Key Points: How to Tackle Pet Messes Effectively
- Enzymatic cleaners are the best choice for pet stain removal as they break down biological matter at a molecular level rather than just covering up odours
- Avoid using ammonia-based products on pet urine as they can actually encourage pets to re-mark the same spot
- Always blot fresh stains rather than rubbing them, which can push the mess deeper into the fibres
- Cold water should be your first response to protein-based stains like urine, vomit, and blood
- Wear Wag Repeat offers speciality bio-enzymatic cleaners that effectively tackle even the most stubborn pet odours without harsh chemicals
Living with pets means dealing with the occasional accident. Whether it’s your new puppy still learning the house rules or your elderly cat missing the litter box, these messes are part of pet parenthood. But using the wrong cleaning approach can turn a small accident into a permanent problem. The right products and techniques not only clean visible stains but also eliminate odours that could trigger repeat incidents.
Here at Loos and More, Peterborough’s trusted family cleaning company we know how tough it can be to keep your home spotless when you have pets. That’s why we’ve developed our bio-enzymatic cleaning products to deal with the messes that pets make, not just covering up the problem but actually breaking it down. And when you want to keep your home smelling fresh and stop your pets from having accidents again, the right cleaning products can make a world of difference.
In a Nutshell: Cleaning Up After Your Pets
Pet messes aren’t like your typical spills and require a different cleaning method. Pet waste, especially urine, is made up of proteins, ammonia, bacteria, and pheromones that can seep into surfaces and stick around for months or even years if not properly cleaned. Regular cleaning products often don’t cut it because of the unique composition of pet waste. Knowing the science behind effective pet stain removal is the first step to keeping your home clean and free of odours.
Why Pet Stains Need Special Attention
- Pet urine has uric acid crystals that stick to surfaces
- Regular cleaners may remove visible stains but not odour-causing compounds
- Pets can smell residual odours even when humans can’t
- Cleaning improperly can actually set stains and make them permanent
- Special enzymatic formulas are required to fully break down biological components
When your pet has an accident, what you see is just the tip of the iceberg. Pet urine, for example, doesn’t just stay on the surface—it seeps into carpet padding, subfloors, and furniture stuffing. When it dries, it leaves behind uric acid crystals that regular cleaning products can’t dissolve. These crystals stay dormant until moisture reactivates them, which is why old stains can suddenly smell new again on humid days.
Ordinary cleaning products may be able to get rid of the stain you can see and mask the smell for a while, but they don’t get to the heart of the issue. In fact, some ways of cleaning can actually make the problem worse by locking in the stain or pushing it further into the fabric. If you use hot water on stains that come from protein, like urine or sick, it can cook the proteins, making them stick to the fibres forever.
Why Pet Odours Are So Stubborn
The reason pet odours can be so hard to eliminate is really quite simple: it’s all about the chemistry. Urine starts out as a sterile, acidic liquid filled with urea, uric acid, hormones, and other waste products from metabolism. When bacteria start to break down the urea, they release ammonia compounds, which are responsible for that strong, unpleasant smell. If you don’t treat these compounds, they can continue to produce odours for months or even years.
The Health Hazards of Not Cleaning Up After Your Pet
Aside from the unsightly stains and the foul smell, not cleaning up after your pet can also lead to serious health problems. Pet waste can contain bacteria, parasites, and allergens that can harm both humans and pets. The high concentration of ammonia in decomposing urine can irritate the respiratory system and can even cause asthma attacks. This is especially concerning for households with small children who often play on the floor and on carpets, making thorough cleaning and sanitisation a must.
Enzymatic Cleaners: The Ultimate Solution for Pet Stains
Enzymatic cleaners are your best bet when it comes to tackling tough pet messes. Unlike traditional cleaning products that simply cover up smells for a short time, enzymatic cleaners operate on a molecular level. They’re packed with good bacteria that churn out enzymes meant to break down the biological elements in pet waste. These unique formulas are capable of breaking down protein, uric acid crystals, and other organic material that traditional cleaners miss.
