How to Remove Pet Stains and Odours
- by Brodie Cook
We all love our pets, but cleaning up urine stains and removing pet odours from carpet and other surfaces can be tricky. Whether it's a fresh stain on your carpet fibres or a dry spot on your couch, the best way to treat these accidents is to take quick action with the right cleaner. Don't worry, we'll help you remove pet stains using simple, inexpensive solutions that are safe for your beloved pet and your home.
Why Are Pet Stains So Challenging to Remove?
Pet urine is more than just a wet spot – it contains bacteria and uric salts that make the stains hard to remove. When pet urine dries, these uric salts stay behind and keep growing when there's moisture in the air. That's why you might smell the odour more on humid or wet days, even if you cleaned the spot before.
Different surfaces in your home handle pet stains in their own way. Carpets can trap the urine deep in their fibres, while wooden floors might soak it up and get stained. The longer pet urine stays on any surface, the harder it is to clean.
Quick action is key – treating the stain right away helps stop the bacteria from growing and prevents lasting damage to your floors and furniture.
How to Clean Pet Stains from Carpets and Rugs
For fresh pet stains on your carpet, act fast! First, blot (don't rub) the area with a dry, white towel to soak up as much urine as possible. Mix half of our eco-friendly dishwashing sheets with warm water to make a gentle cleaning solution. Apply this to the affected area, then blot again with a clean towel while pressing down to remove the liquid.
For old or dry stains, try this simple deep-cleaning method. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, and pour it over the area. This helps break down uric salts and removes the smell. Blot with white towels until dry, and repeat if needed. For stubborn pet odours, you might want to use an enzyme cleaner – these are made specially to remove pet stains and are safe for your carpet.
Removing Pet Stains from Upholstery and Fabric
Cleaning pet stains from your couch, chairs, and mattress needs a gentle touch. Before you start, test your cleaning solution on a hidden spot to make sure it won't change the colour of your fabric. For couches and chairs, blot up any wet spots first, then clean both the fabric surface and deep into the cushions. You can use the same mixture of warm water and Lucent Globe dishwashing sheets to clean without harsh chemicals.
For mattresses and bedding, split your cleaning into two steps:
- For items you can wash (like sheets and blankets):
- Remove them right away
- Pre-treat any stains with a solution of laundry detergent sheet
- Then wash for a deep clean also using the detergent sheet
- Make sure everything is completely dry before using
- For mattresses and fixed upholstery:
- Blot the area with clean towels
- Sprinkle baking soda to absorb smells
- Let it sit for several hours
- Vacuum thoroughly
- Repeat if needed for stubborn odours
Tackling Pet Stains on Hard Surfaces
Wood floors need special care when cleaning pet stains because too much water can harm the finish. Start by blotting up any liquid with paper towels, then clean with a barely damp cloth using a mix of warm water and solution of dishwasher sheet. Dry the area right away with a clean towel to protect your wood from water damage. Watch this spot over the next few days – if you notice dark stains, you may need to treat the wood finish.
For laminate and vinyl floors, you'll want to keep water from seeping into the seams. Use paper towels to soak up any pet urine first, then clean with a light touch.
this can be added when the all-purpose cleaner is there: [Soon, Lucent Globe's new all-purpose cleaner will make this job even easier – it's made to be tough on stains but gentle on your floors. After cleaning, always dry the area well with a clean towel to stop any moisture from getting under the flooring.]
Prevention and Maintenance
Make your home pet-friendly by placing washable rugs in areas where your pets spend the most time. Rugs are easier to clean than carpets and cheaper to replace if needed. Here's what works best to stop accidents before they happen:
- Take pets outside right after meals and naps
- Watch for signs like pacing or sniffing around
- Praise them when they do their business outdoors
- Provide pet toilets and train them to use them at home
Keep a cleaning kit ready for quick action using safe, eco-friendly items. Your basic kit should have white towels for blotting, baking soda and white vinegar for natural cleaning, and our laundry and dishwashing sheets. These products work well and are safe for both your pets and the planet. Make cleaning part of your daily routine – dealing with fresh stains right away means less work later and a cleaner, fresher home for everyone.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions For Pet Stains?
ESafe, eco-friendly cleaners like our products protect both your family and your pets from harsh chemicals. These gentle but effective solutions won't harm your surfaces over time, which saves you money on repairs and replacements. Plus, they come in plastic-free packaging that's better for our planet. Using our products means no harmful chemicals going down your drains and into our waterways.
Ready to make the switch to safer cleaning? Check out our cleaning products.