How to Get Pet Smell and Urine Off Your Carpet

Pets are part of the family, bringing joy and companionship to their owners. But with taking care of a pet comes some not-so-fun tasks like dealing with accidents, especially when they happen on the carpet.

Not only is it not hygienic, but it can also leave a lingering odour and cause long-term damage. Removing pet urine from your carpet can be a real challenge, even for veteran cleaners. The urine penetrates into the fibres and pollutes the backing of the carpet and the flooring under it as well. The odour will also make your pet continue urinating in the same place, so you must act quickly.

In this article, we’ll provide you with tips on how to get pet urine off your carpet, so you can keep your home clean and odour-free.

Assess the Damage

As mentioned, pet urine can seep deep into the carpet fibres and even into the padding or subflooring, causing long-term damage if not properly addressed. For this reason, it’s important to assess the damage before you start cleaning.

Firstly, locate the urine stains on the carpet. They can often be seen as yellow or brown spots, but if the urine has been sitting for a while, it may have already dried and be harder to spot. Once you’ve located the stains, you need to determine the extent of the damage.

If the urine has soaked into the carpet and the padding, it may require more intensive cleaning techniques or even professional help. You can test this by pressing down on the mat with a clean, white cloth. If the cloth comes away wet, the urine has likely seeped through to the padding.

Cleaning Solutions

Many different cleaning solutions can be used to remove pet urine from carpets, including store-bought products. In addition, you can make your own homemade cleaning solution by using common household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and peroxide.

Commercial pet stain removers often contain enzymes that break down the proteins in urine, which can be very effective at removing stains and odours. However, they can also be quite expensive and may contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets and humans. Homemade solutions are cheaper to make and more environmentally friendly but may not be as effective at removing tough stains.

It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option and choose the one you think works best for you.

How to Remove Pet Stains From the Carpet

Once you’ve chosen your cleaning solution, it’s time to start cleaning:

1. Blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Be sure to use a blotting or dabbing motion rather than rubbing the carpet.
2. Apply your chosen cleaning solution to the stain, following the manufacturer’s instructions if using a commercial product.
3. If using a homemade solution, apply it generously to the stain and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. After the cleaning solution has had a chance to work, use a clean, white cloth to blot up as much of the solution as possible.
5. Rinse the area with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution, and then blot again to remove excess moisture.
6. Place a clean towel over the area and weigh it down with a heavy object like a book or a brick. This will help absorb any remaining moisture and prevent the stain from spreading.
7. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process until the stain is completely removed.

You can also use a mild solution of water and ammonia. This will minimise fading and loss of colour in the area. Finally, dab it into the stain with a sponge, but be sure to rinse the solution very well because if it is not dry, it may attract your pet and cause you much more problems in the future. Still, remember the differences in the fabrics of the carpets.

How to Remove Smell and Old Invisible Stains

1. First, use a black light to identify the location of the urine stain, which may not be visible to the naked eye. Remove as much of the stain as possible.
2. Mix one tablespoon of mild, non-bleaching, non-alkaline detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Do not use laundry detergent, which can damage the carpet. Apply the detergent solution to the stain or odour area.
3. If you prefer, you can use a homemade cleaning solution. Mix one cup of white vinegar and two cups of water in a bowl. Dribble the vinegar solution onto the area, then blot with a clean, dry towel.
4. Blot the area with a clean and dry towel. Do not rub hard, as this can damage the carpet fibres. Use a white towel to see what is being transferred to the cloth.
5. Repeat the process with a fresh solution.
6. Spray the area with clean, cold water to rinse the carpet. Allow the carpet to dry completely.
7. If the odour remains, sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for several hours. Then, vacuum it up.

Remember, older or invisible pet urine stains may require multiple attempts to remove thoroughly. If the stain persists, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service.

How to Prevent Future Excedents

It’s essential to train your pet to use designated areas for elimination. Potty training your pet can take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort in the long run. Most pee accidents come from puppies, so make sure to take your pet outside regularly and give them plenty of opportunities to go potty in the appropriate spot.

When accidents do happen, clean them up promptly and thoroughly to discourage your pet from repeating the behaviour. Consider using deterrents like scents or barriers to keep your pet away from certain areas of the house.

Providing your pet with plenty of exercises, attention, and mental stimulation can help reduce the likelihood of accidents due to boredom or anxiety. Yet, if you are afraid that it might be a medical issue, take them to the vet for a check-up to check for any problems.

Final Words

Dealing with pet urine stains on your carpet can be challenging, but keeping your home clean and odour-free is essential.

With the appropriate cleaning technique, you can effectively remove the stain and prevent long-term damage to your carpet. Don’t hesitate to seek help from carpet cleaning professionals if needed, and remember to act quickly to avoid further damage and discourage your pet from urinating in the same spot.

With these tips, you can keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh while enjoying the company of your furry friends.