- Detergent-based carpet cleaners are great for removing the visual portion of a pet stain, but they don't completely remove odor. In addition to being offensive, pet waste odors serve as a reminder to your dog or cat to return to the same place. Prevention is a major part of controlling and eliminating pet stains on your carpet.
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When you discover a pet puddle on your carpet, you might be tempted to throw down a bunch of paper towels, apply pressure to soak up the liquid and then clean the rug. There is nothing wrong with this method except applying pressure. This drives the liquid beyond your carpet and into the padding and subflooring, where it's much more difficult to remove. Here are some steps for cleaning up the pet mess when it's discovered:
* Remove any solid waste
* Apply an enzymatic pet stain cleaner to the stain (be sure to follow directions for dilution if required) and allow time for it to work according to label directions.
* Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture, but don't press them down. Let the paper towels do their job and soak up the liquid. Remove and replace until excess moisture is removed from the carpet surface.
If you don't have any enzymatic cleaner, you can use a small amount (very small--a teaspoon or less) of dish detergent mixed with a cup of warm water. Beware of ultraconcentrated detergents and adjust the mixture accordingly. Soap suds can be very hard to remove from a carpet if you use too much.
Follow up with a mixture of about one-third of a cup of white vinegar to two-thirds of a cup of warm water. Avoid applying too much liquid, as this causes the stain--and its odor--to spread.
Once the mess is under control, visit your local home or pet supply retailer and buy an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to remove pet stains. -
Understanding a bit about the behavior and physiological capabilities of your pets helps in understanding why enzymatic cleaners are so useful for removing pet stains. Dogs and cats have a much more highly developed sense of smell than humans do and can detect odors that we cannot smell. We think the carpet is clean because (to us) the odor and stains are gone--and then Max returns and pees on the same spot.
There are two behaviors stimulated by pet odors remaining in the carpet. Cats and dogs both perform territorial "marking" with urine and, being creatures of habit, they tend to revisit spots they've used before. They can detect the very slightest aroma remaining in the carpet, which prompts them to "re-pee" in that spot. Your pet's extraordinary sense of smell, combined with behavioral programming, can make managing pet stains a big problem. -
Enzymatic cleaners are organic compounds containing microscopic enzymes that destroy bacteria that cause pet stain odors. Thorough destruction of the bacteria is the only way to eliminate odors so that your pets can't smell where they've (literally) gone before.
If pet stains are a persistent problem, you'll need to use a professional-strength carpet-cleaning machine that can apply the enzyme cleaner to the carpet and then suction it out sufficiently to prevent moisture accumulations beneath the carpet. Too much heavy cleaning can damage your carpet and flooring, so make sure to follow directions for proper use of the enzymatic cleaner and carpet cleaning equipment. Before applying any cleaning solution to your carpet, it's wise to test-clean a small area of carpeting that's covered by a piece of furniture. Don't be tempted to use cleaning products in higher concentrations than instructed; this may damage your carpet. -
If your pets are consistently making messes indoors, it's important to evaluate their needs. Can they get outdoors when necessary? If you have cats, are their litter pans cleaned regularly? Cats often won't use a place that doesn't meet their standard of cleanliness.
A note of caution: If you have an adult animal that suddenly starts to have accidents after he or she has been housebroken, it's a good idea to have the pet checked by a veterinarian to rule out illness. Senior pets can become incontinent or make mistakes because of failing eyesight, disorientation and other health issues.
Dogs can suffer from behavioral problems, including separation anxiety, that can lead to accidents indoors.
Establishing a routine for walks and exercise can help you keep your dogs happy and your carpets clean.
