A Homeowner’s Guide to Carpet Care When You Have Pets
As a pet owner, you’ve created a home that’s a haven for furry companions. The trouble is that it can also become a breeding ground for pet-related messes and odours.
While you cherish the bond you share with your pet, dealing with pet spots, odours, and hair on your carpets can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether it’s an accident that’s been left behind, the smell of wet fur or dander stuck deep in your carpet fibres, promptly taking care of these issues is crucial for maintaining a clean, odour-free home.
In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips on carpet care when you have pets, including how to deal with spots, odours, shedding, and preventive measures to help keep your carpets fresh and looking their best.
Understanding Carpet Challenges with Pets
The Impact of Pet Urine
One of the most common and challenging pet-related issues is urine.
Pet urine doesn’t just create an unpleasant odour—it can also cause lasting damage to your carpet fibres.
When urine is not cleaned immediately, it seeps into the carpet fibres and backing, where it can breed bacteria. As the bacteria multiply, they release ammonia, contributing to the persistent smell that can be hard to remove.
Pet Hair and Dander
Pet hair and dander are another ongoing challenge. While regular grooming can help reduce shedding, pet hair can still find its way into your carpet fibres.
Over time, dander builds up, affecting the air quality of your home and triggering allergies for humans and pets.
Regular cleaning is essential to keep these allergens under control.
How to Remove Pet Spots and Odors from Your Carpet
1. Immediate Action for Fresh Pet Spots
Blotting:
- When you notice a fresh pet spot, the first step is to blot the area to absorb the moisture.
- Place paper towels or a clean cloth over the spot and press down gently. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the urine deeper into the fibres.
- Repeat the process until the area is barely damp.
Rinsing with Cool Water:
- Once most of the moisture is absorbed, rinse the spotted area with cool water.
- Hot water can set the spot, so it’s important to use cool water to dilute the urine.
- Blot the area again with clean towels to remove any remaining moisture.
Enzymatic Cleaner Application:
- Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to break down the molecules in urine that cause both spots and odours. These cleaners contain natural enzymes that digest organic matter.
- Follow the instructions on the product, applying enough cleaner to penetrate the fibres. Allow it to sit for the recommended time (usually 10-15 minutes), then blot it up with clean towels.
2. Dealing with Set-In Spots
Identifying the Spot:
Set-in spots can be difficult to find, especially if they’ve dried. A black light can help you locate old urine spots, as they will glow a dull yellow or greenish colour under the light.
Once identified, mark the area with chalk so you can target the spot during cleaning.
Deep Cleaning:
For stubborn spots, you might want to consider renting a carpet cleaner or extractor. Use only water with the machine—avoid cleaning chemicals, as they can sometimes react with the urine, making the odour worse.
Be sure to follow the machine's instructions carefully to ensure thorough cleaning.
Neutralizing Odours:
After cleaning, apply a pet-safe odour neutralizer to the affected areas. These neutralizers eliminate the bacteria responsible for the smell.
Test the neutralizer on a small area of the carpet first to ensure it won’t discolour or damage the fibres.
3. DIY Solutions for Pet Odor Removal
Baking Soda and Vinegar : JUST DON'T!
You may read in certain corners of the Internet about DIY carpet cleaning using baking soda and/or vinegar. They are often touted as is the affordable way to neutralize odours in your carpets. But this is terrible advice that can lead you to ruining your carpet.
Baking soda and vinegar can cause damage to carpets by leaving behind residue that can make the carpet feel gritty and look dull. The acidity of vinegar can weaken carpet fibers over time, leading to wear and discoloration. Over-wetting from excessive use of these substances can also result in mildew growth, further damaging the carpet.
Hydrogene-Peroxide
The DIY approach we recommend, instead, is using 3% hydrogen-peroxide. This solution should be applied using a spray bottle. Before using the solution on any large, conspicious area of your carpet, test it first in an inconspicuous site to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.
When applying, go very lightly with spraying the affected area. You should not soak your carpet. Next, allow the solution to sit on the carpet for about 10-15 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide works by breaking down organic compounds that cause odours so give it a few minutes to work.
Finally, use a clean cloth or towel to blot the area. This helps absorb any moisture and residue left behind. Then allow the carpet to air dry completely.
In between scheduled professional deep cleanings, this method can help neutralize odours, especially those caused by organic materials like food and pet accidents, without the risk of harmful buildup.
Preventive Measures for Carpet Care with Pets
1. Regular Grooming
Regular grooming of your pets is crucial for reducing the amount of shedding and dander that accumulates on your carpets.
Brush your pets frequently to remove loose hair and dead skin cells. This reduces the amount of debris that settles in your carpet fibres, making it easier to keep the space clean.
Tip: Consider professional grooming for pets with thick coats or heavy shedding breeds. This will help minimize the hair buildup on your carpets.
2. Use Washable Covers
To protect your carpets from pet hair and spills, use washable covers on furniture or areas where your pet spends the most time.
These covers are easy to clean and can prevent pet-related debris from getting embedded into your carpet fibres. Be sure to wash the covers regularly to keep them fresh.
3. Training and Litter Box Maintenance
Training your pets to eliminate in designated areas is a great way to prevent accidents on your carpet.
If you have a cat, keep the litter box clean and easily accessible. Dogs should be taken outside frequently to reduce the risk of accidents indoors.
Positive reinforcement works best when training pets—rewarding them with treats and praise when they are eliminated in the correct place.
Dealing with Specific Carpet Issues Related to Pets
Pet Hair and Dander
Vacuuming is a vital part of keeping your carpet free from pet hair and dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles.
Be sure to vacuum at least once a week, or more frequently if your pet sheds heavily. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and spots where your pet tends to sit or sleep.
Air Purifiers:
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help improve indoor air quality by removing airborne pet dander and other allergens.
Regularly replace your home's HVAC filters to prevent allergens from circulating through your house.
When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner
Despite your best efforts, some pet spots and odours may be too stubborn to remove with DIY methods. In these cases, it’s best to call in the experts such as our team at Jesse’s Carpet & Duct Cleaning in Elliot Lake, ON.
Professional carpet cleaners have the equipment and expertise to tackle even the most persistent pet spots. They can also apply pet-safe, deep-cleaning treatments that remove both spots and odours while protecting your carpet’s integrity.
If you have any questions about what professional carpet cleaning for your home would entail, just give us a call at Jesse’s Carpet & Duct Cleaning. We would be happy to help you understand your options for making your carpet clean and healthy again for your family and pets.
Owning a pet doesn’t have to mean living with dirty, smelly carpets. By implementing regular grooming, cleaning, and preventive measures, you can keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh.
Immediate action after accidents and regular vacuuming are key to maintaining a clean home environment.
However, when the spots and odours become too stubborn, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. With the right care and attention, your carpets can stay clean, fresh, and odour-free, no matter how many paws walk across them.
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