective in removing the odor.
The time it takes to remove the smell depends on how long the pee has been in the car. If you clean it right away, the smell may go away after a few hours. But if the pee has been there for a while, it may take a few days and multiple cleanings.
If the smell doesn’t go away after cleaning, you may need to repeat the steps. Using an enzyme cleaner and letting fresh air into the car can help remove any leftover smells.
Yes, you can prevent accidents by using a pet carrier or making sure your cat uses the litter box before traveling. This will help reduce the chances of your cat peeing in the car again.
Baking soda can help absorb smells, but it’s best to use it along with other methods, like vinegar and water or an enzyme cleaner, to fully remove the cat pee smell.