Bottom line: Vinegar is not the ideal agent for cleaning pet messes, especially on soft surfaces like rugs, upholstered furniture or mattresses.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, using vinegar to clean feces-related messes (urine and feces) from dogs and cats is not recommended because The intense smell of vinegar can encourage the animal to make an effort to «mark» the territory again. with the smell of his urine.

To clean this type of dirt, veterinary detergents with enzymatic ingredients or other natural solutions are preferable.

What to clean feces, urine and vomit with

Stains from urine, vomit, and feces are cleaned with a combination of hydrogen peroxide, homemade liquid soap, and baking soda.

This mixture is particularly effective in treating urine stains because Helps break down uric acid crystals.

The combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide It is a powerful and natural deodorizer which can be used on carpets and other absorbent surfaces. So that the animal does not return to the same place, it is essential to completely eliminate the smell.

Step-by-step stain cleaning

• Start by drying the stain with a paper towel. Press firmly on the paper to ensure that you remove as much liquid as possible. Dispose of used paper properly to avoid any lingering odors.
• Then sprinkle a good amount of baking soda about her.
• Combine half a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (if possible with an ecological certification such as Ecocert, to avoid chemicals that can be irritating) and slowly pour the mixture over the stain and baking soda.
• With a clean cloth or scrub brush, rub the stain and then let it sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming the area well.

How to prevent cat stains from recurring

After cleaning the area, if possible, take preventative measures to discourage your dog or cat from returning to the same place.

• Use barriers (for example, those used to block babies from stairs) to restrict access to the area where the accident occurred. This physical barrier will prevent the animal from revisiting the location and will reinforce the idea that it is prohibited.
• Place your food and water nearby: Cats prefer to keep their bathroom area separate from food and water. Placing their food and water bowls near the accident site can create a psychological deterrent, as cats generally avoid relieving themselves in areas where they eat.
• Cover the area with an unattractive texture: Cats don’t like certain textures, such as aluminum foil or double-sided tape. Covering the area with these materials may discourage your cat from returning to the area, as the texture is unpleasant.
• Make sure their litter box is easy to access, It is clean and in a quiet place.

Keep in mind that persistent litter box problems may be a sign of stress or an underlying medical condition. If the animal’s inappropriate elimination behavior continues, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian.

Mistakes that should not be made

• Don’t resort to bleach when a pet soils the carpet or floor. Ammonia in urine reacts with bleach and gives off harmful fumes.
• Avoid using ammonia-based products, since, as in the case of vinegar, the smell of ammonia can encourage the animal to «mark» the area again.

What are enzymatic cleaners?

Enzymatic cleaners are very effective at breaking down bacteria and eliminating the odor associated with cat urine.

These cleaners contain enzymes that specifically target components of urine, effectively neutralizing the odor. You can find enzymatic cleaners at specialty pet stores. Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s packaging to achieve the best results.