Enzymatic cleaners need time to do their job for the best outcome. The living organisms in these solutions keep working as long as the area is wet, slowly breaking down even the most deeply embedded waste particles. This biological method is not only more effective than chemical alternatives, but it is also usually safer for your home, your pets, and the environment.
The Process of Enzymes Breaking Down Biological Messes
Enzymatic cleaners are made up of certain kinds of enzymes that aim at different parts of pet waste. Protease enzymes are responsible for breaking down proteins, lipase handles fats and oils, and amylase deals with starches. When an enzymatic cleaner is used on a pet stain, these particular enzymes start to digest the organic matter, turning it into water and carbon dioxide that simply evaporates. This process gets rid of both the cause of stains and odours instead of just masking them.
The Best Enzymatic Cleaners for Your Buck
Enzymatic cleaners are not all made equal. The ones that work best have various types of enzymes and live bacteria cultures that keep working even after you’ve used them. Something like Stainbreak from World of Clean is a standout product. It uses a special mix of bacteria and enzymes that are made to penetrate deeply. M Power + is another good product.
Enzymatic Cleaners vs. Regular Cleaners: When to Use Each
Enzymatic cleaners are best used for biological messes such as urine, faeces, vomit, blood, and other bodily fluids. For messes that don’t involve biological components, like dirt, mud, or food spills, regular cleaners should do the trick. It’s always a good idea to have enzymatic cleaners on hand, especially for accidents that occur on porous surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and mattresses, where odour-causing compounds can really sink in.
Enzymatic cleaners don’t work well when combined with other cleaning agents, so always use them alone. To get the best results, blot up any excess moisture and rinse the stained area with cold water before applying the enzymatic solution as instructed on the package.
Professional Home Carpet Cleaning Across the Region
Because we have invested heavily in the best equipment possible and due to the nature of our carpet cleaning jobs, we go further afield to provide our carpet cleaning services. While we cover Peterborough and surrounding areas including Stamford, Bourne, Sawtry, Whittlesey, Oundle, Yaxley, Crowland. We also cover Boston, Grantham, Leicester, Northampton, Bedford, Cambridge and Kings Lynn. Plus we will consider carpet cleaning outside this area, so please get in touch to see if we can help.
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The whole process was smooth and stress-free, which made my move-out experience much easier. The property manager even commented on how clean the carpets looked during the final inspection. I’m very satisfied with the service and would absolutely recommend it to anyone needing reliable carpet cleaning, especially for rental move-outs.
Debbie and Emily also cleaned my conservatory after some building work, and they did an amazing job — it was absolutely spotless! I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Highly recommend this team for their professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Lovely ladies doing a fantastic job at a great price 😀
Great communications, quick and responsive.
Reliable and friendly but importantly they do a fantastic job.
Thank you and I will use again.
Great communications, quick and responsive.
Reliable and friendly but importantly they do a fantastic job.
Thank you and I will use again.
They are prompt, reliable, professional, efficient and always very thorough.
My regular ladies for my domestic clean are Zara and Gill ...who are both lovely... and get on with the tasks while at the same time being friendly - often going above and beyond....in that if they notice something needs doing...they do or mark it for their next call. Tasks that are deemed as 'extra' or as part of a 'deep' clean by other Cleaning Companies are regarded as part of a regular call by Loos and More - very refreshing.
If I need an extra call...or need to reschedule..Loos & More will always accommodate the change or additional call.
Debbie, Emily, Jo and Charlotte who have on occasions covered for Zara and Gill or have made extra calls to me are equally as hard working and thorough...a pleasure to have in my home.
I have no hesitation in recommending Loos and More.
5 Tips for Successful Pet Stain Removal
1. Blot Fresh Stains Instead of Rubbing Them
When faced with a fresh accident, you might be tempted to scrub it aggressively, but this only pushes the mess further into the fibres. Instead, cover the stain with several layers of paper towels or a clean cloth and press down firmly to soak up as much liquid as you can. For stubborn spots, try standing on the towels (with clean shoes on) to apply more pressure. Keep changing the towels and blotting until they are relatively dry when you lift them.
