How to Remove Set-in Dog Feces Stains From Carpet

Housetraining does not always prevent accidents.

Ultimately the very best time to clean up a pet stain is immediately after it occurs, but this is not always feasible. Once dog feces has been allowed to dry on your carpet, it can be difficult to completely remove. Every dog can have an accident in the house now and then, but if your dog is leaving surprise stains for you more frequently than usual, consider taking him to the veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bags
• Paper towels or clean, dry towels
• Club soda
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Scoop up any solids that may be left. A plastic bag turned over your hand works well; simply pick up the feces and then turn the bag right-side out again.

2. Blot up any moisture with clean, dry towels. Depending on how old the stain is, there may not be any moisture left. Be careful not to scrub at this point or you will only spread the stain farther.

3. Rinse the stained carpet with club soda. Club soda loosens the fabric fibers and the carbonation helps agitate the stain. Blot the stain with clean towels. Some of the stain may lift with just the club soda, but you will likely not lift all of it at this stage.

4. Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution onto the stained area and use a clean towel to blot. Blot from the outside of the stain toward the center to keep the stain from growing larger.

5. Repeat the vinegar spray until the stain lifts. Blot again with clean towels.

6. Rinse again with club soda. Blot the area until it is almost completely dry.

7. Sprinkle the area with baking soda and let it sit as long as possible, up to overnight. Baking soda pulls up any remaining odor and moisture from the carpet.

8. Vacuum the baking soda from the carpet.

9. Observe the area over the next several days to see if the stain reappears. If it does, repeat the cleaning process.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid ammonia-based cleaners because they do not break down the enzymes in pet waste. If your pet can still smell his accident, he is more likely to do his business in the same spot again.

• Keep all cleaning solutions away from children and pets.

• If you use commercial pet stain removers, follow the package instructions.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Removing Pet Stains Once and for All
• PAW-Rescue.org: Cleaning Tips