Whether you have a new kitten or puppy, a pet that’s highly excitable or territorial, or an older or ill pet, accidents happen. Unfortunately, if you don’t take the proper steps to clean up urine or other pet messes from your carpet or upholstered furniture, the odor-causing molecules bind to the fabrics and fibers, causing nasty odors to linger (and possibly encouraging your pet to go potty in the same spot again). Use these tips to get the funky smells (and stains) out and leave your home fresh and clean.
Don’t Wait!
The longer urine or other pet waste sits on a surface, the more it will be absorbed, making cleanup much more difficult. For a recent accident, use paper towels or white cloth rags (to avoid any potential color transfer), to immediately blot and soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Wearing shoes, stand or lean on the towels, swapping them out for fresh ones as needed, until no more moisture is transferred from the carpet or fabric, to the cloth. Then treat the soiled area (and the bottom of your shoes) with one of the commercial or homemade solutions below.
Commercial Odor & Stain Removers
Once you’ve blotted up as much of the mess as possible, treat the area to eliminate odors and stains. There are a vast number of commercial products marketed for this purpose. One of our tried and true favorites is Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover. This product uses beneficial bacteria and enzymes which essentially eat up and neutralize the odors in pet urine, feces, and other waste. Another popular enzyme-based cleaner is Angry Orange. For an older or set-in stain, try OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Pet Stain & Odor Remover. Just follow the directions on each product’s packaging and be sure to spot test a small area first.
Homemade Cleaners
You can also use eco-friendly household products to get the cleanup job done. Here’s what the American Kennel Club recommends. After blotting up as much of the mess as possible, spread baking soda thinly and evenly across the damp area. Let the baking soda sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. If any stain or odor remains or for older/dry spots, mix a solution of 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and spray on the stain to dampen it thoroughly. Let it sit for 4 to 6 minutes and then blot with paper or cloth towels until clean.
It’s a good thing our furry friends are so darn cute, and with these tips, cleaning up after them will be less frustrating. For other handy household hacks, check out more blog posts from Olympus Alameda.