Tips on Cleaning Up a Pet Mess

A pet mess can be a reality to owning a puppy or kitten. Sometimes adult pets may have an accident as well. Here are some tips.

First of all-

• The faster you clean up the mess, the easier it will be...and the less likely stains will set.
  Especially diarrhea which can dry and harden with time.
  

• You should deodorize and remove the odor as well. . If animals can detect a prior pet mess or marking, they may try to mark over it.
  

• Use nontoxic products that are specifically made for pet messes and pet odors. They are typically more effective, since they organically break down waste while neutralizing odors, and they are safer for homes with animals. But always check the label to be sure.

• Always check your carpet manufacturer's directions for before applying anything to your carpet.

The Problems
Urine

It is important to remember that you must eliminate all odor. Even if you cannot smell it, companion animals can, and they will likely try to pee on or mark over the same area. Follow these clean-up steps for wet or dried urine spots.

• Soak up urine with paper towels. Blot, rubbing can damage carpet fibers. Clean starting with an area sufficiently outside of the stain ring, moving inward.
• Rinse the area with water to dilute the urine.
• Blot again using clean towels.
• Absorb the remaining liquid with towels
• If stains remain, try another commercial stain remover formulated for pet stains. However, do not use such products before applying enzymatic cleaners. Proper sequence is important.
  
• Do not use ammonia, since ammonia smells somewhat like urine to animals.
• Alternate cleaning/deodorizing method: cover pet accidents with baking soda, let it stand for at least two hours, then vacuum. Proceed with other steps above as needed.
• If you are able to pull up the carpet, clean the carpet pad beneath the affected area.
  


Commercial cleaners usually advise that you test a carpet's color fastness before applying a product to clean a spot. Do this by applying a small amount on a hidden part of the carpet, then wait 24 hours to see if the carpet has changed color. Of course, you don't want to delay cleaning up urine, feces, vomit or other organic stain - so test products right after you buy them, instead of waiting until you actually need to use them.

Poop

Scoop up solid matter, then blot up moisture with paper towels. Vacuum up loose bits. Then follow the procedure for urine removal above. If the poop hardens it may be difficult to remove and you will need to cut it out.

Vomit

* The acid in vomit can stain fast, so immediately scoop up solid particles.
* Add a bit of water to help loosen stuck particles.
* Then coat the area with baking soda or salt.
* Let it dry, then vacuum.
* Repeat the baking soda and vacuum step.



Blood

For fresh stains, try soaking with cold water. Avoid warm or hot water, which can set the stain. It can also help to rub an ice cube over the stain, then rinse with cold water and clean or launder.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best ways to remove blood stains. Apply the hydrogen peroxide to the stained area, letting it bubble. Repeat this until stain is gone. Following by dabbing the area with water, then dry. Or if clothing, launder it. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide has a limited shelf life; you may need to replace your bottle annually.


Never punish your dog or cat for having an accident.


If your dog or cat continues to have potty accidents, call your vet.