What to Use to Get Pet Smells Out of Carpet

A lot of people who don't have pets say that when they walk into a home, they can immediately smell pet-related odors. Pet smells commonly linger in carpeting, giving even the cleanest home the smell of a pet. There are some things you can do in your home to combat the smell of your pets in your carpet.

Where the Smells Come From

It's important to realize that even the best kept home can smell like the pets that inhabit it. This is because pets usually spend most or all of their time on the ground, and the oil from their body is left on the flooring, as is their hair. Over time this smell saturates the carpeting, leaving a scent that is not only unpleasant to most but can be embarrassing if you have company.

Dry Treatment for Carpets

If your carpet has pet odors but is not stained, a great way to remove those smells and restore a fresh scent to your home is with baking soda. Get a box of baking soda and sprinkle it liberally over any area of carpeting. Allow the baking soda to sit for 30 to 60 minutes, and then vacuum. The odor should be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

Wet Treatment for Carpets

If your carpeting is stained and has a strong pet odor, try this method. Using a wet carpet cleaning machine, which can be rented, create a mixture of one cup of white vinegar to one gallon of water and pour into your machine. The vinegar mixture will not only remove stains but also neutralize any odors left in the carpets by your pets. You can also add two tablespoons of liquid fabric softener to the mixture to help your carpeting be more stain and odor resistant.

References

• Best Ever Home Secrets, Joan and Lydia Wilen, 1997

Resources

• Helpful Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance Tips