While the cuteness of fluffy little puppies and kittens certainly cannot be denied, some of their terrible habits are certainly not cute.

You know, like the times they decide to use your flooring or furniture as their own private litter box or patch of grass. Don’t worry we are here to help you! Here are some home remedies for removing pet odor from your carpet and rugs, (Of course, if they really did a number for you, you can call in our experts to help!)

A great place to start is baking soda. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, effective in removing odors, and less harsh than over-the-counter sprays, foams, or powders. Sprinkle the odorous area heavily with baking soda. If your carpet or rug has a long pile, brush the area with a broom or brush to work the baking soda down into the fibers.

After you’ve laid down a layer of baking soda, sprinkle another layer on top of it. You’ll need a significant amount to fully remove pet odors. Allow the baking soda to set on the affected area at least overnight, but preferably for a couple of days if at all possible. The advantage to using baking soda is that it isn’t harmful to animals or children, and it won’t damage your carpet as it absorbs the odor.

Once the baking soda has worked its magic on your carpet for a couple days, sweep the top layer into a dustpan with a broom to remove excess powder. If you’re cleaning a rug, you can shake it off outdoors. Make sure to remove as much of the top layer of baking soda as you can, then vacuum the remaining particles.

Is your situation starting to smell a little better? If mild odors remain, you can repeat the baking soda process as many times as necessary without worrying about carpet damage. If significant odor remains, you may want to try the vinegar method. Similarly, if you live in an especially humid area, it may be wise to try vinegar first instead of baking soda. If the baking soda gets damp while on your carpet, it can be difficult to extract out of the fibers and will leave a crusty feeling underfoot.

Using a spray bottle, apply the vinegar to your carpet or rug, careful not to oversaturate. Allow the acids in the vinegar to work on the carpet odor for approximately 20 minutes, then blot with a clean soft cloth to remove the majority of the moisture. Rinse the area with a spray bottle of water, then blot with a new clean cloth to absorb any remaining water. Place fans near the damp area and allow to dry completely.

For most odors, one of the tips we’ve covered should solve your issue. Both homeowners and professionals agree, however, that urine (though one of the most common offenses) is one of the most challenging odor problems for carpet. If the odor remains after numerous attempts,  give us a call to further treat the area. For carpet we use our industry-preferred hot water extraction method to remove soil from the bottom-most layer. This process uses clean, hot water to ensure residue is eliminated from the surface, as well at the roots of the fiber. If the soiled area is on your rug, we can soak it in our decontamination tanks thoroughly, breaking down the salts in the urine. We will then run the rug through our MOR^TM machine and clean it as many times as we need to get it as clean as it’s going to get.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

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Updated 4/27/2018