The cleaning process for cat pee on car seats varies depending on the material, e.g., cloth or leather. But generally, it involves blotting out the urine, cleaning the area with a suitable solution, removing bad odor, and allowing the seat to dry once it’s thoroughly cleaned.
Moreover, many tips, tricks, and precautions are also included in the effective cleaning process. Therefore, in this blog post, I have decided to give you an in-detailed guide to cleaning the pee from both the leather and fabric. Keep reading until the end to get spotless results.
In This Post
Key Takeaways
Cleaning Cloth/Fabric Seats
- Blot the urine with absorbent paper towels, being careful not to spread it.
- Make a cleaning mixture using dish soap, white vinegar, and water.
- Spread the prepared mixture on the concerned spot and gently scrub.
- Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth and let it air dry properly.
Cleaning Leather Seats
- Blot the urine with absorbent paper towels, working from the outside edges towards the center.
- If possible, remove the seat’s stuffing to check for urine smell and prevent settling.
- Clean the leather seat with a leather-specific cleaner, using circular motions.
- Hand-wash the seat’s stuffing with a bacteria or enzyme-based cleaner and allow it to air dry completely.
Things Required for Cleaning Cat Pee
As I told you at the beginning of this guide, the cleaning process varies depending on the material used for the seat of the car. Interestingly, you’ll start seeing the difference in my selection of the products that are required for the cleaning purpose.
What I mean is that the required cleaning items are different for leather and fabric seats. On the below list of things required for cleaning cat pee from the car seat, products from 1-4 are required for both materials, 5-7 are for cloth fabric, and 8-10 are for leather.
Well, that said, the following are the items you generally require to clean the seat of the car your cat peed on or learn how to get human urine smell out of car by your baby.
For Both [Fabric & Leather]
- Rubber Gloves – Protect your hands and prevent the smell from sticking to your skin.
- Absorbent Paper Towels – Use them to blot out the cat’s pee.
- Water – Dilute vinegar and aid in forming a cleaning lather. For leather seats, also needed for cleaning the stuffing.
- Bucket, Bowl, or Spray Bottle – Mix and apply the cleaning mixture.
For Cloth/ Fabric Seats
- White Vinegar – Effective for removing grime and stains, as a disinfectant.
- Cloths – Use for rinsing away the urine.
- Dish Soap – Neutralizes vinegar odor and is mild on the fabric.
For leather seats
- Leather Deep Cleaner – Particularly for unfinished, suede, or nubuck leather to avoid damage.
- Pad or Sponge – Suitable for cleaning leather seats with the cleaner.
- Enzyme or Bacteria-Based Cleaner – This is ideal for stuffing cleaning.
How to Get Cat Pee Out of Car Seat?
The process of cleaning the cat pee out of the car seat or learning how to clean dried urine from car seat is pretty much simple. All you have to do is follow this step-by-step guide with me to reach a point where the affected car seat is looking gleaming.
Tip: Make sure to open the windows and doors of the car to facilitate the entry of fresh air, effectively eliminating the unpleasant urine odor and preventing the lingering scent of the cleaning solution in your vehicle.
Note: I will share my cleaning expertise both for the leather and fabric seats separately. So, choose your suitable cleaning section and start following the steps.
Cloth/ Fabric Seat Cleaning
1. Soak Up the Urine Using Absorbent Paper Towels.
Gently blot the urine-soaked area using absorbent paper towels. Be cautious not to span the urine to other areas, paying attention to seams, indents, and dips where the urine may have been associated. Apply firm pressure and carry on with blotting until no more urine is sucked up.
Note: If the urine is dried on the seat, it can still be removed. All you have to do is to leave the solution that I’ll teach you to prepare in the next step, for 2-3 minutes before you actually start rubbing the area or doing the actions mentioned below.
2. Create a Cleaning Solution for White Vinegar and Dish Soap.
In a bucket or bowl, stir one tablespoon of white vinegar and one tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of water. Stir the solution gently to create a lather. Alternatively, you can prepare the solution in a spray bottle for easier application.
3. Spread the Cleaning Solution Onto the Peed Area and Scrub.
When using a bucket or bowl, immerse a cloth into the cleaning solution, ensuring it is not excessively saturated. Wring out the cloth to clear out the unwanted moisture. If your solution is in a spray bottle, lightly spray it onto the affected area but avoid excessive wetness.
Instead of wiping or smearing, softly pat the cloth onto the affected area, starting from the outer edges of the stain and working toward the center. This technique prevents the urine stain from spreading. Repeat the process of spraying and scrubbing until the area is thoroughly cleaned.
Tips: When you finish applying the solution and scrubbing, let the solution sit for 15 minutes. This will provide the vinegar enough time to work its magic.
4. Smudge the Spot With a Clean, Dry Cloth to Remove Any Residue.
Take a dry cloth and utilize it to soak up any lingering moisture from the cleaned area. Subsequently, moisten another cloth and delicately pat the affected spot to eliminate any residue. Alternate between the dry cloth and damp cloth until the area is fully dry.
5. Let the Area and Seat Air Dry Naturally and Completely.
Ensure that the doors and windows of the car are open to allow for proper air circulation. This will aid in the complete drying of the seat. Leave the seat to air dry naturally.
