Pet Stain and Odour Removal: Dog and Cat Accidents

With 10 million (34%) of UK households owning a dog and 8.2 million (28%) owning a cat one thing they did not realise that their carpets are the worse place for your pet to have an unfortunate accident.

Removing bodily fluids from porous surfaces, carpets and upholstery is a difficult task.

Fluids, like pet urine, will penetrate deep down into the carpet fibres and underlay and, at times, into the sub-floor making cleaning difficult. If possible, you should blot up as much urine and waste as possible with clean white absorbent cloth or tissue. Avoid using household chemicals as these may lock the stain in and even I may not be able to help.

The soiled area has to be totally neutralised to prevent pets smelling any odour left and returning to the scene for further accidents. I provide a full deep clean, disinfectant, sanitise and rinse of the whole area.

Sometimes the underlay has to be replaced. As urine dries out the crystals become more concentrated and the warmer the inside temperature gets, the more pungent the smell can get. Professional cleaning is required as normal cleaning will not eradicate the odour or the cause.

My cleaning products contain no harsh solvents or bleaches. They are safe for children and pets.

Blood Removal

Blood is another difficult fluid to remove and generally needs professional cleaning.

As long as the blood is fresh and kept cold, water will help dissolve the plasma and hydrate the dried membranes making it easier to rinse the mess away.

Scrape and blot as much blood up as you can with clean white absorbent cloth or tissue. DO NOT use hot water as it is like boiling an egg. You will cook the proteins causing the blood to solidify locking the red pigmented hemoglobin into the carpet or upholstery to set, just like paint would.

Professional cleaning will be required for heavy spillages. Like urine it will penetrate the underlay causing wick back.

Call me for help at any time.

Here are my tips for keeping your carpets and upholstery stain-free:

• Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming removes dirt, dust, and other debris that can build up on your carpets and upholstery and make them more susceptible to stains.
• Act quickly. Spot clean spills immediately. The sooner you clean up a spill, the easier it will be to remove.
  If you have a stain protector, you may be able to simply blot up the spill with a damp clean white cloth. Colored cloths can transfer dye to the carpet or upholstery.
• How to clean up general spills (see below for guidance on specific types of spills):
  • Use a clean white cloth. Colored cloths can transfer dye to the carpet or upholstery.
  • Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and make it harder to remove.
  • Work from the outside in. This will help to prevent the stain from spreading.
  • Be patient. It may take some time to remove a stubborn stain.
  • Rinse the area with clean water. This will help to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
  • Blot dry with a clean towel.
  • Let the area dry completely. This may take several hours or even overnight.
  • If the stain is more stubborn, you may need to use a commercial stain remover or call a professional.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage your carpets and upholstery, so it’s important to use a mild detergent and water or suitable stain remover when cleaning them.
• Do not use hot water. This is likely to set stains and make it very difficult for anyone to remove and it may become permanent.

Have your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned once a year. This will help to remove any deep-seated dirt and grime that regular vacuuming may not be able to reach.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your carpets and upholstery looking their best for years to come.

Here are some tips for removing common stains from carpets and upholstery:

Use the right cleaner. It is important to use the right one for the type of stain you’re dealing with. Also in the case of upholstery: Test the fabric cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

In most cases you should Blot rather than scrub.

• Food and drink stains: Blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean white cloth. Then, apply a small amount of dish soap and water to the stain, and blot again. Rinse the area with clean water, and blot until dry.
• Grease or oil: Sprinkle the stain with baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, vacuum up the baking soda and blot the stain with a damp cloth. If the stain is still visible, apply a small amount of dish soap to a damp white cloth and blot again.
• Red wine: Blot up as much of the wine as possible with a clean white cloth. Then, mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and apply it to the stain with a sponge or cloth. Blot until the stain is gone.
• Pet urine: Blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean white cloth. Then, sprinkle the area with baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Vacuum up the baking soda and apply a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water to the stain. Blot until the stain is gone.
• Blood: Blot up as much of the blood as possible with a clean white cloth. Then, mix a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water and apply it to the stain with a sponge or cloth. Blot until the stain is gone.
• Ink: Blot the stain with a clean white cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can spread it.

If you are unable to remove a stain yourself call a professional.