Before You Begin

• Prior to using any natural recipes in your home, test the mixture on a small hidden part of the material or object being cleaned. Vinegar, a common ingredient, is very acidic. Do not use it undiluted or it may damage household surfaces or fabrics.
  
  Cats are very sensitive to essential oils, so don't any them around cats unless you have discussed with a veterinarian knowledgeable in natural remedies.
  
  Do not use ammonia-based cleaning products on urine stains. The smell of ammonia may entice the pet to urinate again in the same spot.
  
  

Carpets

• Carpets easily absorb pet odors and can be hard to clean.
  
  To freshen your carpet each month, sprinkle on baking soda. Let it sit overnight and then vacuum. If your pet has urinated on the carpet, the carpet will need to be cleaned as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Lingering pet odors can tempt your pet to eliminate again in the same spot. Follow these steps to eliminate pet urine odor in carpets:
  
  Absorb as much of the urine as possible by blotting with an old towel. Then place paper towels over the spot and stand on them to increase the rate and amount of absorption. Repeat until no moisture appears on the paper towels.
  
  Next, mix 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water and apply the solution to the stain. Soak it thoroughly. The mixture must reach all the way through the rug pad. Allow to dry.
  
  Next, blend ¼ cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 tsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent. Apply the solution to the spot and then sprinkle the spot with baking soda. Work the mixture deep into the carpet. Allow to dry, and then vacuum.
  
  

Hardwood Floors

• Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Mop and then rinse with plain water. Vinegar can remove wax on wax surface flooring, and water can damage unfinished floors, so test the solution prior to cleaning a large area.
  
  If your hardwood floor has a urethane finish, clean it with a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 2 ½ gallons of water.
  
  

Air Fresheners

• Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and spray around pet areas. Or mix a cap full of laundry softener and water in a spray bottle. Spray to leave a clean, fresh smell. You can also try putting ¼ cup of baking soda in a spray bottle and then filling it with water. Shake it well, then spray to neutralize odors. Last, to keep your pet's bedding fresh, put some cedar pellets in it.