You love your pets, but is having them in the house wreaking havoc on your carpets? You want to keep your animals part of the family, but without the stains, right? So how to do it? Read on for removing unwanted spots from your rugs.
How to Start
As with any stain, the sooner you see it, the better the chance of getting it out completely. So the moment you see a wet spot, soak it up as much as possible with paper towels or napkins.
The idea is to lift the splotch out before it has time to really sink in. The less stain you have to deal with later, the better!
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Baking Soda
For the next step, there are several different ideas based on your carpet and the type of stain you have. If your rug is a very light color that you don’t want to damage in any way by removal, go with baking soda.
Shake some onto the affected area, wait anywhere from one hour to several, and then take the vacuum hose to it. This is great for removing odors from vomit or other issues. If there is still some discoloration, don’t worry! There are many more options for complete spot removal. Baking soda is mostly for the smell.
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Lysol Spray Without Bleach
Something that is probably best with darker carpets is Lysol spray – but not the kind with bleach! Soak up the spill, and then mist a generous amount onto the area.Place a towel over it, with something weighty to hold it in place, like a book.
Several hours later, or the next day, remove the towel. The stain should be gone, along with any lingering odor!
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Hydrogen Peroxide and Toothpaste
Another tried and true idea is to mix some toothpaste in a bowl with hydrogen peroxide. Sounds strange, but it can work wonders! This should work well for light carpets, as well as dark.
Simply rub the paste into an old washcloth, and spread over stain.Leave it there for a few minutes. Then flush it out with water, and vacuum the excess. It should dry with no scent or spot in sight!
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Soap and Water
Let’s take it back to the basics…soap and water. That’s right, get a combination of cool water and dish soap (about a ½ teaspoon) and let the suds soak away the smell and the stain. This is a great option for any type of carpet, because it is a gentle mixture that should not cause damage.
However, oriental rugs can be finicky, so it is important to always read the washing instructions, and avoid the use of hot water, so there is no shrinkage.
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White Vinegar and Water
White vinegar and water is another common solution. Mix about a cup of water with a small amount of vinegar, about 1 tablespoon, and definitely no more than a half cup. Put the liquid into a spray bottle. Always make sure to test a tiny bit of the rug before proceeding, just in case.After blotting up most of the excess stain, spray the solution onto it.
Leave it for a minute or so, and then begin the process of drying the carpet. Use towels to remove the solution, checking to see if the spot has disappeared. Repeat if necessary. Once the spot is gone, there may be a lingering sour odor from the vinegar. Leaving baking soda on the area to absorb it will do the trick. Vacuum it up after a couple hours and call it good!
A Word of Caution
There are many combinations of hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, water and baking soda that will work to remove stubborn stains from your fabric. The most important things to remember are to test it on a small area first, and always keep an eye on it as much as possible during the removal process. You don’t want to end up bleaching your carpets!
Extra Advice
If the stain is really stubborn, you may consider a specialty stain removing spray. These can usually be found at drugstores or the same place you buy your groceries. Get one specifically designed for pets and follow the instructions. Just remember to check the label and ensure that none of the ingredients will be harmful to your rug before you use it.
Perhaps your carpet has many stains due to dogs or cats, and it is time to pull out the really big guns, and rent a cleaning device of some kind. This works best for carpets, as they are not as delicate as an oriental rug. For older or antique rugs, always go with the professionals to ensure that no damage occurs with your material.
So, there you have it. Some tried and true solutions for pet stain removal. There are many more combinations and home products that can be used for a natural clean, but these should give you a great start. Those unsightly spots will be gone in no time!
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