What is the chemistry of cat urine and how does hydrogen peroxide 3% work to get rid of the odor?
I learned (and saw for myself) that hydrogen peroxide 3% plus baking soda and a drop of dish soap are an effective cat urine odor removal tool. What is the chemistry happening here and what am I leaving in my carpet after the reaction has finished and dried?
The persistent stink of cat urine is felinine, S-(3-hydroxy-1,1 -dimethylpropyl) -L-cysteine. Mild oxidation dimerizes then further oxidizes the sulfur and neutralizes the stink. Alkaline hydrogen peroxide, peroxydicarbonate (Kaboom; oxygen bleaches), etc. Chlorine bleach will probably harm (decolorize) the substrate.
Rinse and blot afterward.