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Odor Control

Pet Urine Smells

Pet Urine Smells

When Fido can’t make it to the fire hydrant, your house can end up smelling like a litter box. Use Borax to help your home smell fresh again after a pet’s little mistake.

What’s That Smell?

Dog and cat urine carry with it several substances that can stain and damage carpets and upholstery. Generally, these include ammonia, nitrogen and uric acid crystals. The crystals are the real issue because they stick around even after the liquid has been cleaned up.

High humidity or moisture can then activate these crystals and leave your house smelling like Fido just did his business. To clean thoroughly, more than a simple rinse and spritz is needed. Otherwise your dog may smell the mess again and try to repeat the crime.

How Should I Use Borax?

Borax is best to use after your furry friend has made the mess. Borax should not be used for cleaning the actual mess or soaking up pet urine. Instead, Borax should be used to treat upholstery and carpets that continue to smell long after the accident. The Borax powder can neutralize the uric acid crystals so that you don’t experience a reblooming effect later on.

It is also important to note that Borax should never be used on your pet, or left in areas where it could be accidentally ingested by your pet or a child. So, make sure that your pet and children are safely out of the room while you are applying the treatment, and as with all household products, keep out of reach of children and pets after use.

What You’ll Need

  • Gloves
    Wear gloves for hand protection.
  • ½ Cup of Borax
    The active ingredient of the formula helps to trap odors before they disperse in your home. Be sure to keep out of the reach of children and pets. Never apply directly on pets.
  • 1 Pint Water
    Allows the mixture to become soluble and spread across the stain.
  • ¼ Cup of Salt
    Works with the Borax to deodorize the area and trap the uric acid molecules.
  • ¼ Cup of Vinegar
    Acts as another cleaning agent. Should only be used on light surfaces so that it does not stain your upholstery even more.
  • Large Bowl
    To mix the solution in.
  • A Small Towel or Sponge
    Used to dab or scrub out the pet stains.
  • Paper Towels
    These can be used to dab on the solution or to soak up the pet urine before using the Borax cleaner.

How to Clean Pet Urine Stains with Borax

1. Rinse + Soak Stains
Before you turn to Borax, be sure to thoroughly clean the pet stain beforehand. Use a wet paper towel to scrub the stain. Then use dry towels to soak up the remaining liquid.

Clean Pet Urine Stains with Borax

2. Mix Solution
In the large bowl, mix ½ cup of Borax and 1 pint of hot water if you are putting the solution on upholstery. If you will be using the solution on a carpet, then use ¼ cup Borax, ¼ cup Salt and ¼ cup Vinegar.

Borax box with Measuring cup and mixing tool

3. Apply Cleaner
Use your sponge or towel to apply the mixture to the stain. If it’s on a sofa, be sure to just blot the solution onto the stain. If the stain is on the carpet, then scrub away!

4. Let It Sit
Once you have cleaned the area fully, let the solution sit for 30-45 minutes. Once this time has passed, blot the stain with water.

5. Vacuum Floor
Vacuum the carpet or scrub your couch with soap one last time to make sure you get the most thorough clean. Be sure everything ends up dry or place a towel to soak up the remainder.

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Even More Uses

Our fans are always finding more uses for 20 Mule Team Borax™. Check them out on Pinterest.