Once you’ve dabbed up the excess on the carpet, cover the spot with a clean towel and place a heavy object on it overnight. This will help absorb any remaining moisture from the carpet padding and subfloor, preventing it from rising back to the surface.
2. Start with Cold Water
Before using any cleaning products, make sure to rinse fresh protein-based stains with cold water. The proteins in urine, vomit, and other biological messes can actually be cooked by warm or hot water, permanently embedding them into fibres. If you’re cleaning carpets, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the cold water after rinsing, or thoroughly blot with towels if you don’t have a vacuum.
Should the stain be dry, dampen it with cold water to reactivate the dried substance before trying to clean it. This lets cleaning products seep in better and remove the dried residue without harming the material underneath.
3. Use Products Based on the Type of Surface
Each surface calls for a unique cleaning method. For instance, carpets and upholstery need enzymatic cleaners to soak in deeply to clean all the layers that have been affected. On the other hand, hard surfaces such as tile, laminate, or sealed hardwood can handle more moisture but might need different dwell times. Be sure to always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific type of flooring or furniture before you use any cleaning product.
If you have delicate surfaces like silk upholstery or antique rugs, it’s best to consult with a professional cleaner before attempting any DIY solutions that might cause irreversible damage. If you’re unsure, always test the product in a hidden area first and wait 24 hours to make sure it doesn’t cause any discolouration or changes in texture.
4. Give It Time
One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is not giving enzymatic cleaners enough time to do their job. These cleaners, which use natural enzymes to break down stains, need time to work. Usually, this is at least 10-15 minutes, but for really bad or old stains, it could be several hours. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle for how long to let the cleaner sit. If you’re cleaning a carpet, you might want to cover the area with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out too quickly.
5. Try the Product on a Hidden Spot First
Before you start applying any cleaning product on a visible area, try it out on a hidden area to make sure it won’t cause any damage or discolouration. This is especially important if you have dyed fabrics, natural fibre rugs, or unsealed surfaces that could react badly to some cleaning agents. Just apply a small amount of the product according to the instructions on the label, and then wait for 24 hours. If nothing bad happens, you can then proceed to clean the stained area.
6 Common Mistakes That Can Worsen Pet Stains
1. Don’t Use Ammonia-Based Products for Urine Stains
The number one rule in pet stain removal is to avoid using ammonia or ammonia-based products on pet urine stains. Since urine naturally contains ammonia, adding more can actually intensify the smell instead of getting rid of it. Even worse, the smell of ammonia can signal to pets that this is a suitable place to relieve themselves, potentially leading them to re-mark the same spot over and over again.
Check the ingredient list of your household glass cleaners and multi-purpose sprays. If they contain ammonia, avoid using them on pet accidents. If you’re not sure, it’s best to stick with pet-specific cleaners. These are specifically designed to neutralise, not enhance, urine odours.
2. Stay Away from Heat on Protein Stains
Heat is not your friend when it comes to protein-based stains such as urine, vomit, and blood. High temperatures can permanently set these stains by basically cooking the proteins, which causes them to bond with fabric fibres. So, you should avoid hot water, steam cleaners, or hair dryers when dealing with fresh pet accidents.
That’s why you should never use a steam cleaner as your first line of defence against pet urine stains. Although steam cleaning has its uses in your cleaning toolkit (especially for sanitising after the stain has been treated), using it too soon can turn temporary stains into permanent ones. Always pre-treat with enzymatic cleaners and cold water extraction before you even think about using steam as a final sanitising step.
3. Avoid Using Normal Carpet Shampoo Without Extraction
Regular carpet shampoos are not designed to dissolve the unique compounds in pet waste. What’s worse, many of them leave behind sticky residues that can attract and hold dirt, causing carpets to re-soil more quickly. If you choose to use carpet shampoo, always follow it up with a thorough extraction using a wet-vac or carpet cleaner to get rid of all the cleaning solution from the fibres.
