Cat doors get used over and over every day, which means they can collect an impressive amount of dirt, grime, paw residue, and whatever else your cat happens to bring along for the ride.

Milo’s cat door was a perfect example.

Over time, the white plastic frame had developed a noticeable layer of dirt and discoloration, especially around the bottom of the opening where paws and fur regularly make contact. The flexible door flap had also become dull and grimy.

Instead of replacing the cat door, we gave it a good cleaning with Stain Solver.

And the difference was easy to see.

 

What We Used

For this cleaning project, we used:

• Stain Solver
• Hot water
• A quality spray bottle
• A cleaning rag

That’s it.

Step 1: Mix Stain Solver With Hot Water

We added approximately 1/2 scoop of Stain Solver to our sprayer and filled it with hot water.

The important part is making sure the Stain Solver dissolves completely before spraying.

Give the solution time to dissolve, and agitate the sprayer as necessary before getting started.

Step 2: Spray the Dirty Cat Door

We sprayed the Stain Solver solution onto the dirty areas of Milo’s cat door, including the plastic frame, the lower ledge, and the flexible flap.

The goal is to thoroughly wet the dirty surface rather than simply giving it a light mist.

Step 3: Keep It Wet for 30 Minutes

This is one of the most important parts of cleaning with Stain Solver.

We kept the surface wet with the solution for approximately 30 minutes.

Stain Solver needs contact time to do its work. If an area begins drying during that period, simply apply additional solution to keep it wet.

There was no need for aggressive scrubbing.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Grime

After approximately 30 minutes, we used a cleaning rag to wipe down the cat door.

The accumulated dirt and grime came away, leaving the white frame noticeably cleaner and the entire cat door looking refreshed.

The before-and-after difference speaks for itself.

Before You Replace It, Try Cleaning It

Small household items like pet doors can gradually become so dirty that you stop noticing just how much grime has accumulated.

Then one day, you really look at it.

Milo’s cat door is a good reminder that something looking old or discolored doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, it just needs a proper cleaning.

The same basic Stain Solver method can be useful for tackling plenty of washable household surfaces:

Mix. Dissolve. Apply. Keep it wet. Give it time. Clean it away.

Milo gets his cat door back, and we get one less dirty surface in the house.

Solve Your Stains. Save Your Stuff.™

FAQs

Is Stain Solver safe to use around pets and the environment?

When used as directed, Stain Solver is a practical choice for cleaning in homes with pets. It is made from two ingredients, sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate, and does not contain chlorine bleach, fragrances, or dyes. When mixed with water, sodium percarbonate breaks down into components including oxygen, water, and sodium carbonate.

For pet-related cleaning projects, such as Milo’s cat door, keep pets away from the area while the Stain Solver solution is being applied and allowed to work. After cleaning, wipe or rinse the surface thoroughly, as appropriate, and allow it to dry before your pet resumes normal contact with the area.

Stain Solver is also designed as an environmentally considerate alternative to many harsher household cleaners. As with any cleaning product, avoid allowing pets to ingest the powder or mixed solution, store the product securely, and follow the directions on the label.

How do you clean a dirty cat door?

Mix approximately 1/2 scoop of Stain Solver with hot water in a spray bottle and allow it to dissolve completely. Spray the dirty areas thoroughly, keep the surface wet for approximately 30 minutes, and then wipe away the loosened dirt and grime with a cleaning rag.

How long should Stain Solver stay on a dirty surface?

For this cat door cleaning project, the Stain Solver solution was kept wet on the surface for approximately 30 minutes. If the solution begins to dry, apply more to maintain contact with the dirty surface.

Do you need to scrub when cleaning a cat door with Stain Solver?

Aggressive scrubbing was not necessary for Milo’s cat door. After the Stain Solver solution remained wet for approximately 30 minutes, the dirt and grime could be wiped away with a cleaning rag.

How much Stain Solver should you put in a spray bottle?

For this project, approximately 1/2 scoop of Stain Solver was mixed into the sprayer with hot water. Be sure the powder is completely dissolved before spraying.

Can a dirty pet door be cleaned instead of replaced?

Depending on its condition, yes. Dirt and grime can make a pet door look much older than it actually is. Milo’s cat door looked significantly better after being treated with Stain Solver and wiped clean.