Effective Ways To Clean Cat Urine From Wood Furniture

Cats are wonderful pets, but even the most passionate cat owner will admit that cleaning up their urine messes can be a hassle, especially when it ends up on your wooden furniture. Luckily, there are several tried-and-true methods to remove cat urine from wooden furniture. Here are some steps you can take to banish that foul smell and leave your wooden furniture as good as new.

Methods to clean cat urine from wood furniture

Using hydrogen peroxide

To use hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Before applying any cleaning products, soak up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels or an old towel. Gently blot the area, being careful not to rub or be abrasive, as this may cause the urine to penetrate deeper into the wood.

Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Once you've soaked up the urine, you're ready to start cleaning with hydrogen peroxide. Soak a cloth in 3% hydrogen peroxide and place it directly on the stain. You can also pour the hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, ensuring it is completely covered.

Step 3: Cover and Let it Sit

Cover the hydrogen peroxide-soaked cloth with a piece of plastic wrap. This helps to seal in the cleaning agent and enhance its effectiveness. Place something heavy on top to hold everything in place. Let the solution sit for a few hours or overnight, depending on the age of the stain. Older stains may require a longer application time.

Step 4: Remove and Wipe

After the solution has had time to work, remove the plastic wrap and cloth. Use a damp rag to wipe the area clean, removing any residual urine and cleaning product. Allow the wood to air-dry completely.

Step 5: Observe and Repeat

After cleaning, observe the area to ensure your cat doesn't return to the same spot. If it does, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or try a more intensive approach. Additionally, consider taking your cat to the vet to rule out any potential health issues that could be causing the behaviour.

Using baking soda and white vinegar

To clean cat urine from wood furniture using baking soda and white vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that this method is best used for fresh urine stains. If the stain is older, the wood will have had more time to absorb the urine, making this household method less effective.

To begin, blot up as much of the urine as possible with paper towels or an old towel. Gently press down on the affected area, do not rub, and continue blotting until most of the residual liquid has been absorbed. This step is crucial to prevent the urine from penetrating deeper into the wood.

Next, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and distilled white vinegar. The paste should be completely wet but not runny. Using a clean toothbrush or scrub brush, gently rub the paste onto the stained area. Let the paste sit for at least two hours, and then wipe the area clean with a warm, damp rag.

If traces of the urine accident remain, repeat the process. It is important to rinse the area with water after cleaning to remove any residual product. Use a cloth and gently rinse the affected area, taking care not to use too much water on the wood, and then allow it to dry.

If you used baking soda, you can vacuum it up with a hand vacuum after the wood is dry.

Using a retail urine removal product

If home remedies don't work, you can try using a retail urine removal product to clean cat urine from wood furniture. Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer, for example, works by destroying the urine enzymes and bacteria. Other products that have been recommended include Nature's Choice Urine Destroyer, Zero Odor, and Urine-Off from Biopro Research.

If you opt to use a retail product, carefully read the label to determine whether the product is suitable for use on wood surfaces and follow all directions for spot testing, application, and timing.

Using shellac

If you're looking to remove cat urine from wood furniture, shellac is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Identify the Source

Before you begin the cleaning process, it's important to identify the source of the urine. Cat urine can come from either a male or a female cat, and the cleaning approach may vary slightly depending on the source. Male cat urine, also known as "tom cat urine," tends to have a stronger smell due to the presence of hormones and other substances.

Step 2: Choose the Right Shellac

When selecting a shellac for this purpose, it is recommended to use a dewaxed shellac, such as Zinsser Seal Coat. This type of shellac will effectively seal in the odour and prevent it from escaping. You can find this product at most hardware stores or online.

Step 3: Prepare the Furniture

Before applying the shellac, it is crucial to prepare the furniture surface. Start by stripping any existing finish from the wood. This can be done using a chemical stripper or sandpaper, depending on the condition of the furniture. Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as gloves and a respirator, during this process.

Step 4: Clean the Furniture

Once the finish is removed, clean the furniture thoroughly. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down all surfaces, including the insides and outsides of drawers or compartments. This step will help remove any remaining urine residue and neutralise the odour. Allow the furniture to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Apply the Shellac

Now, it's time to apply the shellac. Using a brush or a sprayer, coat all surfaces of the furniture with a generous layer of the dewaxed shellac. Pay close attention to the areas where the urine was present, ensuring that they are completely covered. Follow the instructions on the product label for the recommended drying time.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

In some cases, you may need to apply multiple coats of shellac to completely seal in the odour. Assess the furniture after the first coat has dried, and if the smell persists, apply additional coats as needed.

Step 7: Finish and Maintain

Once you are satisfied with the results, you can choose to refinish the furniture if desired. You can also maintain the effectiveness of the shellac by periodically wiping down the furniture with a mild detergent or vinegar solution. This will help prevent the odour from resurfacing.

Using Odoban

Odoban is an effective product for cleaning cat urine from wood furniture. It is an enzyme that breaks down urine and feces. It is safe for cats and everyone else. It is also a disinfectant and sanitiser.

To use Odoban, first, determine the dilution ratio. For a standard 32-ounce spray bottle, mix 8 ounces of Odoban concentrate with water. Always use Odoban as directed on the label. Do not mix it with any other cleaning products or chemicals. After mixing, always label your Odoban solution.

Before using Odoban on wood furniture, test a small, inconspicuous area for colourfastness. Then, remove as much of the urine as possible by soaking it up with clean rags or paper towels. Do not scrub the surface, as this can damage the wood fibres.

Next, spray the Odoban solution onto the stain, thoroughly wetting it without soaking the wood. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for 10 minutes, then press dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not scrub. Repeat the application and drying process as needed.

For dried urine stains that have soaked into the wood, a soaking application may be necessary. Pour the Odoban solution onto the stain, saturating the surface. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then press dry with a clean cloth. Repeat the process until the cloth comes away dry.

After using Odoban, ensure that the wood furniture is completely dry before allowing pets or children to come into contact with it.

Frequently asked questions