Cleaning Up After Pets
Pets bring a lot into our lives – unconditional love, accountability, happiness, responsibility and even lower stress levels. But they can bring a few not so pleasant things into your home, as well. Pet stains can be a problem for pets of any age, but particularly puppies and older or sick animals. Fresh, old and dry pet stains can seem impossible to remove from carpet, but a few tricks can help you keep your cool and keep your flooring looking new.
Try to Tackle it ASAP
The best tip for cleaning up any pet mess is to get to it as soon as possible. Letting liquid sink into carpet just gives it more time to and area to spread to and the smell will permeate the room. Step one is to remove any solids and soak up all the liquid. Use old towels designated for clean ups like this or a LOT of paper towels. You want to places the towels over the stain and stand on them to pick up all the liquid. Do this until no more moisture comes up.
Clean it Up
On to step two, or step one for old, dry stains. After all liquids have been soaked up, use a commercial cleaner or your own natural cleaner (see recipes below) to disinfect the area. Choose an enzyme-based digester or cleaner for the best results to both clean and eliminate odor. Work from the outside in and spray or sponge the cleaner over the spot. Working towards the center helps keep the stain from spreading out. If you are using a commercial cleaner, be sure to follow the directions exactly and leave the cleaner on the spot for the full amount of time.
High Traffic Tips
To let an enzyme digester work to its full capacity, consider covering the spot with plastic and stepping on it to fully saturate the area with the cleaner. Keep the plastic over the spot to keep it moist while the digester works its magic.
You may choose to rinse the area with clean water after cleaning the spot, or use a home deodorizer like the one below to neutralize the spot. This may be necessary for heavy traffic or multiple accident areas.
The last step is similar to the first one – blot up all the liquid cleaner. Stand on clean towels until liquid no longer comes up. Once dry, you can repeat the cleaning step, if necessary.
Home Cleaners
Cleaner: one teaspoon milk liquid dishwashing detergent with eight ounces of room-temperature water. Spray on the site.
Cleaner plus deodorizer: mix two cups of white distilled vinegar with two cups of lukewarm water in a bowl, then add four heaping tablespoons of baking soda. Note: this one fizzes! Add baking soda in smaller batches to reduce fix over. This can be poured or sprayed on the site.
Deodorizer: One ounce white vinegar with eight ounces water. Or sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let work for about five minutes before vacuuming.
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