How to remove Pet Stains
Pet Stains 101
We love our furry friends, but sometimes they make messes. Pet messes are the worst. They stink, the spots are hard to get out and sometimes even come back. I am here to teach you the basics of pet messes and stain removal on SOFT SURFACES.
Below you will find different types of pet stains and how to treat and clean them properly. It's best to keep supplies on hand. You never know when "Rover" is going to be sick or run through the mud before jumping on your white couch. If your animal has a urine problems, t's important to keep a stain cleaner that is enzyme based to destroy odor-causing bacteria embedded deep in the carpet fibers.
We suggest cleaning your carpets 2-3 times a year if you have pets & spot cleaning as soon as the accident happens.
Bucket List Supplies
- Handheld Carpet Rake
- Plastic Bags
- White Towels
- Chemical Deodorizer & Cleaner - 3-In-1 Stain Remover
- Rubber Gloves
- Squeegee / Dust Pan
In Don Asletts book Pet Clean Up Made Easy, there are some general rules for pet stains.
- Do it now. Clean it up as soon as you see it. Don’t wait, it will do further damage the longer you wait.
- Remove all you can. Blot up all the liquid and scrape up any solids.
- Test First. Test any chemicals in a hidden area of your carpet or upholstery to make sure it will not damage the fibers.
- Blot and Brush. After you have blotted, use the small carpet rake to brush the fibers back up. Working the solution deep into the fibers.
Before you start: NEVER rub the spot. This will spread the stain and push it deeper into the carpet fibers. Blot & flush, it pulls the stain out.
Using a light colored or white towel is best. Using a dark or colored towel may bleed color into your carpet.
Always use cold water when cleaning up a stain, especially blood. Keep the stain wet, dried blood is much harder to remove.
Poop & Vomit Stains:
#1 - REMOVE WHAT YOU CAN. Using rubber gloves, and the plastic bags try and pick up as much as you can. Sometimes it's not solid, using a squeegee and a dust pan to remove what you can. If the spot has hardened, break it apart with the carpet rake before wetting the spot.
#2 - Spray / dampen the spot liberally with Stain Remover. Let it soak, let the solution do its job.
#3 - Blot the stain. Let the spot be soaked into the towel.
(Repeat steps # 2 & 3 as needed.)
#4 - Use the rake to agitate the solution deep into the fibers.
#5 - Put the towel on the spot and step on it or lay a heavy book on it. Let the spot soak up into the towel for at least 3 minutes.
Urine & Drool Stains:
#1 - Soak up as much liquid with a light/white microfiber cloth.
#2 - Spray / dampen the spot liberally with warm water. Blot the stain. Let the spot be soaked into the towel.
#3 - Lightly spray solution and agitate the spot.
*Repeat step 3 if needed.
#4 Put dry light colored towel on spot for at least 30 minutes & let dry.
Dirt/Mud Stains:
We highly suggest proper matting at all exterior doors of your home. Especially the doors used by kids & pets. Protect your floor, so you don’t have clean your floors often. But if you do, here is how to clean Dirt/Mud Stains.
#1 - REMOVE WHAT YOU CAN. If the spot has hardened, break it apart with the carpet rake before wetting the spot. You can vacuum the dried spot and remove any dirt and dust it left behind. If the spot is wet, blot the spot with a damp towell.
#2 - Spray / dampen the spot liberally with Stain Remover. Let it soak, let the solution do its job.
#3 - Use the rake to agitate the solution deep into the fibers.
#4 - Put the towel on the spot and step on it or lay a heavy book on it. Let the spot soak up into the towel.
Blood Stains:
#1 - Blot up the spot with a damp towel.
#2 - Spray / dampen on the spot liberally with Stain Remover. Let it soak, let the solution do its job.
(OPTIONAL) #3 - Use the rake to agitate the solution deep into the fibers if needed.
#4 - Put the towel on the spot and step on it or lay a heavy book on it. Let the spot soak up into the towel.
If your mess is just too big you may want to use a carpet cleaner/extractor. Read How to Clean Your Carpets Like a Pro, and follow your machines instructions for the best outcome.
