How to Get Rid of Pet Smells from Carpets - 5 Effective Tips
Nimo and Micky are my two loveliest pets and the center of everyone’s attention in my home. But often these two bosses that live in our apartment make everything smell like them. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to keep my house smelling good, especially when I have to deal with pet smells in the carpeting. Because they smell for a long time, it’s hard for people to enjoy it. We and our friends notice it right away because it can be strong and steady.
Since I’ve had pets for more than seven years, I’ve learned plenty about different ways to clean pet smells. In this blog, I’ll discuss several of the most effective methods for getting rid of pet smells in carpets. This will be an all-inclusive guide based on my own experiences. It will help you keep your home a nice place for you and your furry family members to live.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Source of Pet Odors
First, we need to know what we’re up against before we can deal with the smells. These unpleasant odors are usually a mix of pet urine, body fluids, and germs from the pet’s skin If the area wasn’t washed thoroughly and promptly.
Here's What Not To Do
Avoid Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Cleaners with ammonia may sound like an easy way to get rid of pet smells in rugs, but they can do worse than good. Ammonia’s intense fumes can be annoying to both people and animals, causing breathing issues and discomfort. Ammonia can also react with the proteins in pet pee to make a toxic gas that is dangerous to breathe in.
Don't Over Wet Carpets
Many pet owners make the mistake of wetting the carpet too much when they want to get rid of pet smells. I must confess I was on that list as well. But very soon I understood that although it might appear that adding extra water could clean and freshen up the carpeting, the excess water can make things worse.
Keep Away Your Wet Pets From The Carpet
After a walk in the rain, your pet may look adorable and squishy, but having them play on carpeting or furniture can be very harmful. Wet pets might leave behind more than just the unpleasant odor of wet fur in the surroundings. They can also leave behind moisture that gets into your flooring and furniture, where bacteria like mold and mildew can grow. Remember to set up a specific area for your pet to dry off after being outside in the rain. This will help protect your furniture and carpets and ensure your pet’s well-being.
Remember, patience is key. Quick fixes often lead to recurring odors.
Effective Cleaning Methods
From my understanding, Regular maintenance practices seem to be the initial safeguard against pet odors developing into a problem.
1. Regular Vacuuming
It’s Micky my most adorable pet! She can be very persuasive when it comes to cleaning with a vacuum. She will sit and play right there where I just cleaned. As you can understand my adorable pet makes this little challenging for me every day. Cleaning has become my daily ritual as a pet owner.
Vacuuming not only freshens up the carpet by removing dirt, pet hair, and dander from the fibers but also eliminates the source of unpleasant odors.
For me, it’s a vacuum with a HEPA filter that helps capture and trap even microscopic particles that contribute to pet smells. I would recommend a few things to keep in mind while cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.
– When using a vacuum cleaner, start by choosing the right setting for the type of flooring.
– For carpets, use a higher power setting to pick up dust and debris effectively, and for hard floors, go for a lower power setting to avoid spreading dirt.
– The vacuum cleaner can pull the most dirt while pulling backward. It works better when the moves are steady and gradual, in straight lines.
– Make sure to regularly empty the vacuum bag or canister to maintain strong suction and prevent bacteria from building up.
By making regular vacuuming a priority in your cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and odor-free indoor environment for both you and your pets.
2. Sunlight Magic - Simple But Effective
While they sleep or go somewhere, dogs and cats leave their body smells behind. They might also pee or throw up on the couch, which would smell bad. The smell might not go away completely just by cleaning the rug.
I found that Utilizing sunlight as an all-natural method to get rid of pet smells in rugs works very well and doesn’t cost anything. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can kill bacteria and germs that are hiding in carpet fibers.
This makes the area smell better and cleaner. The sun’s heat can also help dry out any moisture that is stuck in the carpet, which is a typical spot for noxious odors to grow.
Exposure to sunlight for long periods can harm the carpet. To protect the fibers, it’s best to keep the rug indoors before sunset to avoid moisture buildup. Hanging the carpet in direct sunlight can be overstretched and damage the fibers.
