Cleaning Cat Stains

Occasional accidents are a fact of life with cats. A quick and thorough cleanup can usually keep stains from becoming permanent. Keep club soda on hand. Its bubbles lift soil to the surface, and its salts help prevent stains. Removing all traces of odor is equally important, so buy a pet-odor neutralizer. These products, available at pet-supply stores, don't just mask the odor of urine or feces, but eradicate it by breaking up the particular combination of odor molecules. If you cat's sensitive nose can detect even a smidgen of the smell, he may continue to eliminate in the same spot. For a similar reason, avoid ammonia-based cleaners since ammonia smells similar to urine.

Cleanup Essentials
Remove any solids with a spatula, stiff cardboard or a paper towel before attacking the stain itself. If the stain is dry, don't dampen it with water; just apply the appropriate cleaner. Always spot-test the cleaner first on a concealed area of the carpet or fabric. If stains remain, use a commercial stain remover designed for pet stains and appropriated for the material. Follow label directions and be sure to test it on a hidden area first. And if even an odor neutralizer can't dispense with the smell, call in a cleaning professional or get ride of the rug or chair.

Cat gyms and condos can be cleaned with products intended for the materials they are made of: wood, carpet or fabric. But don't be so fastidious that you're removing all your cat's scent markings. Remove hair with masking tape or lint remover, a damp sponge or rubber gloves, or a stiff-bristled hairbrush.

Helpful Tools

• Paper towels
• Spatula or cardboard
• Club soda
• Baking soda or salt
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Ammonia
• Pet-odor neutralizer (available at pet-supply stores)
• Commercial stain remover designed for pet stains
• Commercial carpet and upholstery cleaner

Stain Cleaning Methods
Blot up liquid with paper towels. Pour club soda on the area, then blot it up with paper towels. Next, apply a pet-odor neutralizer, following the product's directions. If stains remain, use a commercial stain remover designed for pet stains.

Remove solids, then blot up any moisture with paper towels. Follow with cleaning procedure for urine.

As quickly as possible, scoop up solids and apply baking soda or salt. When dry, vacuum up the rest. Follow by pouring club soda on the area, then blotting it up with paper towels. If stains remain, apply a nontoxic commercial carpet and upholstery cleaner or stain remover designed for pet stains.

Overturned plants
Vacuum up soil. For stains, let any remaining moist soil dry first, then vacuum again. Apply club soda and blot with paper towels. Follow with a nontoxic commercial carpet and upholstery cleaner or stain remover.

Other
For difficult-to-remove matter, follow cleaning procedure for urine. If stains remain, mix 1/2 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of ammonia and apply solution to stain. Rinse with club soda to remove peroxide and ammonia residue.