Our pets are family. They bring happiness and love to our home. However, nobody is perfect, not even our furry family members. It is important to understand how to handle their accidents when they happen. No one likes to have to clean up after their animals, especially when it’s pet urine and odor. Luckily we have some helpful tips and solutions to help prepare you for future accidents and know how to confidently clean them up.
Here are our 4 best home remedy solutions for removing pet stains and odors from carpet.
DIY Cleaning Solutions to Keep on Hand
Mixing a cleaning solution at home is a popular trend—in large part due to the money it can save you. Plus, there are homemade cleaners that are effective at lifting surface stains in a more natural way than store-bought cleaners. This promises results without having to use harsh chemicals and products in your home and around your family. The next time you go to the store be sure to pick up a few of these common household products. You’ll be thanking yourself later.
When dealing with pet messes it is important to respond quickly and act fast. Pet stains and odors can be extremely stubborn but when you have the products on hand and know the technique, you can greatly reduce the chances of carpet and floor damage.
Three-Step Clean-Up Process
1. Start by gently blotting the area with a towel prior to applying the solution. And be warned: homemade cleaners do have the potential to discolor your carpet, so be sure to spot-check a small area before cleaning an entire stain.
2. When you apply the cleaner, remember to gently blot the stained area rather than scrubbing too hard. This helps the stain to keep from rubbing further into the carpet.
3. It’s also a wise rule of thumb to only use a small amount of solution at a time and repeat the process rather than dumping on a lot of cleaners all at once. This can leave behind a residue that actually attracts more dirt and stains in the future.
Household Cleaning Agents
DIY #1 – Vinegar And Baking Soda
Lightly wet the stain with vinegar, then sprinkle baking soda on top. You’ll hear the vinegar and baking soda react together, creating a fizzy bubbly sound. This is evidence that it’s working!
Cover the stain with a towel or plastic wrap. Wait for the spot to dry completely (this typically takes up to 2 days). Scoop up the leftover baking soda, rinse the stained area with water, then pat it dry and vacuum up any excess moisture.
DIY #2 – Ammonia
Ammonia is a common ingredient in homemade cleaners. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of ammonia into 1 cup water, then rinse the stained area. Repeat as needed, then towel dry and vacuum away the excess water.
DIY #3 – Dishwashing Detergent
Combine ¼ teaspoon dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Apply to the stain, repeat as needed, then towel dry and vacuum the area.
It’s key to use dishwashing detergent—not dish soap.
DIY #4 – Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 4 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Combine in a spray bottle with a few drops of dish soap. Spray on the stain and repeat as needed. Lightly rinse the area with water, towel dry, and vacuum any leftover moisture.
Store-Bought Stain Removers
There are many effective stain removers you can purchase in-store. The good news is, many come in non-toxic formulas that are safe for pets and for your family and home.
Before spraying the cleaner, dry up as much moisture as you can with a towel. Spray the cleaner—we recommend OxiClean, Resolve, or Spot Shot—then wipe the excess away with a towel. Rinse the area to remove any leftover residue, then towel dry and vacuum.
Always remember to use a small amount of cleaner then repeat the process as needed. Over-saturating the area can deposit dirt-attracting residue to your carpet fibers.
Let Professional Carpet Cleaners Do The Work For You
Staying on top of pet stains is a hassle, and it requires a lot of work to be done right. There’s also a big problem with all of the remedies discussed above: spot treating only removes surface stains, not deep stains and odors. Thought it is important to take precaution and quickly treat the affected area, further assistance is often required.
Pet urine soaks beneath the surface to the carpet backing, and sometimes even the carpet pad and hard flooring. As the moisture dries, super-concentrated odor crystals are left behind. These smelly crystals will continue releasing odor into your home unless cleaned by a professional.
To effectively remove stains, and odors caused by pet urine, it’s vital to schedule a professional pet urine removal treatment every 3-4 months. This will help your carpet and backing withstand future messes better.
Do you want a cleaner, healthier home that’s free of dust and odors caused by pets? Elmer’s Chem-Dry can help!
See how the revolutionary Chem-Dry Pet Urine Removal Treatment works to break down pet odors and stains and schedule your appointment today!