How To Remove Pet Stains From the Carpet

Pets can stain your carpets when they're housebreaking, sick, or stressed. Luckily, you can take a few steps to remove your furry pal's urine, poop, or vomit and restore your rug to its original condition without causing damage.

A Few Things To Keep in Mind

There are a few things to remember when cleaning pet stains from your carpet. Here are some of them:

1. Remove stains as soon as you see them. They can be harder to eliminate the longer they sit on your carpet. Pet vomits can also discolor rugs.
2. Avoid using harsh cleaners with a strong acidic smell. They don't remove the odor. So, pets might mark the spot again
3. Make sure to locate and clean all the affected areas thoroughly. Unless all traces of the accident are removed, your pet may continue to relieve itself in the same spot. You can visually inspect the site, smell it, or use a blacklight to detect the extent of the damage.
4. Never use a steam cleaner. It can set the stain and odor in the carpet fibers.
5. Try to find the root of the problem, whether your pet is anxious, stressed, feeling territorial, sick, or has a medical issue that affects bladder control. Addressing the underlying cause may help prevent future accidents.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminating Pet Stains from Carpets

Eliminating smears and odors that may linger is crucial when cleaning pet messes on rugs. Here are some easy steps to remove pet stains from the carpet:

1. Pick up the pieces of vomit or feces. Use a plastic bag to scoop them up. Take care not to push anything further into the fibers.
2. Blot the area if it is still wet. Place paper towels over the urine spot and apply pressure by standing or pressing down on it. Doing so helps it soak up as much urine as possible. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can spread the stain.
3. Use a pet stain remover. A good pet mess cleaner eliminates smears and odors. It also should not damage your carpet.

Many pet stain cleaners are available in the market. But you can also make your own using everyday household items like a vinegar blend and a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

• • Vinegar Blend 

A vinegar blend can get rid of the stain and neutralize the odor. Here’s how to make and apply the solution:

• 1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water in a spray bottle and apply it to the stain.
  2. Gently scrub the solution using a soft-bristled brush.
  3. Blot the area dry with a clean towel.
  4. Repeat this process until the stain is completely gone.
  • Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide 

You can use a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for tough stains that can’t be removed with a vinegar blend. This carpet cleaner mix can reduce pet smears, kill germs, and absorb odors. But you must test it first on a small, discrete section of the carpet to check if it discolors your rug. Here’s how to prepare and apply this pet stain cleaner:

• 1. Mix 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of dish soap and two cups of water.
  2. Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area.
  3. Spray the hydrogen peroxide solution on the stain and gently rub the spot with a soft-bristled brush.
  4. Let the cleaning blend dry for one to two hours. You’ll see only baking soda residue when there’s no more moisture left.
  5. Vacuum the baking soda particles.

1. Try a carpet cleaning machine if the stain persists after applying vinegar and hydrogen peroxide/baking soda. You can rent this equipment from home improvement centers or grocery stores.

A carpet cleaning machine flushes the rug with water and detergent, then vacuums the dirty water. It works well on pet stains since it can reach deep into carpet fibers and remove waste particles and odor. However, you should run this equipment through the whole carpet if you use it. Or else, you might end up with a spot that looks much cleaner than the rest.

Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines when using the carpet cleaning machine. Usually, you'll have to attach the device to your sink using a water hose or fill a separate tank with clean water. Once you've set up the machine, you can start using it like a regular vacuum cleaner, moving it back and forth across the entire carpeted area, working in one direction and then the other.

If all else fails, you can call professional cleaning services to remove pet stains from the carpet. Cleaning companies typically have powerful equipment and cleaning solutions to eliminate even the toughest pet stains and odors. They can also provide deep cleaning and sanitization services to ensure your carpets are free of harmful bacteria.

While professional cleaners can be pricier than DIY methods, they can be worth the investment, especially if you have multiple pet stains or heavily soiled carpets. Research and choose a reputable and experienced cleaning company to ensure the best results.