How to Clean Pet Stains With Household Products

Pet odors can linger in carpeting and fabric forever unless you get to the source. Armed only with some simple products that you probably have around the house, you can get rid of these smells quickly and easily. Follow these few steps to learn how.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Liquid Detergent
• Spray Bottles
• 4-5 White Towels
• Black Lights
• Pet Stain Removers
• Portable Or Ceiling Fans
• White Vinegar
• Soft Bristle Hairbrush
• non-alkaline, non-bleaching neutral detergent

For New Stains

1. Remove any excrement and blot the entire wet area immediately and firmly with a clean, white, absorbent towel or cloth.

2. Pour a small amount of liquid detergent onto the cloth or towel and rub stained area with just enough firmness to remove the stain.

3. Mix together 1 quart warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar.

4. Slowly dribble the mixture onto the stain.

5. Place several clean, dry, white towels over the stained area.

6. Walk over the wet area several times to absorb excess moisture.

7. Place books or other heavy objects over the area.

8. Allow the objects to stand on the area for 4 to 6 hours.

9. Remove the towels.

10. Use a soft-bristled hairbrush to raise the nap of the carpet.

For Old or Invisible Stains

1. Locate any invisible odors with a black light. Urine in carpets glows in black light.

2. Mix 1 tbsp. neutral detergent (mild, non-alkaline, non-bleaching) into 1 cup warm water.

3. Dribble the mixture onto the stain or odor area.

4. Blot the area with a clean, dry, white towel.

5. Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water.

6. Dribble the mixture onto the stain or odor area.

7. Blot the area with a clean, dry, white towel.

8. Mix 1 tbsp. neutral detergent with 1 cup warm water.

9. Again dribble this mixture onto the stain or odor area.

10. Blot again with a clean, dry, white towel.

11. Dribble clean water onto the area.

12. Blot again with a clean, dry, white towel.

Tips & Warnings

• While the area dries, open windows or run portable or ceiling fans for added air circulation.

• If you don't have a black light, ask a teenager; teenagers tend to have them - or know someone who does.