Guilty PuppyAsk five different people how to get pet stains out of the carpet, and you are sure to get five different answers. Pet stains are a bit different from other every day stains. They need special attention to ensure the scent does not remain, beckoning your pet to revisit the area.

There are a variety of products on the market and no shortage of anecdotal methods for eradicating pet messes. Which ones really work the best?

Use natural cleansers

Natural cleansers are always the best method for removing stains and odor. They are easy to make and very inexpensive. Harsh chemical cleaners — even though they may have a very strong smell — are often ineffective at completely removing urine odors and usually only mask the problem. Plus, chemical cleaners can be irritating to your skin and dangerous for you and your pet to breathe in.

To clean stains

If the stain is still wet, do your best to soak up as much moisture as possible. Use multiple layers of paper towels, newspapers, or rags — whatever absorbent material you have lying around. Place these on top of the stain, followed by a phone book (or some other flat, heavy object). Stand on top of the book in order to soak up the moisture from deep within the carpet. Keep repeating this until the material comes out dry. A wet/dry vacuum would work well for this situation.Two Cats

If the stain is already dry or set in, follow these steps:

  1. Mix a solution of 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar. Put it in a spray bottle and saturate the area.
  2. Work in the solution with a gloved hand, a carpet brush, or toothbrush, but do not rub too hard.
  3. Soak up the as much of the liquid as you can.
  4. Pour a hefty amount of baking soda over the area.
  5. Now add some 3% hydrogen peroxide and work it in. Let it fizz away and do its job. You can actually see the baking soda turn colors – letting you know it is working.
  6. Once it’s done fizzing, soak up as much liquid as possible.
  7. Let it dry, and then vacuum the area.
  8. Presto! No more pet stain or odor.

This method should work to neutralize and remove all odors. Before using this method, test your carpet for colorfastness in a hidden area.

Enzymatic cleaners

If the natural cleanser does not work to get rid of the smell (in most cases it should) you can spray the area with an enzymatic pet cleaner made for this purpose. If you must use one, try to purchase an enzymatic cleaner that is free of harmful chemical additives.

If Fido or Fluffy had an accident, no need to rip your hair out. Try this all-natural cleaning method and your carpets will be clean and fresh-smelling in no time.

photo credit: Lord of the looks via photopin (license) photo credit: Lord of the looks via photopin (license)