Carpet shampoos can leave a residue that hampers the effectiveness of enzymatic cleaners. It forms a barrier that stops the good bacteria from reaching the source of the smell. If you’ve treated an area with carpet shampoo before, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and extract it before applying any enzymatic treatment.
4. Avoid Combining Cleaning Products
It may seem like a good idea to mix different cleaning products to increase their effectiveness, but it can lead to dangerous chemical reactions. These reactions can range from making the products less effective to producing toxic gases. For instance, mixing vinegar and bleach creates chlorine gas, which can lead to severe respiratory issues. Moreover, if you mix enzymatic cleaners with bleach or disinfectants, it will kill the beneficial bacteria that make the enzymes effective.
Make sure to rinse the area with clean water and let it dry completely before applying a different product. This prevents the chemicals from interacting with each other and makes sure each cleaner can do its job.
5. Don’t Cover Up Smells With Fragrances
While air fresheners, carpet deodorisers, and fragrant cleaning products may offer a temporary solution to pet smells, they don’t tackle the root of the problem. Not only that, but these products can also leave behind their own residues, making future cleaning attempts more difficult. What’s more, strongly fragrant products may prompt pets to “overmark” the area with more urine to reestablish their scent.
Don’t just mask smells, get rid of them at the source using the right enzymatic cleaners. The only way to truly get rid of odours is to break down and remove the biological matter causing the smell.
6. Don’t Overlook Past Stains
Just because a stain is no longer visible or detectable by smell doesn’t mean it’s completely eradicated. Urine crystals can linger in fabrics and floors, reawakening with humidity or moisture. These unseen pockets of stench can tempt pets to keep marking the same spots and can emit foul odours during humid weather.
For old stains, you can rehydrate the area with clean water to reactivate any crystallised waste. After that, use enzymatic cleaners as directed on the package. If you’re dealing with a stubborn problem, you might want to use a blacklight to find all the affected areas. Urine will glow under UV light, which will show you the true extent of the contamination.
What’s the difference between a steam cleaner and a wet vac?
Steam cleaners and wet vacuums both have their uses when it comes to dealing with pet stains, but they do different jobs and are best used at different points in the cleaning process. Wet vacuums, also known as carpet extractors or spot cleaners, spray cleaning solution onto the stain and then suck it back up again, along with any dirt or other contaminants that have been dissolved in the process. They’re perfect for cleaning up fresh accidents and for rinsing areas after you’ve used an enzymatic treatment.
On the other hand, steam cleaners use hot steam to clean and freshen up surfaces. They’re great for getting rid of germs and dust mites, but they should only be used on pet stains once the biological material has been fully cleaned up with enzymatic cleaners. If you use them correctly and in the right order, these tools can work together to help you get rid of pet stains.
Pro Tip: If you have more than one pet or if your pet often has accidents, consider buying a portable spot cleaner like the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro. This can save you a lot of money that you might otherwise spend on professional cleaning. These small machines are just as effective as full-sized carpet cleaners but are much less expensive. Plus, they’re portable, so you can easily clean stairs, upholstery, and even the interior of your car.
When you’re in the market for a carpet cleaner, seek out models that are specifically engineered for pet messes. These models usually have more powerful suction, special tools for getting into nooks and crannies and for furniture, and tanks that are easy to clean and sanitise after you’ve used them. Spending a little more for pet-specific features can make a big difference in how well the machine cleans and how long it lasts.
What to Look for in Pet Stain Removers
When it comes to cleaning up after pets, not all carpet cleaners are up to the task. The best models for homes with pets have features like heated cleaning, which dissolves stains without cooking proteins, separate tanks for clean and dirty water, and tools specifically designed to remove pet stains. Strong suction power is also important, because it determines how much moisture the machine can remove from carpets and upholstery. The more moisture it can remove, the faster things will dry and the less chance there is for mould or mildew to grow.
