If you have pets, you have probably experienced a pet urine mess in your carpets at some point or another. These are smelly messes and are often difficult to remove. Just cleaning the mess with a wet towel isn’t going to cut it. Here are three different methods for removing pet urine odors in your carpets.Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Solutions
A popular cleaning trend is homemade cleaning solutions. These can save you money and are often more natural than store-bought cleaners, adding to their popularity.
When you use a homemade cleaner, start by gently blotting the area with a towel prior to applying the solution. Also, be aware that many homemade cleaners can discolor your carpet, so be sure to spot check a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning an entire stain. Blot the cleaning solution into the stain instead of scrubbing too hard (as this can push the stain deeper in the carpets), and be sure to use a small amount of the solution at a time, adding more as needed. Using more cleaner than necessary can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts more stains.
Here are some of the most popular homemade cleaning solutions:
DIY #1 – Vinegar And Baking Soda
Lightly wet the stain with vinegar (do not dump the vinegar, gently pour it!), then sprinkle baking soda on top. You’ll hear and maybe even see the vinegar and baking soda react together, creating a fizzy bubbly sound. Don’t panic! This fizzing is part of the process.
Once you’ve applied the vinegar and baking soda, cover the stain with a towel or plastic wrap and wait for the spot to dry completely (this typically takes up to 2 days). Once it is dry, scoop up the leftover baking soda, rinse the stained area with water, then pat it dry. Finish off by vacuuming up any excess.
DIY #2 – Dishwashing Detergent
Combine ¼ teaspoon dishwashing detergent (not dish soap! They’re different!) with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the stain, then towel dry and vacuum the area, and repeat as needed until the odor is gone.
DIY #3 – Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 4 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Combine in a spray bottle with a few drops of dish soap and spray the mixture on the stain. Repeat as needed. Lightly rinse the area with water, towel dry, and vacuum.
DIY #4 – Ammonia
Ammonia is a common ingredient in homemade cleaners. However, it is not recommended to use ammonia to clean pet urine, as it smells similarly to the pet urine itself. Try to avoid homemade cleaning solutions for pet stains that involve ammonia.
Store Bought Stain Removers
If you don’t want to make a DIY cleaning solution, there are a lot of store-bought options on the market. People tend to avoid store-bought cleaning solutions because they can contain many chemicals, but many cleaners come in non-toxic formulas that are safe for pets.
Some of the most common store-bought stain cleaners include OxiClean, Resolve, and Spot Shot. These can be purchased at most stores.
Before spraying the cleaner, dry up as much moisture as you can with a towel. Spray the cleaner, then wipe the excess away with a towel. Rinse the area to remove any leftover residue, then towel dry and vacuum.
Be sure to test the cleaner on a small area of your carpet to make sure it won’t damage your carpet. Always remember to use a small amount of cleaner then repeat the process as needed. Over-saturating your carpet can deposit dirt-attracting residue to your carpet fibers.
Professional Carpet Cleaners
Homemade and store-bought cleaners have their place, but many pet stains are difficult to remove and can only be completely removed by a professional carpet cleaner. Often pet urine soaks through the carpet, reaching the subfloor and pad as well. Basic cleaning methods only clean the surface, leaving behind an odor deeper in the carpet. A professional carpet cleaner can help remove these deeper stains.
Be sure to choose a carpet cleaner that specializes in pet urine stain removal. Some carpet cleaning methods, such as steam cleaning, can actually make the odor worse. Short Stop Chem-Dry in Detroit is trained in removing even the toughest of pet urine stains with a green-certified cleaner you can trust is safe for your home and pets.
There are many options available for removing pet urine in your carpets. You can have pets without your home smelling like you have pets!