Pet Stain Removal

Pet stain removal success is often the result of sad experience. Our house has had a succession of dogs over the years. Unfortunately, a couple of them were just plain stupid when it came to house-breaking. They would look at me with their big innocent brown eyes and then pee right there on the carpet - no attitude, just didn't seem to 'get it'.

We had to master the art of making both the smell and the stain disappear, because we quickly learned that even the tiniest residue of odor would encourage them to go right back to the same spot and do it again. - Yuck!

Steps to Removing Pet Stains

Pet stain removal is fairly straightforward, but there are so many products that it's hard to know what to choose and how to get it to work. This method works for both urine and vomit...

1. Pick up any solids, being careful not to rub anything into the carpet

2. Immediately douse some soda water on the spot if you have it, if not, water with a little baking soda mixed in will do, or just plain water if that's all you have. Don't rub it in, or you will force the soils deeper into the carpet.

Fold up an old towel and put it on the spot with a weight (a few books, a box of junk, or a small child who is willing to stand still for a few minutes will all work well) to absorb all liquid. Turn the towel over and do it again until you have as much liquid out as you can get.

3. Pet stains are organic, so an enzyme product for pet stain removal is essential. There are a number of good quality carpet cleaning sprays made specifically for organic stains (they work on the stuff your kids leave behind too!). You don't need to buy a specialized 'pet urine cleaning product'. Find one you like, and keep it on hand. If you don't have any - now is a good time to get one. You should be able to find something appropriate at the local janitorial supply store, or a pet store.

4. Spray the product on the stain. Once the spot is sprayed as per the directions, add this extra step - it makes all the difference:

For complete pet stain removal, cover the entire spot with a plastic bag. Leave it there overnight, or at least 12 hours. This gives the enzymes plenty of time to do their 'work' of digesting the organic residues. Some time the next day, remove the bag and allow the air dry. I am warning you now that this will likely really stink!

5. Once the area is dry, continue with the finishing directions on the cleaning product. I liked to shampoo the carpet and then do one last pass with a rinsing solution of water and vinegar.

Back to Housecleaning

Back to Home Page