I just purchased a used area rug. When I took it out every cat the neighborhood has come by to visit. I smelled it before buying it and it doesn't smell but the cats like it.

What can I do to get all the undetectable smells gone before bringing it in the house?

Thanks for the help.

Spraying it with Febreeze might help. Also, perhaps sprinkling it with plain baking soda, letting it sit awhile, then vacuuming it might get the undetectable scents off.

Thanks, I am going to put it in the tub over the weekend with carpet shampoo and then use the shampoo machine to get the water out and hang it outside.

If that doesn't work nothing will.

I was going to suggest vinegar. It neutralizes odors. Maybe spray it with vinegar once you've sucked all the water out of it and it's hanging outside. The vinegar will evaporate - and it won't smell like vinegar when it's dry. Best of luck.

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~~Amanda~~ Mommy to one Little Man (3 1/2 yrs old), TTC #2

I have a book on cleaning that states pet urine odor is protein-based and can't be removed by normal spot cleaning. You must use an enzyme product to digest the protein. If not, cats or dogs will locate the smell and re-use the area.

You can get enzyme products at pet supply stores, vets, etc. I bought one at PetSmart when our 18 year old kitty's health was declining, and it seems to work, in that neither she nor our other cat or dog ever gave the area a second notice.