How to Get Pet Stains out of Carpet

Pets are an integral part of any household, and they quickly become a part of the family, but looking after them in a home can require some maintenance and cleaning. It is key to know how to get pet stains out of the carpet.

If your pet has stained your carpet, there are several methods you can use to clean it up. This ranges from homemade remedies to cleaning devices, and if necessary, professional cleaning services. 

Your preferred method will depend on how severe the stain in question is, and how long it has been on your carpet. Generally, older stains are more stubborn to remove so they would require heavy-duty cleaning. You should also consider what machinery and cleaning resources you have at home already, your budget, and your time frame. 

This article explores the best ways to clean pet stains out of your carpet, with step-by-step guides and product recommendations.

What this article covers:

Best Way To Clean Pet Stains From Your Carpet

how to remove pet stains from carpet

Pet stains on the carpet can be a real bother, as it is unsightly, and the odor usually lingers through the house. To make the space clean and comfortable again, you will need to act fast after a stain appears. 

Using a specialized carpet cleaning solution is generally best, as the formula has been made specifically for removing stains and odor from a carpet.

Step 1:

Clear the area in which you will be cleaning, so that your furniture is not in the way and does not get damaged in the cleaning process. If it is a recent mess, carefully remove and dispose of any loose debris from the area, such as vomit or feces, before you begin with the cleaning process. 

Step 2:

Use a cleaning brush and rub the stained area with pressure. Do this until the carpet is slightly lifted, and any excess dried residue that comes up has been removed. 

Then, use a broom or vacuum to remove the loose dirt from the area. A vacuum will do this much faster and even pull away more dirt in the process. 

Step 3: 

Pick a specialized pet stain remover next. The best on the market at the moment is the Truck Mount Forum Usor Unchained Urine Stain and Odor Remover with Ecocide

how to remove pet stain from carpet

This solution kills all bacteria and odor from a carpet and eliminates the stain. It comes in two scent options, Original and Sweet Breeze, both of which leave behind a fresh and clean aroma. It also naturally brightens your carpet, making it look as good as new.

Step 4:

Spray the remover solution onto the stained areas, and use the brush again to scrub until the chemicals have sufficiently run through and beneath the surface and cleaned each affected carpet fiber. 

Step 5:

Leave the cleaned area to dry overnight. Check it the next day to ensure that the stain is completely removed. If not, you can repeat the process to clear out any remnants of the stain. 

How To Get Dog Stains Out Of A Carpet

Dog stains are inevitable in a home, especially if you have carpeting. Thankfully, there are ways to clean a stained carpet, and the sooner you do it the better. 

To effectively clean a dog stain from a carpet, a specialized commercial water extraction machine will do the job, and make it fairly effortless. 

how to remove pet stains from carpets

Step 1:

You can invest in a carpet cleaning machine, such as the Rotovac 360, which is wise if you regularly need to clean your carpet and remove dog stains, or other messes. If you only need it once in a while, you can look to rent it out when necessary, which will work out cheaper and be less wasteful. 

Step 2:

Before you begin cleaning, remove any furniture or objects that are in the specific room or area that you will be cleaning. This prevents them from getting wet and also makes the drying process of the carpet much easier. 

Step 3:

Once you have your carpet cleaning machine ready, you can begin using it. You will connect water to the machine, and if you wish, add a cleaning chemical or detergent. This can be any detergent of your choice, but remember to check labels and ingredients to ensure it is compatible with your carpet and does not stain or bleach it. 

best way to clean carpet pet stains

You should also read the manual that comes with the machine, as various models might operate slightly differently. This will also tell you how to connect or add water and detergent for best use. 

Step 4: 

When you turn on the machine, it will use the water and detergent solution to soak and clean the carpet as it goes. This process ensures that it gets deep below the surface, as any stain will usually soak well into the carpet. 

The machine will flush and then pull out any bacteria and dirt that is on any layer of the carpet. This also removes any present pet odor from the carpet.

Step 5:

Check that the carpet is clean and completely dry before returning furniture to its original spots.

If you are cleaning out a stain, consider cleaning the entire room or carpeted area rather than just the specific affected spot. This will reduce the risk of one patch sticking out and looking cleaner than the rest. 

