Welcome to Magic Carpet Cleaning, where we know that accidents happen – especially with our furry friends. And, no doubt, our fur babies are sorry – especially once they see how it upsets us. We also know that removing pet stains can be a real headache, so we’ve got some tips to make the process a little easier and help clear the air between you.
First things first, it’s important to have some tools on hand as a pet parent. You’ll need a dish sponge, sea sponge, or old rags to clean up the mess, a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush to work cleaning solution into the fibers of the carpet, gloves to protect your hands, a funnel, spray bottle, vacuum, and small plastic bags. In addition to your tools, you’ll need some cleaning agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and store-bought enzyme cleaners.
What to do
When a pet stain happens, it’s essential to act fast on fresh stains or as soon as they are discovered. For solid waste or vomit, use a plastic bag to pick it up, being careful not to push it further into the carpet fibers. Then, lay several paper towels over the soiled area and apply pressure to the towels, blotting the area to pull moisture out of the carpet. Keep doing this until the towels are no longer absorbing any more moisture. If the stain is dry when it is discovered, spray the area with cold water after removing solid debris and let it sit for 15 minutes before blotting it up.
One thing to keep in mind – never use hot water or a steam cleaner to clean up pet stains. The heat will permanently set the stain in the carpet. Instead, try using homemade cleaning solutions like a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and cold water or ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water. For dog urine, use a solution of 2 cups white vinegar, 2 cups warm (not hot) water, and 4 tablespoons of baking soda. It’s essential to act fast and clean up dog urine while it’s still wet, as the odor will set into the fibers of your carpet once it dries. Place your chosen solution into a clean spray bottle and liberally spray the area until it soaks down into the carpet and the pad.
Next, repeat the process of blotting the solution until dry towels are no longer absorbing moisture. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, then spray more cleaning solution on the baking soda. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the baking soda into the carpet fibers, and let it sit overnight. Once the baking soda is dry, vacuum it away.
If the stain or odor still lingers after this process, you can try using an enzyme cleaner on the area. There are several on the market that work well for removing pet stains or odors.
We hope these tips help you tackle any pet stains that come your way. Remember, accidents happen, but they don’t have to leave a lasting mark on your carpet. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your home fresh and clean for both you and your furry friends.