When you have a multi-level home, the portability of the product is very important. You should look at the weight, how easy it is to move around, and how long the cord is when you are comparing different models. Some of the newer models are cordless, but they usually have a shorter cleaning time before they need to be recharged. If you have a lot of carpeting and more than one pet, you might find that having a larger tank is more convenient than having a very portable model.
Should Pet Owners Rent or Buy a Pet Stain Extractor?
If you only need to deep clean your carpets once in a while, it might be more economical to rent a commercial-grade extractor from your local home improvement store. These machines are usually more powerful and have a larger capacity than the ones designed for consumers. But if you have several pets or if your pet has frequent accidents, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to buy a pet stain extractor.
When weighing up the pros and cons of purchasing versus hiring, take into account not only how often accidents occur but also the importance of being able to act quickly. If you can tackle pet stains as soon as they happen—instead of waiting until you have time to hire the necessary equipment—you’re much more likely to be able to remove the stain and odour completely. Many pet owners have found that owning their own machine means they clean more often, which results in a generally cleaner-smelling home.
Effective Natural Alternatives
Enzymatic cleaners may be the best choice for pet stain removal, but there are a few natural alternatives that can work well for fresh stains or as a first step. These are ingredients you probably have in your home, and they are particularly useful for late-night emergencies when you can’t get to the store, or if you’re trying to limit the amount of chemicals in your home.
Using Vinegar Solutions: The Right Mix and Method
The acidic nature of white vinegar can counteract the alkaline salts found in urine, making it a good solution for fresh stains. To use, combine equal parts of white vinegar and cool water in a spray bottle. Spray the stained area until it’s soaked, then blot it as much as you can. For optimal results, apply the vinegar solution right after you’ve blotted up the fresh mess, before the urine has a chance to seep into the fibres.
First-response treatments are best suited for vinegar solutions rather than a full cleaning solution. To fully remove odours, especially on porous surfaces where urine may have sunk deep, follow up with enzymatic cleaners. Never combine vinegar with hydrogen peroxide or enzymatic cleaners because it can decrease their effectiveness.
Using Baking Soda to Neutralise Odours
Baking soda is a natural and effective way to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Once you’ve cleaned a pet stain with the right solutions and removed as much moisture as you can, generously sprinkle baking soda over the area. Use a soft brush to gently work it into the fibres. Let it sit for at least several hours or overnight before vacuuming it up.
For an extra boost of freshness, add a few drops of pet-safe essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to the baking soda before you apply it. This will add a nice fragrance while the baking soda works to absorb any lingering smells and dampness. Just make sure the oils you use are safe for your specific type of pet because some essential oils can be dangerous for cats or small animals.
Choosing Pet-Safe Essential Oils
It’s crucial to prioritise safety when selecting essential oils to freshen up your pet’s space. Lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood are typically deemed safe for most pets as long as they’re diluted appropriately. Always use a carrier oil or combine the essential oils with baking soda instead of applying them directly to surfaces or in the air.
Steer clear of oils such as tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang as they can be harmful to cats even in small doses. Dogs are generally less sensitive than cats, but can still have adverse reactions to concentrated oils. When you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your vet before introducing any essential oils into your pet’s surroundings.
Knowing When to Call in the Pros
Although you can effectively treat many pet stains at home, there are some cases where it’s best to call in the professionals. If you’re dealing with widespread contamination, old stains that have set in deep, or expensive rugs and furniture, you may need to use specialised equipment and knowledge that’s beyond what you can do yourself. Professional cleaners have industrial-strength extractors and specialised treatments that can get deep into padding and subfloors, which is often where pet urine ends up. Loos and More offer a professional domestic carpet cleaning service. Feel free to contact us for more info.
You need to consider the cost of professional cleaning in relation to the value of the items that need cleaning and how contaminated they are. If you have a family heirloom rug, expensive upholstery, or severe contamination that has reached your subfloors, it might be worth investing in professional services. This can help protect the value of your property and make your living conditions healthy again.
Handling Old Stains
Old stains that have been there for weeks or months can be particularly difficult to deal with. The urine has usually soaked through several layers of flooring and may have reached the subfloor, where it continues to give off smells. In these situations, professionals may need to lift the carpet, replace the padding, and seal the subfloors before putting the flooring back in place.
