Aside from the unhealthy indoor environment pet accidents can cause permanent stain damage to carpets and area rugs. When first deposited the urine will be acidic and warm. Many types of fibers used in carpet and rug manufacturing are acid stained to produce their color. The fibers may be naturally attracted to the acidic urine. It is very important then to get the urine neutralized and removed as quickly as possible. If left for a prolonged period of time the urine will likely permanently “stain” the carpet.
The odor comes primarily from bacteria feeding on the urine. The bi-product of the bacteria is an ammonia-like odor. Needless to say this is an extremely unhealthy environment for humans, especially children who are much more likely to be crawling around on the carpet.
If you have pets that are allowed indoors it is wise to keep a small wet/dry shop vac around. If you find a pet accident spot do the following:
- Use the wet vac to vacuum up as much of the urine as you can.
- Mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% cold water, (that is white vinegar only). Completely soak the pet spot. Remember you must put down at least as much liquid as the pet did, a little more to be sure.
- Vacuum up as much of the liquid as you can using your wet vac.
- If the accident happened on an area rug place dry cotton towels under the rug and on top of the rug. If you are working with wall to wall carpet then use folded cotton towels to blot up more moisture. Place the towels on the wet spot and stand on them for several seconds. Continue blotting moisture with the cotton towels until you have absorbed as much moisture as you can.
- Place a fan to blow over the damp carpet to dry it as quickly as possible.
If you find that you have multiple spots and they are several days old it may be time to call in the professionals. At Crystal Clean Carpets we have special chemicals and extraction methods to deal with extreme pet stains and odor. We have the equipment and expertise to deal with pet stains, urine and pet odor in carpeting. Call us, we take the hassle out of pet problems. 417-291-1172
