If you’ve ever found cat pee on your sofa, you know how frustrating it can be. The smell lingers, the stain spreads, and no matter how much elbow grease you put in, it never fully disappears. Worse yet, some common cleaning methods can actually make the problem worse! If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry—there’s a right way to tackle it.

In this guide, we’ll cover the mistakes many people make when trying to get cat pee on sofa clean and the best ways to eliminate odors and stains for good. Plus, if you want a deep, professional clean, Marathon Carpet Cleaning is here to help!

Unlike other household spills, cat urine contains uric acid, which binds tightly to fabric and fibers. Once it dries, it can leave behind an intense ammonia smell that reactivates whenever it gets damp. This is why many DIY cleaning attempts fail—if you don’t completely neutralize uric acid, the odor will keep coming back.

Another issue with cat urine is that it can penetrate deep into your sofa’s cushions, reaching layers that surface cleaning simply can’t handle. Fabric sofas, in particular, are prone to absorbing liquids, making them more challenging to clean thoroughly. The longer cat pee sits, the harder it is to remove.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Many people turn to household cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, or even carpet deodorizers, thinking they will remove the smell. While they might mask odors temporarily, they don’t break down the uric acid, meaning the smell can return.

Some cleaners can also damage your sofa’s fabric. Harsh chemicals may cause discoloration or weaken fibers over time, leading to faster wear and tear. It’s crucial to use the right products to clean cat pee effectively without ruining your furniture.

2. Scrubbing Too Hard

When you scrub aggressively, you risk pushing the urine deeper into your sofa’s fabric and padding. This makes it even harder to remove, and the odor may become trapped below the surface.

The best approach is to blot rather than scrub. Scrubbing spreads the stain and forces the liquid further into your upholstery, making it more challenging to eliminate.

3. Not Drying the Area Properly

Leaving moisture behind can lead to mold or mildew growth inside your sofa cushions. If you don’t dry the spot thoroughly, the damp environment can encourage bacteria, making odors worse over time.

Using a fan or opening windows can help speed up the drying process. In some cases, a professional drying technique is needed if the moisture has reached deep layers.

4. Ignoring Deep-Set Stains

If cat urine has been sitting for a while, it has likely soaked into the deeper layers of your sofa. Without professional treatment, these deep-set stains and odors can be almost impossible to fully remove.

Treating the stain as soon as possible is the best way to prevent long-term damage. If the smell persists despite all cleaning attempts, it may be time to call experts like Marathon Carpet Cleaning.

1. Blot—Don’t Scrub

As soon as you notice the urine, grab paper towels or a clean cloth and blot the area. Soak up as much liquid as possible without rubbing it further into the fabric.

2. Use an Enzyme-Based Cleaner

The best way to get cat pee on sofa clean is with an enzyme-based cleaner. These cleaners break down uric acid, removing both the stain and the smell at a molecular level. Make sure to follow the product instructions and allow enough time for it to soak into the material.

Look for cleaners specifically designed for pet urine removal. Regular household cleaners might not be strong enough to break down the compounds in cat urine.

3. Rinse the Area

After letting the enzyme cleaner do its job, rinse the area with a little warm water and blot again. This helps remove any leftover residue.

4. Dry Completely

Use a fan, hairdryer on a cool setting, or open windows to speed up drying. The quicker the area dries, the less chance there is of odor developing.

If the stain or smell persists despite your best efforts, it might be time to call in the professionals. Over time, cat urine can seep deep into the sofa, making it tough to remove without specialized equipment.

Why Choose Marathon Carpet Cleaning?

Marathon Carpet Cleaning specializes in deep-cleaning upholstered furniture, making them the best option for tackling tough stains like cat urine. Their certified team uses industry-leading equipment and high-quality cleaning products to target odors at the source. Whether you’re in Racine, Union Grove, or other areas of southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, they can restore your furniture to its best condition.

Professional upholstery cleaning not only removes stains but also eliminates bacteria and allergens trapped in your sofa. With Marathon Carpet Cleaning, you can ensure your furniture is fresh, clean, and safe for your family and pets.

1. Clean Accidents Immediately

The faster you clean up after an accident, the less chance the stain and odor have to set in.

2. Use a Fabric Protector

Applying a fabric protector to your sofa can help prevent deep absorption, making future clean-ups easier.

3. Address Potential Health or Behavioral Issues

If your cat is peeing outside the litter box regularly, consider a vet check-up. Health issues like urinary tract infections or stress can cause inappropriate urination.

4. Keep the Litter Box Clean

Cats are more likely to go outside the litter box if it’s dirty. Keeping it clean and easily accessible can help prevent accidents.

5. Provide Multiple Litter Boxes

If you have multiple cats, ensure there are enough litter boxes available. A good rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra. This helps prevent territorial disputes that could lead to accidents.

6. Use Pheromone Sprays

Some cats urinate outside their litter box due to stress or environmental changes. Using a feline pheromone spray can help reduce anxiety and discourage inappropriate urination.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, cat pee just won’t come out completely. That’s where Marathon Carpet Cleaning comes in. Their upholstery cleaning services ensure your sofa is not only clean but fresh and odor-free.

Serving Racine, Union Grove, and surrounding areas, Marathon Carpet Cleaning offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rest assured that your furniture is in expert hands. Contact them today for a free consultation!