You’ve probably had to vacuum hair, mop up accidents, and scrub stains more than once. One of the worst parts of owning a pet is trying to get out pet stains on the carpet. If you need a helping hand, here are some simple tips to use.
1. Avoid Scrubbing
If you spot an unsightly stain on the carpet, it’s second nature to want to scrub it away. You may have noticed that when you scrub carpet the stain very rarely goes away. That’s because scrubbing pushes the stain further into the carpet’s fabric and fibers.Instead, blot the stained area with a clean cloth. Don’t put too much pressure on the area and take your time blotting so as much is absorbed by the cloth as possible.
2. Remove Liquid and Solid Waste
Having a pet means it’s more than likely that your carpet will be soiled at some point. Before beginning any cleaning process, it’s important to remove as much of the liquid and solids as you can, whether you’re dealing with vomit, urine, or feces. To remove as much of the stain as possible, use a clean cloth to dab and rinse out the cloth between dabs.When facing vomit or urine, you can use a kitchen cloth or newspaper to absorb the liquid. Use several layers and apply pressure until the area is relatively dry.
3. Carpet Cleaning Products
The carpet options for pet owners when it comes to cleaning products are vast. You should be able to pick up a carpet cleaner specifically for pet stains at your local store. These stain removers contain enzymes that help to break down the stain and odor left by your pet.Most cleaners come in spray bottles and require you to spray directly to the affected area. You’ll be asked to leave the spray get to work and then return to blot the area with a cloth. However, it’s important to read the instructions and ingredients carefully.
Some pet stain removers require your pet to be away from the area for a certain amount of time. This is because they sometimes contain ingredients that can be harmful to pets.
4. Hire a Carpet Cleaner
No matter what you do, there will always be frustratingly stubborn stains that don’t want to move. Periodically having your carpet cleaned will mean you don’t have to put up with these stains sticking around. You can hire carpet cleaners to come into your home and clean all of your carpets.If you prefer to get the job done yourself, you can hire carpet cleaning equipment and do it in your own time. Depending on the size of your carpets, they could take a few hours to dry once they have been cleaned so it’s best to avoid the area for twenty-four hours to avoid further stains.
5. Clean Outside
If you’re cleaning a rug, you may have better luck removing the stain outside. As the old wives tale goes, all it takes is water, soap, and sunshine. Wash the stained area in water and dish soap then leave your rug outside in the sunshine for a few hours.The combination of soapy water and heat from the sun is meant to break down the stain particles and make them easier to brush away. It will also help to remove the odor from the rug which is vital when dealing with pet stains. Pets have a habit of going back to the same spot when they can smell where they’ve soiled.
6. Patience and Training
Pet stains are usually accidents so you should have patience with your pet when he makes a mistake. For the most part, pets aren’t able to connect the punishment with bad behavior so punishing your pet would have no effect. If you have a young pet, like a puppy, stay focused on toilet training.If you have an older pet and accidents are rare, you may want to keep a closer eye on your pet to figure out the root of the problem. If accidents become more frequent, it’s a good idea to take your pet to a vet for a check-up.
7. Replace Your Carpet
Some carpets can’t be saved. If the stain is too big, too ugly, or smells too bad, it may be time to replace your carpet. It’s a good idea to get some advice from a carpet professional on which type of carpet is best for your home so can avoid stains in the future.Let Us Help You
At National Floors Direct, we can advise you on the best flooring for pets. From carpet to hardwood and everything in between, we have a huge variety of choices to meet every need. We can even visit your home with samples so you can see what looks best in your space.With expert advice, you’re sure to find exactly what you’ve been looking for. If you find it cheaper anywhere else, we’ll offer 15% off the price you’ve found. Why not take a browse at our carpet range?