Does baking soda get rid of cat spray? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The short answer is: baking soda can help, but it’s not a complete solution for eliminating cat spray odor. While baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is fantastic at absorbing odors, it doesn’t actually destroy the uric acid crystals responsible for the persistent and pungent smell of cat spray. Think of it like a temporary bandage – it can provide relief, but it doesn’t address the root cause. Let’s dive deeper into how baking soda works, its limitations, and how to truly get rid of that stubborn cat spray smell.

Understanding Cat Spray and Why It’s So Hard to Eliminate

Cat spray, unlike regular cat urine, is a territorial marking behavior. It’s a way for cats, particularly unneutered males, to communicate with other cats. This urine contains pheromones and has a much stronger, more acrid odor than regular urine. The notorious smell comes from uric acid, which crystallizes on surfaces after the liquid evaporates. These crystals are incredibly resilient, and even if you clean the area, a humid day can cause them to re-activate and release that unpleasant odor once more.

How Baking Soda Works

Baking soda is an alkaline substance, which means it excels at neutralizing acidic odors. The uric acid in cat spray is indeed acidic, so baking soda can effectively bind to and reduce the odor molecules in the air. This is why sprinkling baking soda on carpets or furniture after cleaning can seem to offer some immediate relief. Baking soda is an absorbent, meaning it soaks up moisture, oils, and odors, making it a useful first step in dealing with cat spray incidents.

Why Baking Soda Isn’t Enough

Despite its odor-absorbing properties, baking soda has some key limitations when battling cat spray:

• It doesn’t break down uric acid: While baking soda neutralizes odor molecules, it doesn’t chemically break down the uric acid crystals. These crystals can remain embedded in carpets, fabrics, and other surfaces, ready to resurface when humidity increases.
• It’s not a cleaner: Baking soda is not a detergent. It won’t lift and remove stains or organic matter, which is crucial in fully eradicating the source of the smell.
• It’s best used dry: Baking soda works best when applied dry. While it can be used in a wet mixture, its odor-absorbing capabilities are less potent when dissolved in water.

The Real Solution: Enzymatic Cleaners

The real key to permanently removing cat spray odor is to use enzymatic cleaners. These cleaners contain specific enzymes designed to break down uric acid into smaller, odorless components. Unlike baking soda, which temporarily masks the odor, enzymatic cleaners target the source of the problem, making them far more effective for long-term odor elimination.

Combining Baking Soda and Enzymatic Cleaners

While baking soda alone won’t solve the issue, it can be a useful companion to enzymatic cleaners. Here’s the best approach:

1. Clean the area: Immediately soak up any fresh cat spray with paper towels or old rags. Do not rub, as this can spread the mess.
2. Use a cleaning solution: You can use a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to further neutralize the area and break down the remaining residues. You can also try a mixture of 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water, and four tablespoons of baking soda. Alternatively, 1 liter 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 tsp dish soap can be effective.
3. Apply Baking Soda: Once the area is dry, liberally sprinkle baking soda over the affected spot. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight.
4. Vacuum thoroughly: After the baking soda has had time to absorb odors, vacuum it up completely.
5. Apply Enzymatic Cleaner: Finally, apply an enzymatic cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure you fully saturate the area.
6. Allow to air dry: Don’t scrub or blot the enzymatic cleaner. Let it air dry naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about eliminating cat spray odor, with additional tips and solutions:

1. Can you mix baking soda and vinegar to remove cat spray smell?

Yes, mixing baking soda and vinegar can be a helpful step in the cleaning process. The vinegar helps neutralize the urine and break down the stain, while baking soda absorbs odors. However, remember it’s a pre-treatment, not a complete solution on its own. After this mixture you will need to use an enzymatic cleaner.

2. Is hydrogen peroxide a good cleaner for cat spray?

Hydrogen peroxide can help eliminate cat spray odor but should be used with caution. It can lighten or discolor some fabrics, so test it on an inconspicuous area first. Mix with a bit of dish soap and it’s quite effective, but always follow with an enzymatic cleaner for complete odor removal.

3. Does lemon stop cats from spraying?

Cats generally dislike citrus scents, so spraying a mixture of lemon juice, rosemary, and white vinegar around areas where cats spray might deter them. This is more of a deterrent than a cleaner and does not remove odors from previous spraying.

4. Can bleach get rid of cat spray odor?

Do not use bleach to clean cat spray. Bleach has an ammonia-like odor that can attract cats back to the same spot to spray again. Bleach will also not remove the uric acid completely.

5. What household product gets rid of cat spray?

White vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide (used carefully) are common household items that can help in the initial stages of cleaning up cat spray. However, an enzymatic cleaner is the most effective product to eliminate the odor permanently.

6. Does the cat spray smell ever go away?

Yes, but only with proper cleaning. The smell can linger for months or even years if you don’t thoroughly clean the affected area, and completely destroy the uric acid crystals.

7. Does apple cider vinegar work as well as white vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar, as they both have acidic properties that neutralize odors. White vinegar is typically preferred due to its lower cost and stronger odor, but either is fine for cleaning.

8. How can I find where my cat sprayed?

Use a pet urine detector, which is a UV black light flashlight, to spot urine stains that are not easily visible. Check under and behind furniture, on walls, and in corners.

9. How do I get rid of old cat spray smells in my house?

Treating older stains involves the same basic steps, but requires more patience and possibly multiple rounds of cleaning. First use a mix of baking soda and vinegar then apply enzymatic cleaner and let it work its magic. Consider using a steam cleaner after, but never before the cleaning process.

10. What is the best cleaner for cat spraying?

The best cleaner for cat spraying is an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically to target and break down uric acid. Biocide is a great example of an effective enzymatic cleaner.

11. Can baking soda alone remove cat urine from carpet?

While baking soda can help neutralize some odors, it cannot fully remove cat urine or spray odor from carpet. Always pair it with a good cleaning solution, followed by an enzymatic cleaner for best results.

12. What is the most powerful odor eliminator?

While specific products can vary in effectiveness, most professionals agree that enzymatic cleaners are among the most powerful solutions for breaking down the source of odors. Some very potent solutions like Spray 420 are also available.

13. What smells do cats hate?

Cats tend to dislike strong citrus scents (lemon, orange, lime), lavender, rosemary, pepper, and vinegar. These can be used as deterrents, but remember they’re not a substitute for a good cleaning regimen after a cat sprays.

14. Does Pine Sol deter cats from spraying?

While Pine Sol has a strong scent, it does not contain ammonia like some cleaners, which is a plus. It is not an enzyme cleaner, however. Pine Sol is more effective as a general deterrent, not an odor eliminator.

15. How can I prevent my cat from spraying indoors?

To prevent indoor spraying, neuter your cat, provide enough litter boxes, and address any stress or anxiety issues your cat may be experiencing. You can also try using FELIWAY Optimum, which is scientifically proven to help reduce spraying behaviors.

Conclusion

While baking soda is a useful odor absorber, it’s not a complete solution for getting rid of cat spray smell. Use it in combination with vinegar and an enzymatic cleaner to fully break down the uric acid crystals and eliminate the odor. Understanding the science behind cat spray and its persistence will help you create a comprehensive strategy to reclaim your home and keep it fresh and clean.