Leather Car Seat Cleaning
1. Blot the Urine With Absorbent Paper Towels.
Begin by gently blotting the urine from the surface of the leather car seat using absorbent paper towels. Avoid wiping and instead, work from the outer edges of the soiled area towards the center, ensuring not to spread the urine.
2. Take Out the Leather Car Seat’s Stuffing. (If Possible)
If your leather car seat has a zipper, unzip it and take the stuffing out. Check if the stuffing smells like urine. If there is no zipper, act quickly to prevent the urine from settling within the stuffing.
3. Clean the Leather Car Seat with a Leather-Specific Cleaner.
Before proceeding, test the leather cleaner on a hidden or inconspicuous area to ensure it does not cause any negative effects on the leather.
If there are no issues, clean the entire seat using a sponge or pad with a small amount of leather cleaner. Clean in circular motions, covering not only the concerned spot but the whole seat to avoid water stains.
4. Hand-wash the Leather Car Seat’s Stuffing.
If the seat stuffing is removable and you have taken it out, utilize a bacteria or enzyme-based cleaner to delicately wash it by hand. An enzyme cleaner is especially effective in breaking down the uric acid present in cat urine.
5. Allow the Car Seat’s Stuffing to Dry Completely
Leave the seat stuffing out to air dry, preferably in direct sunlight if possible. Sunlight aids in quick drying and helps eliminate urine odor. Typically, the drying process may need a few hours.
6. Dry the Leather Car Seat In a Cool Area.
Allow the leather car seat to dry in a cool area. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight as the heat can bleach and harden the leather, causing cracks and dryness.
Note: There are many chances of bad odor coming from the area or the seat you just cleaned. If this is the case with you, I have added an extra guide below to learn my cat peed in my car how do I get the smell out? Read that to resolve this issue as well.
How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Car Seats?
If you’re still reading it means that your car’s seat is affected by bad odor and you want to learn how to get cat pee smell out of leather car seats or the fabric ones. Well, here is the step-by-step guide for this.
Sprinkle Baking Soda On the Affected Area.
Cover the affected area of the car seat with an adequate amount of baking soda. Make sure that the whole area is evenly covered.
This is because baking soda has odor-neutralizing properties and can help eliminate unpleasant smells. But it takes a bit of time to show its action.
Let it Sit Overnight/ Half a Day.
Allow the baking soda to remain on the car seat overnight. This extended contact time will give it a chance to absorb and neutralize the odor effectively.
Vacuum the Baking Soda Thoroughly.
After the designated time has passed, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove the baking soda from the car seat. Ensure that you vacuum all the crevices and corners to eliminate any residue.
Repeat the Process as Needed.
In case the odor lingers, you can repeat the process by evenly sprinkling baking soda on the affected area once more. Let it sit for the desired duration and subsequently vacuum it up. Repeat this step as necessary until the bad odor is completely eliminated.
FAQs
How Do I Get the Smell of Cat Pee Out of My Car?
To eliminate the odor of cat urine from your car, begin by blotting the urine using absorbent paper towels. Next, prepare a cleaning solution by combining dish soap, white vinegar, and water.
Apply the solution to the affected area and gently scrub. Allow it to dry and then sprinkle baking soda on the seat to absorb any remaining odors. Vacuum the baking soda after a few hours.
What Neutralizes Cat Urine?
White vinegar is an effective neutralizer for cat urine. Its strong acid, acetic acid, aids break down the compounds in cat urine that create the odor.For your information, baking soda is also useful in neutralizing cat urine odor due to its natural deodorizing properties.
Why Does My Cat Pee On My Car?
Cats may urinate on cars due to several reasons, including marking territory, stress or anxiety, medical issues, or dislike of a particular scent.It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian if your cat is repeatedly peeing on your car to rule out any underlying health concerns.
What Is the Best Way to Get Cat Urine Out of Upholstery?
To effectively eliminate cat urine from upholstery, start by promptly blotting up as much urine as you can using absorbent paper towels. Next, prepare a cleaning solution by combining equal parts of white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
Apply this prepared mixture to the affected area and gently blot with a cloth. Repeat the process as needed to ensure thorough cleaning. Afterward, sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery to absorb any remaining odor and vacuum it up once dry.
How to Clean Pee from Leather Car Seat?
To clean pee from a leather car seat, start by blotting up the urine using absorbent paper towels. Then, use a leather-specific cleaner and a sponge or pad to clean the affected area in circular motions.
Ensure that the cleaner is safe for the specific type of leather. For seat stuffing, use a bacteria or enzyme-based cleaner and wash it gently by hand. Allow both the seat and stuffing to dry completely before reassembling.
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George Alexander
George Alexander is a seasoned automotive expert, boasting an impressive background in the industry. Having spent considerable time in a range of mechanical garages, he has developed a profound understanding of diagnosing and repairing various types of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and ATVs.
His unwavering dedication to resolving vehicle faults has earned him a reputation as the go-to person for all your car-related concerns. With his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, he excels at troubleshooting issues and finding effective solutions that ensure optimal performance and longevity for your vehicle.