How to Remove Cat Spray Smell From Car Interior
by Nicole LangtonCat spray smell is never pleasant, but in the enclosed area of a car interior the smell can become unbearable. Unfortunately, the proteins in cat spray make it nearly impossible to remove with soap and water. If your cat has sprayed in your car, you’ll need some basic household supplies as well as specialized cleaner to eliminate the stain and odor. Find out how to remove cat spray smell from a car interior and get your car smelling fresh again.
Step 1
Identify where the spray smell is coming from. If no stain is visible, smell around to locate the strongest smelling area. If the smell seems to be everywhere, pinpoint the stain by parking the car in a dark location and shining a black light (UV light) into the car. The cat urine stain will glow faintly.
Step 2
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1/2 cup water. Dip an absorbent cloth in the solution. Dab the cloth on the stained part of the carpet or upholstery until the stain is fully saturated. Wait 5 minutes.
Step 3
Blot the stain with a clean absorbent cloth. Press the cloth over the area and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat this process until you’ve removed most of the vinegar-water solution.
Step 4
Apply a specialized pet stain and odor neutralizer that uses enzyme action. Follow the manufacturer's directions for application. In most cases, you’ll spray the cleaner directly onto the stain. To let the enzymes work, cover the stain with plastic and let it sit for 24 hours.
Step 5
Mix 2 cups of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 drops of liquid soap and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice in a plastic or glass container. Pour just enough of this solution onto the stain to saturate it. Let the mixture fizz. When the fizzing dies down, blot the solution up with absorbent cloths.
Step 6
Dry the recently cleaned area with a hairdryer set on warm or cool. Alternatively, if the weather is warm and breezy, leave the car doors open and let the wet area air dry.
References
Tips
- For large stains, use a wet-vac or extractor to remove the cleaning solution in Steps 2 and 5.
- Use the hydrogen peroxide solution immediately because the fizzing action lasts only a few minutes.
Things You'll Need
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 2 tbsp. baking soda
- Liquid soap
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Small plastic or glass container
- Absorbent cloths
Warnings
- Don't mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide directly. The combination is toxic.
- Hydrogen peroxide can discolor some material. Spot test the hydrogen peroxide solution on an inconspicuous part of the carpet or upholstery before using.
- Don’t close the car doors while the carpet or upholstery is still wet as mold may develop.
Writer Bio
Nicole Langton has been a professional writer for over 10 years. She began writing for a natural health company where she developed a deep interest in nutrition and natural treatments. Langton earned a Bachelor of Arts in east central European studies as well as a certificate in English language to teach to adults.
