I've tried everything to remove the smell of cat urine from my carpet. We had it professionally cleaned, bought a carpet cleaner, and even tried various enzyme cleaners. We also removed the soaked padding, but we still can't get rid of the odor. We're thinking of just replacing the carpet altogether. Does anyone have suggestions or tips for getting rid of that awful smell?
3 Answers
Try using white vinegar; it can help to neutralize the odors and may work better if you’ve already used other cleaners. Just make sure that it's not covering any enzymatic cleaner, or it won't work effectively. If that doesn't do the trick, you might need to follow up with another enzyme cleaner after the vinegar.
Unfortunately, cat urine is notoriously tough to get rid of, especially if it's seeped into the padding or subfloor. Some people have had success using ozone treatment or letting a dehumidifier run to reduce the smell, but if it's really soaked in, you might want to consider replacing the carpet altogether if you can. It might also help to check the baseboards for any soaked areas.
I once dealt with a similar situation and ended up applying a live bacteria product like 'Liquid Alive.' You mix it, apply it, and cover it to keep it moist for a few days. It really helped with the smells, but just avoid mixing with disinfectants or it won't work as well. If the problem persists, like you might need to paint the subfloor with something like KILZ to prevent odors from coming back!
That sounds interesting! I hadn't thought about using a bacteria product, I might give that a try.

Yeah, the humidity really brings the smell back! That's definitely something to be careful about.