Proper laundering of cat items...

hannahgirl

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Due to my cat's healing sores, sometimes she leaves some spotting on the sheets and towels I have set up in her sleeping areas. What is the proper way to sanitize these when washing?

I think I will also need to wash my couch cushion covers. She is so used to going everywhere I do, what other sanitary measures should I take? Thank you!
 

stampit3d

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I just wash their blankeys etc with laundry soap and water. If there are spots I need to remove I add a bit of Oxy Clean to the wash.
I don`t use any bleach as i`ve learned on here that it can smell like urine to a cat and cause them to want to potty on the item afterwards....no matter how much you rinse.
Soap kills a lot of germs.
Linda
 

forthefurballs

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I've always used hot water and bleach along with my normal laundry detergent. Of course that's pretty rough on synthetic fabrics, but I'd rather take my chances on damaging fabric vs. not sanitizing properly.

I've never heard of bleach attracting cats to re-mark a spot, I think you are thinking of ammonia instead, as ammonia is not recommended for cleaning cat "accidents" for that reason.
 

hissy

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You should use the detergent they use to wash baby diapers Dreft- this gets out any type of odor of urine or stool. Also if you can soak the fabrics that are stained in oxyclean and water for about 4 hours (without discoloration) that is good too
 

stampit3d

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Originally Posted by ForTheFurballs

I've always used hot water and bleach along with my normal laundry detergent. Of course that's pretty rough on synthetic fabrics, but I'd rather take my chances on damaging fabric vs. not sanitizing properly.

I've never heard of bleach attracting cats to re-mark a spot, I think you are thinking of ammonia instead, as ammonia is not recommended for cleaning cat "accidents" for that reason.
For The Furballs....I`m about 99% sure that I have read on TCS someplace that cats can be attracted to the smell of bleach on clothing etc that has been washed with it as an additive ...and then they may wantwant to potty on it.
I just can`t remember where I read it. If I`m right I`m sure you`ll come across the info eventually.....or someone may read this and be able to direct you to it. (Probably someone who has had a peeing problem with their kitty!)
Linda
 

buzbyjlc10

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I used to use a certain detergent on my scrubs when I worked at the shelter and animal hospital - I can't remember the exact name (I'll see if my mom remembers) but I believe it's made my arm and hammer.... it's supposed to be like super sanitizing and odor removing as well as help with allergens... I'll ask my mom and post again if she remembers any more, but I was also thinking of the baby detergent, deft....
 
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hannahgirl

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Great, everyone. Thank you! I really appreciate your suggestions and just wanted to get it right!
 
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