How to Rid Carpets of Pet Odors
Do visiting friends know you have a dog--before Fido bounces into the room? Just because you have a pet doesn't mean your carpet has to smell like him.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Black-light Bulb
- Pet-odor-neutralizing Powder With Enzymes
- Vacuum
- Water-extraction carpet-cleaning machine or carpet-shampoo machine
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1
Always clean up pet messes as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
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2
Identify the odiferous areas of your carpet. If you're not sure where they are, darken the room and turn on a black-light bulb to highlight any dried accident spots.
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3
Deep-clean the problem areas using a water-extraction carpet-cleaning machine or a carpet-shampoo machine and cool water only--no chemicals or cleaners. (To rent or buy one of these machines, look under "Carpet and Rug Cleaners' Equipment and Supplies" or a similar heading in the yellow pages.)
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4
Sprinkle an enzyme-containing pet-odor-neutralizing powder (available at pet stores or your vet's office) on the affected areas. Pet-odor-neutralizing powders contain live bacteria and enzymes that digest odor-causing protein and bacteria, permanently removing it from the deepest fibers in your carpet. These products also contain a mild cleanser that can help remove discoloration. Alternatively, you can use borax powder or baking soda, but they are less effective in eliminating stubborn odors.
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5
Let sit for 8 hours.
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6
Vacuum the treated areas. Let sit for 24 hours.
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7
If odor remains after you have treated the carpet with an enzyme odor neutralizer, repeat the treatment as needed to eliminate lingering odors.
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8
Understand that in severe cases where the soiling has occurred for an extended period of time, you may need to replace the carpet padding.
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9
If your pet continues to eliminate in inappropriate areas, treat the underlying cause. Does your pet have easy access to the outdoors or to a litter box? Is your cat demonstrating an aversion to her kitty litter? Is your furry friend suffering from separation anxiety, loneliness or stress? See How to Correct Bad Behavior in Dogs and How to Correct Bad Behavior in Cats for more information.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For pet stains on your carpet, see How to Remove Pet Stains.
Avoid using household cleaners, ammonia and vinegar on urine stains. The strong smell may draw your pet back to the spot to cover the strong stuff with his own scent.
Steam-cleaning urine-stained carpeting can set stains and odors by bonding the protein into the fibers.
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Comments
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I wanted to share with everyone a product I found called Room Shocker. I have 3 puppies and they have accidents on the carpet all the time. The odor became really bad and a friend recommended this product. It's also environmentally safe so there is no harmful chemicals around the puppies.
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Thanks for the great article. It saved me alot of time.
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askmehow2
Sep 18, 2008
I remove pet odors for a living. I use an "ozone box" which is basically a wood box we made to remove pet odors. We place the box over the afflicted area and run one of our Ionic Zone IZ-3600MGT ozone generators inside for 2 hours and viola, no more pet odors. If you're interested in making an ozone box, all it takes is 1 piece of plywood, some 2x4's, and some carpentry skills. (4x4x2). Place something heavy on top to push the box into the carpet and caulk all of the edges with silicone. Works like a charm. -
askmehow2
Sep 18, 2008
I remove pet odors for a living. I use an "ozone box" which is basically a wood box we made to remove pet odors. We place the box over the afflicted area and run one of our Ionic Zone IZ-3600MGT ozone generators inside for 2 hours and viola, no more pet odors. If you're interested in making an ozone box, all it takes is 1 piece of plywood, some 2x4's, and some carpentry skills. (4x4x2). Place something heavy on top to push the box into the carpet and caulk all of the edges with silicone. Works like a charm.
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dha1378824
Mar 07, 2008
I have two dogs one of them or both urinated on my stairway and now I have a uterine smell that I am having a hard time getting rid of my boss enzyme post to remove urine smell stale smell it trying to clean it up without moving piece of the carpet
