Time

A full day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

If you are a lover of pets, whether it be cats or dogs, your four-legged family members are bound to have some accidents on the carpet. No need to panic — getting a pet stain out of your carpet is possible if you take the proper steps. Read on below for a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of a pet stain on your carpet.

Tools Required

  • Funnel
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Spray Bottle
  • Vacuum

Materials Required

  • Baking soda
  • Dish soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • White vinegar

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Act Immediately on New Stains

  • It’s important to take immediate action after discovering an accident.
  • Remove vomit or feces using a plastic bag.
  • Be careful not to embed anything further into the carpet fibers.
Never use hot water or a steam cleaner on pet odors and stains! The heat will set the stain in the carpet permanently.
Step 2

Blot, Don’t Rub

  • Lay three or four paper towels over the soiled area. Blot, don’t rub, putting pressure on the towels and pulling the moisture out of the carpet.
    • Note: Repeat this several times until the dry towels no longer absorb moisture. You may have to stand on the paper towel to get all the moisture out.

Step 3

Home Made Cleaners

  • Mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and cold water in a clean spray bottle.

  • Or, mix 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of water in a clean spray bottle.
    • Pro Tip: Add a few drops of unscented dishwashing detergent to the hydrogen peroxide/water solution for added cleaning.

Step 4

 Lifting the Stain

  • Spray a liberal amount of the cleaning solution to the stain so it soaks down into the carpet and pad.
  • Lay three or four paper towels over the sprayed area and blot. Repeat this several times until the dry towels no longer absorb moisture
  • Sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain. Spray more cleaning solution on the baking soda.
  • Use a soft-bristled brush to work the baking soda into the fibers of the carpet.
  • Let dry overnight and vacuum away the dried baking soda.
    • Pro tip: If the soiled area is dry, wet it with cold water and let it sit for 15 minutes before blotting.

Step 6

Wet Vac Carpet Cleaner

  • For dried and set stains, you may want to consider renting a Wet Vac Carpet Cleaner or Carpet Spot Cleaner & Stair Detailer from your hardware store or rental center. Even some grocery stores rent them. These machines deep clean the carpet fibers, drawing out particles and dirty water. You can also follow these DIY cleaning tips and methods to learn how to clean carpets without a machine.

Here are also a few tips to help you get wax out of the carpet.

FAQ

Should I ever use bleach to remove pet stains?

Bleach should never be used to remove pet stains. It’s only safe to use on whites and colorfast fabrics and can damage your carpet or upholstery. Bleach can also cause a harmful gas when mixed with ammonia, which is found in some pet urine.

Can I use a steam cleaner on pet stains?

Yes, you can use a steam cleaner for pet stains. It’s very safe and effective and can be a good alternative to using chemical-based products.

Author
Joe Cruz
Joe Cruz is a contributing editor for Family Handyman Magazine, creating DIY how-to & home improvement projects for both digital and print. Joe started woodworking at an early age, finding himself in carpentry jobs such as building and remodeling houses, woodworking jobs such as custom cabinetry and kitchen installation, and artisan positions i...
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Joe Cruz