Instead of opting for general carpet cleaning services, it’s better to go for those that are specifically focused on pet damage. These experts are well-versed in the science behind pet waste and have the right tools to extract and neutralise odours from the root. Some even provide blacklight inspection services to spot all affected areas, including those that are not easily seen.
Questions to Ask Before Engaging a Carpet Cleaning Service
All professional cleaners are not created equal, especially when it comes to dealing with pet stains. Before you schedule a service, make sure to ask about their pet stain removal process, the products they use, and how successful they’ve been in similar situations.
Ask about their guarantee or warranty policy—good companies usually back up their work with some kind of satisfaction guarantee. Also, find out if their quote includes moving furniture, pre-treatment, and deodorising, as these services sometimes have extra fees that can really add to the final bill.
Breaking the Habit: How to Avoid Future Pet Mishaps
The ideal solution to pet stains is to stop them before they start. Although accidents will occur, especially with puppies, kittens, and older pets, there are a few tactics that can decrease how often they happen and lessen their effect on your home. Regular training, managing their surroundings, and taking preventative measures are all crucial in maintaining a clean and fresh-smelling home.
Keep in mind that if your pet keeps having accidents in the same spot, it might mean that previous cleaning attempts didn’t fully get rid of the odour. Even if we can’t smell it, our pets can, and it’s attracting them back to the same area. To break this cycle, you need to clean the area thoroughly and reward your pet when they go to the bathroom in the right place.
| How to Prevent Pet Stains and Odours | Why It Works | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Take your pet outside regularly | Helps prevent accidents in the house | Try to take your pet outside every 4-6 hours. Puppies and older dogs may need to go out more often |
| Use waterproof barriers | Keeps your floors clean and makes cleaning up messes easier | Use mattress protectors, couch covers, and machine-washable rugs in areas where your pet spends a lot of time |
| Clean regularly | Helps prevent the buildup of odours that can cause your pet to remark | Deep clean areas where your pet spends a lot of time once a week with an enzyme cleaner |
| Keep a quick-response kit on hand | Makes it easier to clean up fresh accidents immediately | Keep all your cleaning supplies in one place so you can grab them quickly when you need them |
Preventing pet stains and odours can save your furniture and strengthen your relationship with your pet. Pets don’t have accidents to be mean—they’re usually responding to a physical need, stress, or a habit they’ve developed. If you address these root causes with kindness and consistency, you can create a happier home for everyone.
Housebreaking Advice to Minimise Indoor Accidents
Using a consistent approach to positive reinforcement training can greatly decrease the number of accidents in dogs of all ages. Set a regular schedule for outdoor bathroom breaks, and be sure to give your pet lots of praise and rewards when they go to the bathroom in the right places. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, you might want to think about crate training or keeping them in areas that are easy to clean when you can’t supervise them, until they’re reliably housebroken.
When it comes to cats, make sure their litter boxes are clean, easy to get to, and inviting. A good rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than you have cats (for example, if you have one cat, you should have two litter boxes; if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes). Put the boxes in quiet areas that don’t get a lot of foot traffic, and try out different types of litter if your cat doesn’t seem to want to use the box. Some cats don’t like certain textures or smells of litter, which can cause them to go to the bathroom in other parts of the house.
Guarding Vulnerable Areas
Waterproof barriers are a godsend when you have puppies, elderly pets, or pets with medical conditions that cause incontinence. Consider washable waterproof pads for pet beds, waterproof mattress protectors for human beds where pets sleep, and machine-washable area rugs over wall-to-wall carpeting in high-traffic pet areas. For persistent problem spots, temporary plastic carpet runners (placed upside-down so the nubs face downward) can effectively protect carpeting while training is reinforced.
