If you have a cat or dog in your home, you are probably well aware of just how stinky they can be. No matter how well trained they are, you will likely come home to more than a few messes. It is crucial that you clean up these messes right away so you can keep your carpets and your home smelling great. Here are a few tips to help you get rid of any pet odors that may be lingering in your carpets.
1. Vacuum Your Carpets Regularly
Vacuuming your carpets regularly can help cut down on allergens, dirt, and pet odor in your home. Routinely removing pet dander from your carpeting can prevent a buildup of debris and cause your living space to smell a little less like animals that live there. Additionally, regularly vacuuming can also help get rid of parasites, such as fleas from living in your carpet and feasting on your pets. Generally speaking, you should try to vacuum your carpets at least once a day, but you should set a goal to vacuum three times a week at minimum.
Vacuuming the right way is just as important, if not more, than vacuuming regularly. It’s important that you vacuum in straight lines, working from the left to right side. Also, make sure you’re not vacuuming too fast since you can miss a large amount of dirt and dander if you just skim the top of your carpet.
2. Clean Stains Immediately
There’s no doubt that you’ll eventually get stains on your carpets if you own pets. However, it’s important that you clean up your pet’s stains on your carpeting as quickly as possible to avoid ruining it. Use basic cleaning supplies to clean up solid material first, then blot the stain to remove it from the carpet. To finish, you should pour a small amount of baking soda to remove the stain and eliminate any remaining odors.
3. Keep Your Carpets Clean With Baking Soda
You should use baking soda on your carpets to keep them clean at least once a week. Once you vacuum, sprinkle a small amount over your carpet to absorb any stains or odors that may still be lingering. Next, use a brush to drive the baking soda into your carpet, and let it sit for at least a half hour. If you can, you should try sprinkling the baking soda into your carpet early in the morning to see more effective results.
4. Deodorize
After cleaning any stains, you should deodorize the air to remove any leftover odors. There are a few different methods you can use. You can spray an air neutralizer. This will remove the scent of dog or cat from your home. Simply spray all around your home and wait for it to work its magic. You can also create your own air fresheners by filling a spray bottle with water and a few drops of essential oil. Spray a mist of the solution around your home and wait for it to settle into your rug. This will make your entire home smell cleaner and fresher.
The best time to spray deodorizers is right after vacuuming your carpet. This way, you can keep smelling the wonderful scent until the next time you vacuum. Keep in mind, however, that simply spraying a good-smelling mixture will not actually remove any stains. You will still need to clean up messes and vacuum. This step is simply to make your home smell fresh again.
5. Get Your Carpet Cleaned Professionally
If all else fails, consider hiring a professional to come to your home and clean your carpets. A professional will use hot water extraction to get rid of any stains and debris that may be lurking deep in the carpet. To extend the life of your carpet, it is recommended that you get a professional cleaning at least once a year. This will remove any forgotten stains and keep your rugs looking and smelling great for many years to come.
