How To Make Homemade Enzyme Cleaner for Cat Urine

Cats bring joy and companionship to our lives, but dealing with cat urine odors can be a challenging task. Commercial cleaners can be effective, but why not try a natural, eco-friendly cleaning product, or a homemade solution? In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a powerful homemade enzyme cleaner for cat urine, ensuring a clean and odor-free home.

The Power of Enzyme Cleaners

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand why enzyme cleaners are effective for cat urine. Enzymes break down the uric acid crystals present in cat urine, eliminating both the stain and the odor at a molecular level. This natural process ensures a thorough cleaning without harmful chemicals.

Gather Your Ingredients

Creating a homemade enzyme cleaner requires a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Citrus Peels (oranges, lemons, or grapefruits): 2 cups
2. Brown Sugar: 1 cup
3. Water: 1 liter
4. A Large Glass Jar with a Lid

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Homemade Enzyme Cleaner

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making your own homemade enzyme cleaner:

1. Gather citrus peels from oranges, lemons, or grapefruits. Moreover, citrus peels contain natural oils that add a pleasant fragrance to the cleaner and enhance its cleaning power.
2. Take a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the jar is clean and sanitized before use.
3. Place the citrus peels into the glass jar. Furthermore, the peels should fill about one-third of the jar. Citrus peels not only contribute to the cleaner’s effectiveness but also impart a fresh scent.
4. Pour one cup of brown sugar over the citrus peels. Brown sugar serves as a nutrient for the bacteria that will be responsible for the fermentation process, a crucial step in enzyme production.
5. Fill the jar with one liter of water, leaving some space at the top. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the brown sugar dissolves completely.
6. Place the lid on the jar, but do not seal it tightly. Allow the mixture to ferment for around three months. During this time, beneficial bacteria will break down the ingredients into a potent enzyme cleaner.

Straining the Enzyme Cleaner

After the fermentation period, it’s time to strain and harvest your homemade enzyme cleaner. Follow these steps:

1. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid from the solid residues. This liquid contains the enzymatic solution you’ll use as a cleaner.
2. Dispose of the solid residues, and retain the strained liquid in a separate container. This liquid is rich in enzymes and ready for use.

Using Your Homemade Enzyme Cleaner for Cat Urine

Now that you have your homemade enzyme cleaner, here’s how to use it effectively on cat urine:

1. If the cat urine is fresh, blot the area with a paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. For dried stains, skip to the next step.
2. Generously apply the homemade enzyme cleaner to the affected area. Ensure the cleaner saturates the stain completely.
3. Let the enzyme cleaner sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the enzymes to break down the uric acid crystals and eliminate the odor.
4. Blot the treated area with a clean cloth or paper towel. For larger surfaces, you can wipe away the excess cleaner using a damp cloth.
5. Allow the treated area to air dry completely. The enzymes will continue working until the area is thoroughly dry.

Storing Your Homemade Enzyme Cleaner

Store any leftover enzyme cleaner in a cool, dark place with a tightly sealed lid. Furthermore, proper storage ensures the longevity of the enzymes and the effectiveness of the cleaner.

Other Uses of An Enzyme Cleaner

Your homemade enzyme cleaner, originally crafted for banishing cat urine odors, proves to be a multi-purpose cleaning powerhouse. Furthermore, let’s delve into the diverse range of applications, showcasing the versatility of this natural solution:

1. Pet Stain and Odor Removal

Extend the use of your enzyme cleaner to tackle other pet-related stains and odors. Whether it’s vomit, feces, or any other accidents, the enzymes in your cleaner break down the organic matter, eliminating both the stain and the unpleasant smell.

2. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Can be used in cleaning your carpets and upholstery to remove stains and odors. Furthermore, apply the solution, allow it to sit, and blot or scrub as needed. The enzymes work to break down the molecules, leaving your fabrics fresh and clean.

3. Kitchen Surface Cleaner

Harness the cleaning power of enzymes in your kitchen. Can be used in cleaning kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and other surfaces with the enzyme cleaner to eliminate food-related stains and odors. Moreover, the natural properties of the cleaner make it a safe and effective choice for food preparation areas.

4. Bathroom Deodorizer

Combat unpleasant odors in your bathroom by using the enzyme cleaner on surfaces like tiles, grout, and around the toilet. Its natural and non-toxic composition makes it an excellent choice for maintaining a fresh-smelling bathroom without harsh chemicals.

5. Trash Can Deodorizer

Banish lingering odors from your trash can by spraying or wiping it with the enzyme cleaner. The enzymes work to break down the organic matter that causes unpleasant smells, leaving your trash can smelling clean and neutral.

6. Laundry Booster

Enhance the cleaning power of your laundry detergent by adding a cup of homemade enzyme cleaner to your wash. This boost can help eliminate tough stains and odors from clothes, towels, and linens.

7. Refrigerator Freshener

Remove fridge odors naturally by placing a small bowl of your enzyme cleaner in the refrigerator. The enzymes will absorb and neutralize any lingering smells, keeping your fridge smelling clean and fresh.

8. Grout Cleaner

Revitalize dingy grout lines with the enzyme cleaner. Apply the solution to grout, scrub gently, and let it sit before wiping away. The enzymes helps to remove mold, mildew, and stains, restoring the original color of your grout.

9. General Surface Cleaner

Use the enzyme cleaner as an all-purpose surface cleaner throughout your home. Wipe down tables, shelves, and various surfaces to maintain a clean and fresh living environment.

10. Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Combat odors in your garbage disposal by pouring a cup of enzyme cleaner down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes before running the disposal. The enzymes work to break down food residues, preventing unpleasant smells.

With this comprehensive guide, you can create a powerful homemade enzyme cleaner for cat urine that not only eliminates stains and odors but also promotes a healthier living environment. Embrace the natural cleaning power of enzymes and say goodbye to the challenges of cat urine cleanup. Your home will thank you with a fresh and inviting atmosphere!