Building Your Own Pet Mess Emergency Kit
It’s no secret that accidents happen, especially with pets. That’s why it’s a good idea to put together a pet mess emergency kit. You’ll want to include paper towels, rubber gloves, a spray bottle of enzymatic cleaner, a small jar of baking soda, and plastic bags for any soiled items. If you have the space and the budget, you might want to think about adding a portable blacklight to help you find old stains and a small wet-vac for immediate clean up. By keeping all of these items in a caddy, you’ll never have to waste time looking for cleaning supplies when you need them most.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
Even the most diligent pet owners can find themselves in sticky situations that call for a unique approach. These common queries are designed to tackle the most frequent concerns and provide actionable solutions for those tough pet stain predicaments.
Keep in mind that patience and regularity are crucial when handling pet messes. What is effective in one scenario may not be in another, so having a range of methods in your cleaning toolkit ensures you’re ready for any mess your precious pet may make.
Can pet stain removers harm my carpet or upholstery?
- Most good enzymatic cleaners are typically safe for most colourfast carpets and upholstery
- Always try out products in a hidden area first
- Natural fibres such as wool and silk may need special treatment
- Some older dyes may bleed when wet, regardless of the cleaning solution used
- Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific flooring or furniture
Most contemporary carpets and upholstery are designed to tolerate reasonable cleaning, but always check care labels before applying any product. For antique rugs, handmade textiles, or designer furnishings, consult with a professional cleaner rather than risking damage with DIY methods.
If you’re not sure whether a surface is colourfast, you can check by applying a small amount of cleaner to a hidden area, blotting it with a white cloth, and checking to see if any colour comes off. Wait 24 hours to make sure there’s no change in colour, texture, or any other negative reaction before you treat the stained area.
Stay away from enzymatic cleaners when it comes to leather furniture. Instead, choose cleaners that are specifically designed for leather. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to avoid drying and cracking caused by the cleaning process.
How long until pet smells are completely gone?
The time it takes for pet smells to completely disappear can vary depending on the severity of the contamination, the type of surfaces that are affected, and the products that are used. Fresh stains that are treated right away may disappear within 24-48 hours, while older stains may require multiple treatments over a few weeks. Enzymatic cleaners continue to work as long as the area is slightly damp, so their effectiveness can be increased by allowing them to sit for a while. If the contamination is severe and has penetrated into the subfloor or padding, it may be necessary to hire a professional or even replace the affected materials in order to completely eliminate the smell.
Is it okay to use bleach to remove pet urine stains?
Using bleach to clean pet urine stains is not a good idea for a number of reasons. It does not break down the uric acid crystals that are responsible for the lingering odour, and its strong odour can actually encourage pets to mark the spot again. More worryingly, bleach can react with the ammonia in urine to create harmful chloramine gases. In addition, bleach can harm many types of fibres, causing them to discolour and weaken. It’s better to use enzymatic cleaners that are specifically designed for pet waste. They are both more effective and safer for your home.
How can I locate old pet stains that are not visible to the naked eye?
One of the most effective methods for finding old urine stains is by using a UV blacklight, which can be purchased online or at a pet supply store at a reasonable price. In a dark room, the blacklight will cause urine residue to glow yellow-green, showing the full scope of the contamination. This method is especially helpful when moving into a new house or when dealing with a pet that seems to be drawn to certain areas even though there are no visible stains.
After you’ve found all the areas that have been affected using the blacklight, use chalk or masking tape to outline the areas before turning the lights back on. This will make sure you cover the entire area that’s been affected, even the parts that you can’t see. Keep in mind that a small spot on the surface might mean a much bigger area of contamination in the padding underneath.
Can I use enzymatic cleaners if I have kids?
Top-notch enzymatic cleaners are usually designed to be safe for homes with kids and pets. They use good bacteria and enzymes instead of strong chemicals, so they’re usually less poisonous than many regular cleaning products. However, like any cleaning product, keep them out of children’s reach, avoid touching them directly with your skin, and make sure the area is well-ventilated when you use them.
For households with sensitive members, you may want to consider enzymatic cleaners that are non-toxic, fragrance-free, and biodegradable. Certain brands even have products that are formulated to be less harsh for homes with kids, pets, or people with respiratory sensitivities. Always adhere to the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer, including any suggested waiting times before letting children or pets back into areas that have just been cleaned.
