To get cat pee out of a car, immediately blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels. Do not rub. Next, saturate the area with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet urine. Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes to break down the uric acid. Blot the area dry again and let it air out with the windows down. Avoid using steam cleaners or ammonia-based products.
Summary Table
| Cleaning Method | Best For | Supplies Needed | Difficulty |
| Enzymatic Cleaner | Fresh or old stains (Most Effective) | Enzyme spray, paper towels | Easy |
| Vinegar & Baking Soda | DIY solution when you have no cleaner | White vinegar, water, baking soda, spray bottle | Moderate |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Stubborn stains (Use caution on colors) | 3% Hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, baking soda | Moderate |
| Air Out | Removing lingering odors | Fresh air, sunlight, fans | Very Easy |
How to Get Cat Pee Out of Your Car: A Complete Guide
Cat urine is one of the toughest smells to remove because it contains uric acid. Standard soap and water won’t break this down; they just mask the smell temporarily. To get your car smelling fresh again, you need to neutralize the chemicals in the urine.
Here is exactly how to do it.
Step 0: What NOT To Do
Before you start cleaning, avoid these common mistakes:
- Do NOT use steam cleaners: The heat will bond the protein in the urine to the fabric, making the smell permanent.
- Do NOT use ammonia: Cat pee smells like ammonia. If you clean with it, your cat might think that spot is a designated bathroom and pee there again.
Read also: 10 Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair from Your Car
Method 1: The Enzymatic Cleaner (Highly Recommended)
This is the most effective way to remove cat pee because enzymes actually “eat” the bacteria and uric acid causing the smell.
Supplies:
- Paper towels or old rags
- Enzymatic pet stain remover (available at any pet store)
Steps:
- Blot the Urine: If the spot is wet, use paper towels to soak up as much liquid as possible. Press down firmly. Do not rub or scrub, as this pushes the pee deeper into the foam of the car seat.
- Soak the Area: Spray the enzymatic cleaner generously over the stain. If the pee soaked deep into the seat, you need enough cleaner to soak deep too. It needs to reach every drop of urine.
- Wait: Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes (or whatever the bottle instructions say). This gives the enzymes time to work.
- Blot Again: Use clean paper towels to soak up the cleaning solution.
- Air Dry: Leave your car windows open to let the seat dry naturally. Sunlight also helps kill odors.
Method 2: The Vinegar and Baking Soda Mix (DIY Option)
If you cannot get to a store to buy an enzymatic cleaner, this is the best homemade alternative.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Vacuum
Steps:
- Mix Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle or bowl.
- Apply: Pour or spray the solution onto the stain. Vinegar neutralizes the alkaline properties of fresh urine.
- Blot: Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot dry with paper towels.
- Add Baking Soda: Once the area is mostly dry but still damp, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the spot. This will absorb remaining odors.
- Wait Overnight: Leave the baking soda on the spot for at least 8–12 hours.
- Vacuum: Vacuum up the dried powder.
Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide (For Tough Stains)
Use this only if other methods fail. Warning: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabrics. Test it on a hidden area of your car floor mat first to ensure it doesn’t ruin the color.
Supplies:
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
Steps:
- Cover with Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda directly over the stain.
- Mix Solution: Mix half a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of dish soap.
- Pour: Pour this mixture slowly over the baking soda and stain. Use a cloth or soft brush to gently rub it into the fabric.
- Wait: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Clean Up: Blot the liquid up and let the area air dry completely. Vacuum any leftover residue once dry.
Read Also: Why Is My Male Cat Peeing On My Bed?
What if the Smell is in the Vents?
If the cat peed near the air intake (usually the vents at the base of the windshield on the outside of the car), the smell might blast through your AC.
- Clean the Intake: Open the hood and clean the exterior vents near the windshield using the enzymatic cleaner.
- Spray the Vents: Turn your car on and turn the AC fan to the max setting. Spray an enzymatic cleaner or a specialized car odor neutralizer into the exterior intake vents while the fan is running. This pulls the cleaner through the system.
- Change Cabin Air Filter: This is crucial. The filter likely trapped the odor particles. Replace it immediately.
Final Tips for Success
- Find the Hidden Spots: If you smell pee but can’t see a wet spot, use a UV blacklight (often sold at pet stores). Urine glows under UV light.
- Repeat: You may need to repeat the enzymatic cleaning process 2 or 3 times for old or heavy stains.
- Leather Seats: Be careful with leather. Use a cleaner specifically made for leather upholstery, as vinegar and peroxide can dry out and crack leather.