It also makes sense to do the entire room while you are at it, for a general clean-up, especially if you are renting out the machine. 

best way to clean pet stains from carpet

How To Clean A Heavily Pet Soiled Carpet

When it comes to cleaning pet stains off a carpet, it is always best to do it soon after the stain is made so that it is easier to clean. But if you do find yourself needing to refresh a carpet that is heavily soiled with old pet stains, or cleaning mouse droppings from a carpet, you can still do so. 

All you will need is:

  • A cleaning brush
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Liquid soap
  • Paper towels

Step 1:

If it is a new stain, remove any liftable dirt or feces from the affected area, and dispose of it accordingly. Do this gently so that you do not make the stain any worse.

Step 2:

Place several paper towels onto the area to absorb any moisture on the spot. Apply pressure to the paper towel instead of rubbing, as the latter will just push the dirt further into the carpet fibers.

You may need to do this a few times over if there is a lot of moisture that needs to be dried up. Repeat until the area is dry. 

clean carpet pet stains

Step 3:

In a bottle or jug, mix four cups of water with one cup of hydrogen peroxide and four drops of liquid soap to make your cleaning solution. Shake it well to ensure it is combined properly, to avoid patchiness in your cleaning area. 

Step 4: 

Apply the cleaning solution to the affected area on the carpet. You can use a spray bottle, or pour it gently over the stain. 

You should apply a generous amount so that the chemicals can soak through the carpet and reach all absorbed dirt. If it is a larger stain, you may need to make more of the cleaning solution.

Step 5:

Place your paper towels on the area again, and dab the cleaning solution. Repeat this step until the cleaning solution is as dried up as possible. This action not only absorbs the moisture but simultaneously presses the solution into the carpet fibers.

Step 6:

Spray or sprinkle a little more of the cleaning solution onto the now-dried area, and then use the brush to work it into the stain. Rub the brush into the carpet with some pressure to reach all areas. Do this for a few minutes, or until you see the area clear up. 

how to get dog stain out of carpet

Step 7:

Leave the area to dry fully overnight, and then check it the next morning. It should be as good as new. 

Home Remedies To Clean Carpet Pet Stains

While there are professional cleaning services and specialist cleaning machines for carpets, there are also simple home remedies you can use that clean pet stains, and get the job done just as well. 

With this home remedy, you can use common ingredients from your pantry to concoct an effective cleaning solution. You will need baking soda, white vinegar, and water. 

Step 1:

First, you will pour a sprinkling of baking soda onto the stained area of the carpet. Apply generously, so that it just about covers the entire stain. 

Step 2: 

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Shake to combine well. You will need about 2 cups of the solution in totality. 

Step 3:

Spray the solution onto the stained area, over your layer of baking soda. Apply enough of the solution to dampen the baking soda and carpet area. Leave it to soak for 10-15 minutes. 

Step 4:

Use a soft lint cloth to dab the area well. Try and absorb as much moisture out of the carpet as possible. Avoid rubbing the area, as this might discolor or fade the carpet fabric. 

best way to remove pet stains from carpet

Step 5:

The carpet will still be slightly damp, so leave it to dry for a few hours, or overnight. 

Check the area again after the waiting period for any remnant of the stain, or lingering odor. If either is still present, repeat the process for the best results. 

If it is dry and clean, you may need to use a vacuum to remove any excess baking soda from the carpet. 

Conclusion

There are many methods to clean out any pet stain from a carpet, ranging from simple home remedies to heavy-duty carpet cleaning equipment

When choosing the best method, assess the severity of the stain, as well as how long it has been on the carpet. Generally, newer stains will come out easier, and you can get the job done with an easy vinegar and baking soda home remedy. 

But if the stain is large, deep set, and older, you may need to go for a harsher detergent, carpet cleaning machine, and/or professional cleaning services. Pick cleaning detergents carefully, and check all ingredients and warnings before use to avoid ruining your carpet for good. 

how to get dog stains out of carpet

The best practice is maintenance and fast action. Using a carpet prespray is a good way to be proactive about cleaning carpets. If you regularly clean your carpets or attend to a stain as soon as it happens, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

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