How to Clean Pet Urine & Feces from Carpet

Clean urine and feces stains from couches with enzyme-based cleaners as well.

Many people consider their pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, rats and rabbits to be members of the family. Unfortunately, these family members will leave behind surprises on the rug in the form of urine and feces stains. If improperly cleaned, the odors from the feces and urine will seep into the carpet fibers and will linger, eventually requiring removal of the carpet. Enzymatic cleaners and elbow grease will remove the stains and odors caused by your pet's excrement.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel
• Plastic bag
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Rags
• Enzyme-based pet cleaner

Instructions

1. Soak up any remaining urine with a paper towel immediately after the pet has voided on the carpet. For fecal matter, pick up any remaining feces with a paper towel or plastic bag and place it in an outdoor trash can.

2. Mix together 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water.

3. Dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and blot at the urine stain.

4. Continue to blot at the stain, rewetting the rag when necessary, until the majority of the urine stain is removed.

5. Rinse the area with a rag dipped in plain water. If there is a strong urine odor left behind, spray the affected area with enzyme-based pet cleaner. The enzymes in the cleaner will destroy the bacteria that causes the offensive odor.

6. Allow the enzymatic cleaner to remain for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing the carpet with cool water.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the vinegar solution and an enzymatic cleaner that is specially formulated for set-in stains if the urine and feces stains are older and have dried.

References

• Pet Education: How to Remove Cat Urine Stains from Carpet; Mary Smith
• Mrs. Clean: Removing Pet Stains Quickly and Easily