How can I be sure the stain is completely removed?
A stain is considered fully removed when you can no longer see the discolouration, the smell is gone, and your pet is no longer drawn to the area for remarking. After you’ve cleaned the area, check it in natural daylight to see if there’s any discolouration left. Then, get down on your hands and knees to smell the area. What you can’t smell standing up, you might be able to smell when you’re closer to the ground. And remember, your pet’s sense of smell is much stronger than yours.
Over time, the true test of your cleaning efforts is whether or not your pet is drawn back to the area and attempts to mark it again. If they do, you might need to clean the area again or try a different enzyme-based cleaner. If you’re dealing with a stubborn issue, using a blacklight after you’ve cleaned can help you see any residue that might not be visible otherwise.
Is it okay to use the same products on hardwood floors as on carpet?
Hardwood floors need special attention when it comes to treating pet stains. Many enzymatic cleaners that do an excellent job on carpets can harm wood finishes if left on for too long. For sealed hardwood, try to find enzymatic cleaners that are specifically labelled as safe for wood surfaces, and try to avoid getting the wood too wet by using a spray bottle to apply just enough product to treat the stain without soaking the wood.
Unsealed or damaged wood can absorb pet urine, which may lead to irreversible damage. If this happens, you might need to sand and refinish the area after you’ve gotten rid of the smell. If urine has gotten between the boards, you may need to access the subfloor from underneath to fully remove the source of the smell. If you have expensive hardwood floors, it might be worth your while to get advice from a professional wood flooring specialist.
Can cleaning products prevent my pet from urinating in the same spot again?
Enzymatic cleaners that are correctly made to completely dissolve urine can help stop your pet from urinating in the same spot by getting rid of the smell that brings them back to the same spot. However, if your pet has a habit of urinating in certain spots, cleaning might not be enough. The best way to stop this from happening is to combine deep cleaning with techniques to change their behaviour.
Once you’ve cleaned up, think about temporarily blocking off the area where the accident happened, changing the use of that area (put food bowls or toys in the spots where accidents often happen), or use pet-safe sprays to keep them away. At the same time, give them lots of praise and treats when they go to the bathroom in the right place. If they keep having accidents, talk to your vet to make sure there’s not a medical reason for it. You might also want to work with a certified animal behaviourist to come up with a training plan just for your pet.
How often should I deep clean carpets if I have pets?
If you have pets, you may need to deep clean your carpets more frequently than those who don’t. Generally, you should think about deep cleaning your carpets every 3-6 months. This can depend on how many pets you have, their age and health, and if they spend most of their time indoors or outdoors. If you have puppies, older pets, or pets with health problems, you might need to clean more often. In between deep cleanings, clean up messes right away and vacuum often with a vacuum that’s made for pet hair. This can help keep pet dander and hair from building up and causing smells.
Is there a permanent fix for pet odours?
If the contamination is severe and has reached the subfloors, the most permanent solution may require replacing the carpet padding, sealing the subfloors with an odour-blocking paint or primer, and laying new flooring. Professional remediation services can reach areas between walls and under cabinets where urine may have seeped, offering more thorough odour removal than surface treatments alone.
There are some companies out there that provide specialised treatments that get deep into porous materials to get rid of odours at their source. These professional-grade solutions usually use enzymatic treatments and odour-encapsulating technologies that bond with odour molecules and make them inactive. These services might cost more than doing it yourself, but they can give long-lasting results for properties with a lot of contamination.
Keep in mind that the best long-term strategy is prevention. A combination of deep cleaning, ongoing training, managing the environment, and quickly addressing any accidents will set the stage for a home that smells clean and fresh, and that you and your pets can enjoy together.
In Conclusion
Pet smells and odours can be eliminated, but just remember, part of having a furry friend is putting up with the occasional mishap. Now you know how to deal with it you can take care of most of the problems, but if you need help, feel free to get in touch with our carpet cleaning team for professional help.