Cleaning Pet Stains--An alternative to commercial cleaners.

Cleaning up urine pet stains doesn't require expensive commercial cleaners. An alternative method using dishing washing liquid, water, and vinegar is more environmentally friendly.

Pet stains are best cleaned when you see it happen and they are fresh. Locate old stains at night using a black light held above the carpet.

Treating Pet Stains:

Spray bottles work wonderful to mix your three solutions.

1. Soap & Water Solution
• Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in one cup of cool water. Do not use hot water, as heat permanently sets urine proteins into the carpet.
2. Vinegar & Water Solution
• Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar to 2/3 cup water.
3. Water
• One bottle of plain water for rinsing.

Procedure:

• Blot and press the stain with paper towels or white terry towel, soaking up as much of the urine you can.
• Spray the spot with the soap/water solution and leave on the stain for a few minutes. The soap water works on the stain.
• Rinse with fresh water and blot dry
• Spray the spot with the vinegar/water solution. Leave on for a few minutes. Blot dry. The vinegar solution works to neutralize odors.
• Rinse with water and blot dry.
• Allow carpet area to dry and then sprinkle baking soda on area to further neutralize. Cover with newspaper to keep pets away.
• Vacuum up baking soda

If you do use commercial stain/odor removers, rinse with water and blot dry. Some of the commercial products will discolor some carpets. You may wish to test in an inconspicuous spot to know the effect on your particular carpet.