Pet accidents are inevitable, reminding us all of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Hurry, grab some supplies and let’s get that mess cleaned up and the odor removed.
Soiled carpets. Quick removal of pet waste is essential. Left to dry, stain and odor removal becomes more difficult and may result in ultimately having to replace a section of flooring.
With urine, blot the area with several layers of paper towels. Place them on the wet area and step gently to enhance absorption. Repeat until paper towels are dry.
With fecal material, use paper towels to pick it up, then fresh ones to remove what’s left. Do not wipe or smear, which can spread the mess.
Odor control. After blotting or picking up the waste, mix a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water. First test the carpet for color fastness by applying to an inconspicuous area. If it does not harm the color, then wet the soiled area thoroughly with it. Apply enough to reach the lower fibers. Soak up with multiple layers of paper towels, stepping gently to absorb the solution. If you wipe, do so from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, containing it from spreading.
Wait a few hours until the area is nearly dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Leave it a few hours before vacuuming. If you still have residual stain and odor, or if you prefer to use one of the solutions sold in stores, look for one that is enzyme-based to deactivate odors. Read the directions carefully before purchase.
Hard floors. Once again, a fast response is crucial. Blot up urine with several rounds of paper towels. For hardwood floors, mix a weak solution of a quarter cup of white vinegar and a teaspoon of dish soap with a bucket of water. Apply to the affected area and rinse with plain water. Dry with paper towels or a clean, white absorbent towel.
Ceramic tile is the easiest to clean with no residual stain or smell. Stone floors, such as travertine or quartz, require more care. Prevention is always best, so make sure your stone floors are sealed with a protectant. If your pet soils your stone floor, after blotting it with paper towels, use a solution of water and dish soap. It is very important to use a PH neutral cleaner on stone floors. An acidic cleaner such as vinegar will “etch” the floor, removing the sealer. An alkaline solution will dull the finish.
A teaspoon of simple dish soap in a bucket of water is best. If you want extra cleaning power, use a PH neutral stone floor cleaner available in stores.
If the mess is old. Follow the same steps outlined above on an already dried mess. However, it will be more difficult to remove the stain and odor. The acid in urine will etch a stone floor. Consult a professional floor cleaning company. If bad enough, you may have to replace a section of floor.
