Has your pet “redecorated” your favourite rug or carpet recently? No matter how well trained, accidents are bound to happen.  And because our furry friends spend most of their day on our floors and carpets, it’s important to clean up their mess with a pet-friendly solution. Here are some simple tips on how to remove the most common pet stains from your rug with common pantry staples.

Urine

When your pet doesn’t make it to the backyard, here’s what to do. First, grab a roll of paper towel or a clean cloth to soak up as much of the stain as possible. For extra absorption you can put newspaper under the stained area. Adding pressure works as well, so don’t be afraid to stand on the stained area. Next, mix a 50/50 solution of water and white wine vinegar and apply it to the stain. The vinegar will help to neutralize the smell and ensure your dog doesn’t think your rug is its new puppy pad. Also, don’t be afraid to soak the area; your solution needs to penetrate the rug’s deepest layer – its padding. Finally, rub some baking soda into the stained area with a bristled brush. A toothbrush works well too, but make sure to toss it out after. In the case of leftover baking soda, grab the vacuum to clean it up.

Dirt

Dogs and cats love to track in dirt from their adventures outside. Before treating dirt stains, grab the vacuum to clean up any leftover dry particles. The combination of vinegar and water used to treat urine stains works to treat dirt stains as well. Use a spray bottle and fill it with a ¼ cup of white wine vinegar and ½ cup warm water. Spray the soiled area as needed and let it soak in for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, grab a washcloth and sponge or dab gently.

Poop

Yep, we said poop. Unfortunately sh*t happens and it happens to everyone, including Oprah. First, grab a bottle of club soda and pour it over the stained area. The bubbles will loosen the stain and make it easier to remove. Next, blot the stain with paper towels or a clean cloth. Repeat as needed. After you’ve worked through the process and the stain is left faint, put a small amount (the size of a dime) of dish soap on a washcloth and blot away. Should the stain be more troublesome to remove, consult the help of a professional.

Keep in mind it’s best practice to have your area rug cleaned once a year by a professional. Gibson’s Cleaners area rug cleaning service offers superior deep cleaning that removes tough stains, smells, and soiling. Our process always begins with a custom rug inspection to determine your rug’s unique cleaning needs.

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