How to Remove Cat Urine Smell from Rugs: A Guide by Oriental Rug Salon

Cat urine in your favorite Oriental or Persian rug is more than just an inconvenience—it can become a permanent problem if not addressed the right way. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh accident or a long-standing odor, Oriental Rug Salon has solutions that can help. We’re a full-service Oriental and Persian rug cleaning, repair, and appraisal company serving Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, FL.

Let’s walk you through how to remove cat and dog urine smell from rugs and what to avoid so you don’t make the problem worse.

Why Cat Urine Is So Difficult to Remove from Area Rugs

Cat urine isn’t just a surface stain—it penetrates deep into the rug’s fibers, foundation, and padding. Over time, it crystallizes and produces ammonia-like odors that are nearly impossible to eliminate with basic pet urine treatment spotters. If you have a hand-knotted Oriental or Persian rug, the natural fibers (especially wool) will absorb the urine like a sponge, trapping it inside.

And here’s the thing: just cleaning the surface won’t solve the issue. You need a method that reaches deep into every layer of the rug without damaging its structure or dyes.

What NOT to Do When Dealing with Cat Urine on Rugs

Before we tell you how to solve the problem, here’s what not to do:

1. Don’t Use Steam Cleaners

It might sound like a good idea, but steam actually sets urine stains and odors by bonding the proteins and uric acid to the fibers.

2. Avoid Store-Bought Deodorizers

Sprays that “mask” odors with perfume will only make the smell worse over time. Plus, they can cause discoloration or damage delicate wool or silk fibers.

3. Don’t Soak Your Area Rug

Drenching an area rug with water or cleaning agents without proper urine neutralization and drying techniques can cause dye migration, mildew growth, and long-term structural damage. Your rug needs specialized treatment, not DIY soaking.

How Oriental Rug Salon Safely Removes Cat Urine Smell from Rugs

1. UV Inspection and Dye Testing

We begin every treatment with a UV light inspection to locate all urine deposits. Many spots are invisible to the naked eye. Then, we conduct a dye stability test to ensure your rug’s colors won’t bleed during treatment.

2. Pet Urine Neutralization

Our rug specialists apply a custom-formulated solution that breaks down the uric acid crystals, not just the surface odor. This ensures we’re neutralizing the smell at its source, not masking it. We then create a bath containing enzymes and submerge the rug for up to 24 hours, allowing the enzymes the opportunity to attack the bacteria from the urine, thereby eliminating odors at the source.

3. Submersion Wash Process

Unlike ordinary rug cleaning, we submerge the area rug in a specially designed cleaning pit. This allows complete flushing of urine, bacteria, and odor-causing residue from both the front and back of the carpet.

4. Centrifuge Extraction and Controlled Drying

We use a rug centrifuge to spin out moisture and odor residue. Then, the rug is placed in a climate-controlled drying room to prevent mold or mildew—something that’s critical in Florida’s humid environment.

DIY Tips While You Wait for Professional Cleaning

If you can’t bring your rug in immediately, here’s what to do:

• Blot, don’t rub: Use paper towels or a white absorbent cloth to blot the urine gently. Don’t scrub—it spreads the stain.
• Use distilled water and white vinegar: Mix 1:1 and lightly dab the affected area. This can help minimize odor temporarily.
• Place the rug on a hard surface: Keep the contaminated area off your hardwood or carpet flooring to prevent damage beneath the rug.
• Call Oriental Rug Salon: The sooner you get professional help, the better the results.

Why Choose Oriental Rug Salon for Cat Urine Removal?

At Oriental Rug Salon, we specialize in the art and science of Oriental and Persian rug care. We are a Certified Partner with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), and a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. You can trust us with your family heirlooms and cherished décor pieces.

We serve clients across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, FL, and offer free pick-up and delivery for most area rugs.

Rug Repair, Appraisal & Protection Services

In addition to odor removal and deep cleaning, we also offer:

• Rug Repairs (fringe, edge binding, moth damage)
• Appraisals for insurance, estate, or resale
• Fiber protection to prevent future pet damage or staining

Don’t Let Cat Odors Ruin Your Rug—Call the Experts Today

Cat urine smell can make even the most luxurious rug unpleasant to have in your home. With Oriental Rug Salon, your rug can smell fresh, look vibrant, and last for generations.

Call us at 239-424-8171

Visit us online: https://orientalrugsalon.com

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrientalRugSalon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will cat urine come out of a wool rug?

Yes, if appropriately treated by professionals. Wool absorbs urine deeply, so it must be neutralized and rinsed thoroughly using submersion and enzymatic treatment.

Q: How long does it take to remove the odor?

Turnaround time is typically 7-10 days, depending on rug size and severity. We offer free pick-up and delivery for most rugs.

Q: Can Oriental Rug Salon treat rugs with multiple pet accidents?

Absolutely. We specialize in treating rugs with chronic pet issues, including repeat accidents, severe odor, or older urine damage.

Q: Is your process safe for antique or silk rugs?

Yes. We conduct fiber and dye tests before any cleaning begins to ensure the safety of your rug’s materials and structure.

Q: Do you offer protection to prevent future accidents?

Yes, we offer fiber protectors that help guard against future staining and make clean-up easier.