3. Grooming Your Pet
While they sleep or go somewhere, dogs and cats leave their body smells behind. They might also pee or throw up on the couch, which would smell bad. The smell might not go away completely just by cleaning the rug.
I found that Utilizing sunlight as an all-natural method to get rid of pet smells in rugs works very well and doesn’t cost anything. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can kill bacteria and germs that are hiding in carpet fibers.
4. Enzymatic Cleaners
The approach to cleaning rugs with pet hair and smells has evolved thanks to enzyme cleaners. In addition to being natural, they work well on tough spots and smells. In contrast to regular cleaners, which just mask up the smell, enzyme cleaners remove the smell at its source by breaking down the organic chemicals in pet messes at the molecular level. This eliminates odor and prevents dogs from marking their area, resulting in a long-term alternative.
To effectively use enzymatic cleaner, follow some simple steps:
– First, use water to clean the area well and get rid of any spots or dirt that you can see.
– Use a good amount of the enzyme cleaner on the dirty area and let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes so the enzymes can do their job.
– After the given amount of time, use a clean cloth to wipe up any extra solvent.
– Avoid applying a steam cleaner or heated water on enzyme-treated surfaces because heat eliminates the enzymes and reduces their efficiency.
– Repeat this technique as many times as you need to get rid of tenacious pet scents.
The best way to get rid of pet smells in your home is to use an enzyme cleaner. These cleaners are safe for both people and pets and are also good for the environment.
5. Home Solutions
Baking Soda
Apply baking soda to get rid of pet smells in rugs. First, sprinkle quite a bit of baking soda over the smelly spot to help get rid of the smell. allow it to settle for 15 to 20 minutes before you vacuum it up.
Vinegar
In a spray bottle, mix an identical measure of water and vinegar. Spray this mixture on the carpet gently, and then let it rest on its own. The vinegar will get rid of any smells.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
You can get rid of smells that won’t go away by adding a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil. Natural antibiotic qualities in these oils can help get rid of smells that are hard to eliminate. Just remember to check the solution on a small, concealed spot first to make sure it is safe with your carpet material.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Solutions
Prevention is constantly superior to treatment. To prevent future mishaps and smells caused by pets, you need to develop a proactive strategy.
Training Your Pets
Training your pets to regularly use a designated potty location might help to decrease household mishaps. To do this, take them to the specified location frequently, particularly after meals and naps. To assist them acquire this behavior, use positive reinforcement techniques like as treats or praise. Success in training your adorable pets requires consistency.
Choose the Right Carpets and Accessories
For me, the last smart decision was selecting carpets that are pet-friendly. it’s crucial to choose materials that are durable and resistant to stains so they can endure the impact of pets. look for carpets with tightly woven fibers and short pile heights to prevent pet hair from becoming trapped, which will make cleaning easier. Consider another aspect is the carpet’s color. Select a carpet that complements your pet’s fur color to conceal shedding and accidents. Also, seek out carpets with integrated moisture barriers or stain protection treatments for added mess protection.
Ultimately, selecting a pet-friendly carpet requires careful consideration of both practicality and style.
Pet Smell Cleaning FAQ: Common Questions and Answers
Let me address those burning questions about Pet Smell Cleaning from carpets as well as the home environment and provide digestible answers that empower you to make the most out of it.
To eliminate the odor, use a mixture of white vinegar with water. although there are many more ways to clean up pet smells from carpets.
You should put baking soda on the carpet, and let it sit for a few hours. vacuum it up for proper cleaning.
Yes, enzyme-based cleansers made especially to get rid of pet scents work well.
Steam washing does have the ability to eliminate odors and kill microorganisms from carpets.
To prevent pet odors, it is advised to clean areas with frequent use every three to six months.
Yes, you can decrease odors and freshen up the space by opening the windows and utilizing air.
To address difficult odors, yes, professional cleaners have specific tools and solutions.
Conclusion
Lingering pet odors in carpets can be a headache, but with the right knowledge and tools, they can be effectively managed. Regular maintenance, effective cleaners, and even preventive methods can work in harmony to ensure your home stays fresh and inviting, even with your beloved pets around. Remember, a clean home is a happy home – for both you and your pets.
