Spring is finally showing it’s face! The sun is beginning to shine and everyone is emerging from hibernation. It’s time for spring cleaning and that includes removing any pet stains your house may have experienced over the past few months.
Let’s face it: your pets haven’t had much of a chance to spend time outside this winter given the polar vortex and accumulated snow. They might have even had a few accidents in the house. Luckily, we have some great remedies to share with you that will help you get your spring cleaning get off on the right foot.
HOW TO CLEAN “NEW” STAINS ON CARPET & UPHOLSTERY
- Try to soak up as much of the urine as possible with newspaper and paper towels. The trick to keeping the stain from smelling is removing the fresh urine before it dries, otherwise it will be much harder to get rid of the odor. First, you should place a thick layer of paper towels over the scene of the crime, and then cover the layer of paper towels with an additional layer of thick newspaper. Stand on the padding for an entire minute. At this point, you can remove the padding. Repeat this process until the area is hardly wet. Now you’re ready to rinse.
- Rinse the site! Rinse the carpet with clean water, using enough to saturate the stained area. After you rinse it, remove all of the water from the carpet by blotting with paper towers or using a wet vac. If you’re dealing with a smaller carpet you can always let it dry outside, too.
HOW TO CLEAN STAINS THAT HAVE ALREADY SET INTO THE CARPET:
- Consider renting a stain extractor or wet vac. This will remove all remaining stains in your carpet. These work by forcing water through into your carpet and then forcing it back out, drawing with it any dirt, stains and other pollutants. Always remember to follow the instructions and never put chemicals in the machines. They function best with clean, distilled water.
- BE SURE TO USE A HIGH QUALITY NEUTRALIZER TO REMOVE ODORS. Only after the area is clean and dry can you use a neutralizer. Remember to always read the directions carefully before using – you shouldn’t mess around with chemicals!
- After you’ve used the odor extractor and a wet vac on the area, you can try to use a store bough carpet stain remover if the stain still persists. But whatever you do…
- …Try to stay away from cleaning chemicals! Especially chemicals that have vinegar or ammonia in them. In fact, these chemicals will encourage your pet to continuously urinate in that spot.
- If the urine has seeped beneath the carpet and into the padding you might need to take your efforts to the next level. In dramatic cases you may need to remove and replace the stained section of carpet and padding.
Finally, once you have cleaned and dried the area, you’ll need to try to redirect your pet’s behavior. In order to do this, make the accident-area look less attractive to your pet and the bathroom area look more attractive.
So the next time you’re dealing with a pet stain remember there’s no need to shout, try our tricks and tips first to get even the most stubborn stains out.
Til next time,
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