Carpet Cleaning Tips: Pet Urine & Odor Removal

The family pet is one of Americans’ most beloved family members. We celebrate their arrival and take them everywhere we go… and mourn their passing when gone. The time in between is filled with good times and bad, including the house training phase. While some pets learn quickly, there are those who seem to take forever, and with it a tinkle on our carpets. Here are some tips for getting out the odors and stains from our pets.

• Primarily, avoid the old wives-tales methods for removing stains and odor. Some of them may damage the carpeting or flooring, and cause a greater expense.
• Pet urine, specifically cat urine, is the major troublemaker when it comes to stains and odor. First, try a natural enzymatic based odor remover found in many pet stores. Pour the cleaner over the affected area and let sit for a long time. The longer soak time allows for maximum effectiveness.
• When urine dries, it crystallizes – which is the main issue with returning urine odor. Steam cleaning will only remoisten the crystals and make the odor stronger. In some cases, the carpet and padding will have to be removed and replaced.
• If the urine has soaked into the sub-flooring, then it will have to be replaced as well. The wood or concrete is porous, and soaks up the urine like a sponge.
• Pets will usually return to the same spot repeatedly if not treated properly.
• Steam cleaning is the best method for removing pet stains and odors. Professional carpet cleaners who use the hot water extraction method are your best bet. Informing them of the primary reasons for the cleaning prior to beginning the work is advised, as they have their own special methods.
• If you must spot clean, use a natural cleaner and let it soak as long as possible. Never scrub the stain as it will only drive the contaminants deeper into the carpet.