Understanding Pet Waste Stains and Odors
Pets can be messy creatures, and cleaning up after them is an inevitable part of being a pet owner. Pet waste, including urine, feces, and vomit, can leave behind tough stains and unpleasant odors if not dealt with properly. As a pet owner, it’s important to know how to effectively remove these stains and smells to keep your home clean and comfortable.
There are a few factors that contribute to the difficulty in removing pet stains and smells:
- Protein enzymes – Pet waste contains proteins and enzymes that can penetrate deep into fabrics and flooring. These are difficult to remove with regular cleaners.
- Bacteria – Bacteria and germs in the waste release gases as they multiply, causing lingering odors.
- Acidity – Urine has a high acid content which can discolor fabrics and floors.
Thorough cleaning and using the right products is key to breaking down the proteins, eliminating bacteria, and neutralizing acidity.
Pre-Treating Pet Stains
As soon as you notice a new pet stain or accident, pre-treating is an important first step. Quick action can help prevent the stain from setting and make removal easier.
Here are some tips for pre-treating stains:
- Scoop up any solid waste with a plastic bag or paper towels. Blot up as much liquid as possible with a cloth or paper towels.
- Mix together a spray solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water. Spray it directly onto the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- If the stain is on carpeting or upholstery, sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help absorb odors and liquid.
- For vomit stains, sprinkle the area thoroughly with borax to help absorb the mess. Let sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming up.
Pre-treating helps begin breaking down the stain and stops it from setting further into the carpet or fabric.
Cleaning Products for Pet Stains
Using the right cleaning products is key for tackling set-in pet stains and odors. Look for products that specifically focus on breaking down pet waste and neutralizing odors.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are extremely effective for pet stains. The enzymes break down the proteins in urine, feces, and vomit. This eliminates odors rather than just masking them.
Some popular options include Nature’s Miracle, Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover, and Rocco & Roxie Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator. Always check label instructions and test on an inconspicuous area first.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is great for absorbing odors and can also help freshen carpeting. Sprinkle it generously on the stain, let sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum up. The baking soda will continue absorbing odors from the padding underneath.
Hydrogen Peroxide or Vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar help break down stains and odors through oxidation and acidity. Mix a 50/50 solution and spray onto the stain. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting and cleaning the area. Never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together, as this creates a toxic reaction.
Odor Neutralizers
Look for pet odor neutralizing products that use odor encapsulating technology, rather than perfumes and fragrances. Products like Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator permanently encapsulate odors on a molecular level to neutralize smells.
Cleaning Methods for Pet Stains
Using the right technique is equally important when cleaning pet stains. Here are some effective cleaning methods:
Blotting
- Firmly blot the stain with paper towels or a clean cloth. Apply pressure to help lift the stain rather than rubbing, which can spread the mess.
Spot Cleaning
- Use an enzyme cleaner or vinegar/peroxide solution. Spray or pour it directly onto the stain. Let soak 5-10 minutes then blot thoroughly.
Rinsing
- Once you’ve blotted up the stain, rinse the area with warm water to remove any residue. Place layers of paper towels over the area and stand on them to press water into the padding. Blot dry.
Vacuuming
- Vacuum up any solid waste, dirt, or cleaning product residues. Vacuuming also helps lift stains from the padding underneath.
Steam Cleaning
- Using a steam cleaner on stains helps deep clean carpeting pads and upholstery where odors hide. The heat helps kill bacteria and break up embedded waste.
Repeat these cleaning steps as needed until the stain and odor have fully lifted. Stubborn stains may require multiple treatments.
Preventing Future Pet Stains and Odors
While it’s impossible to prevent all pet stains and accidents, there are steps you can take to minimize the instances of soiled carpets and furniture:
- Train pets to urinate and defecate in designated outdoor areas. Provide ample opportunities for potty breaks.
- Restrict access to rooms or furniture where pet stains are an issue. Use baby gates, closed doors, or crate training when you are away.
- Protect fabrics with washable covers or blankets where pets spend time. They catch the mess rather than your furniture.
- Clean accidents ASAP to prevent stains from setting. Keep cleaning products on hand.
- Clean frequently to minimize odor build up – vacuum, mop, and use odor eliminating products weekly.
- Feed a high quality diet and stay up to date on vet checkups to reduce instances of vomiting or illness related accidents.
Staying diligent with training, limiting access, protecting surfaces, and cleaning can go a long way in preventing those pesky pet stains!
When to Call a Professional
For pet stains that you just can’t get rid of on your own, calling in a professional may be your best option. Here are some signs it’s time to let the experts handle it:
- Stains that reappear shortly after cleaning, indicating pet waste deep in padding
- Lingering odors that persist after multiple cleanings
- Large amounts of urine soaked into subflooring, requiring intensive treatments
- Feces stains that have soaked deep into carpeting and padding
Look for companies that specialize in pet stain removal and have powerful suction equipment, hot water extraction, and stain treatments strong enough to fully eliminate difficult set-in stains. They have the arsenal of tools and products to successfully tackle even the toughest pet stains and smells.
Removing pet waste stains and odors takes a bit of work, but with the right products and techniques, you can get your home back to a fresh, clean smelling state. Act quickly when stains occur, use enzyme-based pet products, and repeat the cleaning process as needed. And for stains that require major heavy duty cleaning, calling in the professionals can help restore your home’s comfort.
