If you own a cat or dog, and they had recently had some behavioral troubles which led to staining your carpeting, chances are you will want to treat the areas promptly and successfully so odor and discoloration do not ruin the material. Here are some steps one can take using household materials to refurbish a carpet altered by pet stains.
Attempt To Treat The Area While It Is Still Wet
As soon as you notice an area where your pet had an accident, it is important to treat it immediately to help diminish the chance of staining. Pour white vinegar directly on the wet area of the carpet to help neutralize odor. A clean towel can then be used to blot excess moisture from the fibers of the carpeting. Do not rub the area as this will cause the urine to be pushed into the carpeting further.
Remove Odor From A Dried Urine Stain
If a pet urine stain has already dried into your carpeting, the odor in the area can be eliminated with the use of baking soda. Simply sprinkle the substance over the affected spot and allow it to sit for several hours. During this time it is a good idea to keep pets and children away from the area as baking soda can cause an upset stomach if it is ingested. Vacuum the powder from the spot in its entirety.
Take Away Discoloration From Settled In Stains
If a stain has left your carpet discolored, you may want to try using club soda on the affected portion of material to help lift the stain from the fibers. Pour the club soda directly on the stain and use a clean towel to blot it after the effervescent action diminishes. This procedure may need to be done several times depending on the severity of the stain color.
If you have light-colored carpeting, you can try using bleach to lighten a stain. Mix a cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Test an inconspicuous area of your carpeting first to ensure it does not alter the coloring too much. If the results are not drastic you can then place some in a spray bottle and apply it to your carpeting. It is a good idea to spray the entire carpet to help keep the color uniform. Leave the solution in place for up to an hour and then use a steam cleaner to remove it from the material.
