Carpet cleaning for pet owners: managing pet stains and odors
If you have pets, then you know that they can be messy. They leave behind stinks and stains all around your home, but especially on your carpeting. We know that even the best-behaved pets have accidents now and again, but it’s still important to clean stains right away. The best bet is always a professional carpet cleaning, but below are some tips that can help you if you decide to go it alone.
Clean up messes.
If the area is small, take a paper towel and blot the stain. Blotting, rather than rubbing, will keep the fibers of your carpet from being pulled or damaged. If this doesn’t work, use a carpet cleaner with pet-safe ingredients (read the label before applying).
Don’t let stains set in.
To keep your carpets looking and smelling their best, it’s important to remove stains ASAP. The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
The type of carpet determines how to deal with stains. Wool carpets tend to be more difficult to clean than synthetic fibers. If you have a white carpet or rug, make sure you use a cleaner that won’t discolor the fabric.
If a stain does set in, use a pet-safe carpet cleaner.
To clean up pet stains and odors, we recommend using an enzyme cleaners. Enzyme cleaners use naturally occurring enzymes that break down organic material. If your pet does have an accident, clean it immediately. Use a dry towel to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then apply an enzyme solution directly on the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with clean water. Finally, dry the area completely. Pet stores sell enzyme cleaners specifically made for animal stains and odors that are safe for humans and animals.
Use a blacklight to find hidden stains.
Blacklights emit invisible UV rays that are absorbed by molecules in the carpet. This causes them to glow under a blacklight, making it easier to spot stains.
Use deodorizing powders.
Deodorizing powders are great at absorbing odors and absorbing pet stains. Make sure the powder is safe for pets, many contain harmful chemicals. Sprinkle the powder over the affected area, covering it completely. Let it sit overnight and vacuum up what you can the next day. Repeat as needed until there’s no more odor.
Even the best-behaved pets can have accidents on your carpet
Pet accidents are common. There’s no way to avoid them completely. But, if you’re prepared with a good cleaning solution and info, you’ll be able to clean up in no time.
