10 Tips for Cleaning Up Pet Stains
When you have a dog, accidents are bound to happen. My dog, for instance, always chooses to vomit on the rugs instead of the easy-to-clean tile. But hey, what can you do? Accidents are just part of pet ownership.
Cleaning up pet stains isn’t anyone’s favorite chore, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are 10 tips to help you deal with pet stains effectively.
1. DIY Cleaning Solution with Vinegar and Water
If you don’t have a pet stain remover handy, you can make your own cleaning solution using water and vinegar. Vinegar is a non-toxic cleaner that leaves no residue and neutralizes the ammonia in pet urine that causes odors. Mix equal parts warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle (e.g., 1 cup each), and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. This ensures the solution reaches the carpet padding to neutralize any soaked-in urine. Spray the spot, sprinkle baking soda on top, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot with a towel and vacuum. Keep pets away during this process.
2. Clean Up Dog Urine Immediately
Dog urine becomes harder to clean the longer it sits, penetrating deeper into the carpet pad and possibly causing discoloration. To prevent lingering smells and discoloration, clean up urine as soon as possible. Place a towel or paper towels on the urine to soak it up. Stand on the towels to absorb as much as possible, repeating until the towels come away dry. Then proceed to clean the stain.
3. Blot, Don’t Rub Pet Stains
When cleaning up urine, blot it instead of rubbing it. Rubbing spreads the stain rather than absorbing it. To blot, place a towel or paper towels on the urine and stand on it to help with absorption. Repeat with fresh towels if needed until they come away dry.
4. Avoid Using Steam Cleaners on Urine Stains
Though it might be tempting, avoid using steam cleaners on pet stains. The heat can set the protein in the urine into the carpet fibers, making the stain harder to remove.
5. Use Baking Soda for Urine Smells
After cleaning a pet stain, sprinkle some baking soda on the spot and gently rub it in (an old toothbrush works well). Let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. Baking soda absorbs smells and is non-toxic, but keep pets away while it’s setting, as it can cause stomach upset if ingested.
6. Black Light to Find Old Stains
Some pet stains are hard to see. If you suspect there are old stains, you can identify them by smell or use a black light. Run a black light over your floors in the dark; urine will glow under the light, making it easier to spot old stains.
These simple tips should help you manage pet stains more efficiently. Remember, quick and proper cleaning can save your carpet and keep your home smelling fresh.
