85 million American households have some kind of pet. Having a pet in your home can be one of life’s greatest joys, but the messes they make can be difficult to clean up. Especially if you have carpets.
Pet stains on carpet floors are troublesome, as their stains can be difficult to remove. They often require special attention to remove them. Read on to learn more about how you can protect your carpets from pesky pet problems!
The Trouble With Pet Stains on Carpet
Pet stains on carpets can lead to unpleasant odors and can be difficult to remove. They can also attract dirt and bacteria, making the area even more unsanitary.
They can cause discoloration and damage to the carpet fibers. This can reduce the overall lifespan of the carpet.
Keeping your carpet clean and free from pet messes will help you maintain a healthy home environment.
The first step to tackling pet stains is prevention. Try to keep your pet away from areas of the house that have carpets. Always use a lint brush or vacuum to clean up any fur or dander.
Tips for Preventing Unsanitary Pet Stains on Carpet
Accidents will happen but you can take preventive measures to avoid pet stains on the carpet. Preventing pet stains on carpets is important for keeping carpets clean, fresh-smelling, and attractive.
Here are some tips for avoiding pet stains on carpets:
Training
The most effective way of preventing pet stains is proper training. Make sure your pets understand where they can and cannot eliminate in the home.
Establish a routine for taking them outside to go potty and reward them for good behavior.
Exercise
Regular exercise helps keep your pet physically healthy. It also helps reduce the likelihood of accidents in the house by reducing their need to find other places inside to relieve themselves.
Accessible Potty Areas
Give your pet access to designated areas such as an indoor litter box or potty patch. Be sure to keep these areas clean and accessible.
Covers & Mats
Using covers and mats can help protect your carpet from dirt, dust, spills, and other debris that may accumulate throughout the day. Place them around high-traffic areas in your home that your pet frequents.
With diligence and consistency with training and preventative measures, you have a better chance of staying ahead of unsanitary pet stains on the carpet.
Types of Pet Stains
The type of pet stain you’re dealing with will determine the best course of action for cleaning it. Here are some of the most common types of pet stains:
- Urine
- Vomit
- Saliva
- Feces
- Food/Oil
These various types of stains also have different effects on different types of carpets, so it’s important to understand the kind of carpet fibers you’re working with. The four main types are:
- Nylon
- Polyester Rayon Blend
- Acrylic Wool Blend
- Olefin (Polypropylene) Blend
Knowing what kind of stain you’re dealing with, and what type of fiber your carpet is made from, will help guide you in selecting (and making) the right cleaning solution. By understanding how these two factors interact, you can make sure you don’t make matters worse by using an unsuitable cleaner.
At-Home Solutions for Cleaning Pet Stains
Depending on the type and amount of stain present, some pet owners may prefer to handle their own spot removals. This is fine, as long as you are using the correct methods to avoid further damaging your carpets. Unsanitary carpets can be a breeding ground for bacteria and cause health problems.
Blotting or Scraping
Start by blotting up as much as possible before applying any cleaning solutions—use white towels or paper towels as colored ones may transfer dyes that could discolor your carpets. Then scrape up any larger chunks that remain by going over them with a plastic spoon or spatula.
Vacuuming
This step is essential for removing loose dirt particles and small pieces that you cannot scrape away. Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction (but no brush). Go over the spot again in reverse motion just in case anything was missed during the first pass.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Once you have blotted the stain, you can try applying a solution of vinegar or lemon juice to the area. These acidic substances can help to break down the proteins that make up pet stains, making them easier to remove.
Sprinkle with Baking Soda
Another home remedy for removing pet stains is to sprinkle baking soda on the area and then vacuum it up after a few hours. The baking soda will absorb any remaining moisture in the carpet and help to lift the stain.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective home remedy for removing pet stains from carpets. Apply it to the stained area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth.
Rent a Carpet Cleaner
If you have stubborn pet stains that seem impossible to remove, you may want to consider renting a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store. Carpet cleaners use powerful suction and brushes to deep clean carpets, and can be very effective at removing tough stains.
DIY Solutions
Several DIY solutions exist for tackling specific kinds of pet stains on particular types of carpets. Here are some ways to clean up pet stains from carpets at home.
Urine Stains
For urine stains, it is important to act fast. Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down the urine proteins, and then blot or gently scrub away the stain. Be sure to use a deodorizer afterward to help eliminate odors.
Vomit
For vomit stains, use a detergent with enzymes to break down the proteins in the stain. Blot or gently scrub away the residue, then allow the area to dry.
Saliva
For saliva stains, use a mild detergent or spot remover and blot away the stain. Then use a deodorizer to get rid of any lingering odors.
Feces
For feces and food/oil stains, use a non-toxic cleaner. Blot or gently scrub the stain and then rinse with cool water.
Washable Area Rugs
Before cleaning any rug, it’s important to test it first in an inconspicuous location. This ensures that the cleaning agent and method won’t damage or discolor the fibers. Check the product labels and tags for specific cleaning instructions based on the fiber content of your rug.
Once you’ve tested and prepped, select a suitable cleaner for your area rug according to its material. Commercial cleaners specifically designed for pet stains can be used on most rugs, but you should always read the product label first.
Basic detergent is often sufficient for nylon-backed polyester rugs. Harsher solutions may be needed to tackle stubborn spots.
Apply it in small amounts so as not to saturate the rug. Use a mild brush or sponge, if necessary, but always scrub gently in order not to damage delicate fibers.
Let the area rug dry before placing back in place. This is very important if the floor underneath is wooden or laminate. Moisture can cause warping or discoloration over time.
Why Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service
Carpeting can be an eye-catching, cozy addition to any home, but pet stains can ruin the look and feel of carpets. If you’re dealing with pet stains on your carpets, it’s best to call in a professional carpet cleaning company.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a pro for pet stain removal:
Knowledge and experience
Professional carpet cleaners have years of knowledge and experience in dealing with all sorts of pet stains. They understand what types of solutions work best for different kinds of fibers. They also know how to ensure complete spot removal without carpet damage.
Specialized Tools
Professional cleaners will use specialized tools such as industrial vacuums and wet-steam extractors that aren’t available to most homeowners. These tools provide superior suction and deeper cleaning power than traditional vacuums. This makes them better suited for tackling tough spots.
They often use cleaning solutions that are not harmful to the environment. They won’t leave behind harsh chemicals or odors.
Guaranteed Results
Hiring a professional cleaner means you get guaranteed results. If the stains reappear after treatment, the job isn’t done until it’s done right. Reputable companies will stand behind their work with warrants or satisfaction guarantees so your carpets always look their best.
When it comes to removing pet stains from carpets, it pays to hire a professional. Experienced pros get better results, and offer peace of mind knowing you’re taking care of your investment.
Professional Cleaning Services
At Hammond Knoll, we understand the importance of having clean carpets in your home or business. We offer a variety of specialized tools and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. We stand behind all our work with warranties so you can trust us for quality results every time.
Dealing with pet stains on carpets is no problem when you’re working with Hammond Knoll. Our professional cleaners will be happy to provide an estimate and discuss how they can make sure your floors look as good as new again. Get your personal cleaning quote today.
