How to Use 20 Mule Borax for Cat Urine

Plain 20 Mule Team Borax can help you remove cat urine stains from carpets, clothing, upholstery, and hardwood and linoleum floors. Borax is a base, so it neutralizes the acid in cat urine. It also absorbs odors and can eliminate pungent cat urine smells. Another plus is that it’s considerably cheaper than many specialized pet urine removers. Borax is easy to use, but proper technique will help you get the most out of this natural cleaning agent.

1. Blot up any remaining cat urine with a white cloth. Use only white because a colored cloth or paper towel may bleed dye onto the item. Press the cloth down firmly, but don't rub. You may grind the urine further into the fibers of the soiled item.

2. Mix a solution of 20 Mule Team Borax appropriate for the item you’re cleaning. For fresh cat urine stains on delicate items like wood flooring or upholstery, dissolve 1/2 cup Borax in 1 pt. water. To pre-treat clothing, use 1/4 cup per qt. water. For stains on items you can scrub, like carpet, create a paste of 1/4 cup Borax, 1/4 cup table salt and 1/4 cup white vinegar.

3. Dip a white cloth or a sponge into the Borax solution. Apply the cloth or sponge to the stain. Continue until the stain is covered. For household items, fully saturating the area isn’t necessary. Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes. For clothing, soak the stained item in the solution for 30 minutes.

4. Complete the stain treatment process in a manner appropriate for the item. If you’re cleaning clothing or anything machine washable, add 1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax to the powdered detergent when you wash the item. For carpets, floors, or furniture, rinse the treated area and blot up the water and Borax. Let the area dry completely. Once dry, vacuum up any remaining Borax dust.