Kia Ora, fellow pet lovers, In many New Zealand homes, pets and carpets are part of the family. But while we love our furry companions, the odors they sometimes leave behind are less welcome. Let’s dive into how you can effectively tackle even the toughest pet smells.
In this guide, we will explore practical methods on How to Get a Pet’s Smell Out of Carpet to help you enjoy a fresher home and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Understanding Pet Odours in Carpet
Understanding How to Get a Pet’s Smell Out of Carpet will allow you to maintain a clean and pleasant living space for you and your pets.
Pet stains from daily activities or accidents can seep into the carpet and underlay layers – beyond the reach of surface cleaning. There are several causes for this issue:
Expert Tips on How to Get a Pet’s Smell Out of Carpet
- Cat urine contains uric acid crystals that embed in carpet fibers and the underlay. These crystals are reactivated by moisture or humidity, re-releasing their pungent odour long after the initial accident.
- Dander and hair can accumulate in carpets, adhering to fibers and trapping unpleasant smells over time.;
- Carpet fibers can also absorb perspiration and saliva from toys, paws, and grooming. It intensifies the musty or any other animal-like smell.
Act Fast When an Accident Happens
The timing is crucial. You have a better chance of avoiding persistent odour issues if you take care of a recent pet accident as soon as possible. It prevents odour compounds from getting to the underlay or carpet backing, which are more difficult to remove.
You can take the following steps:
1. Blot Up the Mess
For urine: press firmly to soak it up. But if you deal with faces, pick it up gently with gloves or a scoop, then blot remaining moisture.
2. Spray White Vinegar and Water
Mix 1:1 in a spray bottle. Squirt generously on the soiled area. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. Blot again
Dab up the moisture with a clean and dry towel. Repeat if needed.
4. Sprinkle Baking Soda/club soda
To eliminate the smell, sprinkle baking soda on the wet area. Leave it for longer than eight hours. Club soda is a liquid used for blotting fresh stains, not a powder for deodorizing.
5. Vacuum Thoroughly
After it’s dry, vacuum the area thoroughly. If your machine has a beater bar, consider using a hose attachment with a suction-only head to avoid grinding any remaining powder deeper into the carpet. If the smell persists, repeat all the steps.
Natural DIY Methods
If you live sustainably and avoid using chemicals, you can make a DIY carpet cleaner for dog smell and cat odour using everyday household items. But before using such compounds, you must start by vacuuming the carpet: removing all the excess hair, dander, and debris. Besides a white vinegar and water mixture, you can cover the smelly area with a thick layer of baking soda as an eco pet odour carpet solution. While other vinegars might work, white vinegar is cheap, effective, and colorless, so it won’t risk staining the carpet. Let it sit overnight, and vacuum it up the next morning. Odours are naturally absorbed by it. Discover why eco-friendly carpet cleaning is great for both your home and health in our detailed guide: Benefits of Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning for Your Home and Health.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners offer a targeted solution for persistent odours or pet accidents. These specially formulated products break down the complex proteins in urine and other organic materials by addressing them at the molecular level. Thus, it eliminates the odour rather than merely masking it.
Rinsing is unnecessary; instead, soak the affected area thoroughly. Let the solution sit for the recommended time and air dry for optimal results. Some pet stains contain compounds that re-release odours when exposed to moisture, this method works exceptionally well for carpet treatment. You can find a wide range of effective enzyme cleaners at pet stores, supermarkets, or veterinarian clinics across New Zealand Or Ask professional Carpet Cleaners.
Deep Cleaning: When DIY Isn’t Enough
In some cases, standard home remedies like sprays and powders just won’t cut it. More thorough action is required when smells are deeply embedded or lingering for a while:
- Steam Cleaning/Hot Water Extraction: You can rent a machine for steam cleaning and hot water extraction. Use only hot water or mix it with an enzyme cleaner for optimal effects;
- Professional Carpet Cleaning: If the odour persists or the space is big, professionals can eliminate even the most stubborn carpet odours with their strong equipment and expertise.
What If the Smell Is in the Underlay?
The issue may extend beyond the carpet if you’ve tried everything and the smell persists. Look for symptoms such as returning stains, a crunchy feel underfoot, or damp spots. The carpet may need to be replaced occasionally, but that should be the last option. In these circumstances, you might have to:
- Carefully lift the carpet to expose the backing and underlay underneath.
- Replace the underlay entirely if it has absorbed moisture or pets’ excrement to prevent odors from returning.
- Thoroughly clean and sanities the underside of the carpet before replacing it.
- Clean the surface (floor/tile/etc.) where the carpet sits on top of it.
- You should only reinstall the carpet after the area is completely dry and odour-free.
Prevention Tips for Kiwi Homes
Recurring carpet smells can be avoided with a proactive approach to pet hygiene. You can reduce the likelihood of it by maintaining cleanliness and controlling your pet’s routine. Here are some tips for that:
- Regularly walk dogs and keep litter boxes clean.
- Restrict pet access to designated rooms, particularly when you cannot monitor them all the time.
- Accidents should be cleaned up immediately.
- In places where your pet spends a lot of time, use washable rugs and vacuum frequently.
- Creating a stress-free environment can help pets to excrete less.
- See a veterinarian if your pet has accidents frequently.
Will the Smell Ever Truly Go?
Yes, you can usually get rid of pet odours from carpet. Even deeply ingrained odours can be eliminated with prompt action, the appropriate enzyme cleaner, and a little persistence. Dog odours are typically the easiest to deal with. Meanwhile, cat urine is trickier due to its chemical composition, but is still treatable with consistent effort. The key is to be patient and keep at it – you’ll get your carpet smelling clean again.
Final Thoughts
Pet odours don’t have to take over your house if you follow the correct procedures, use eco-friendly products, and are determined enough. Whether you’re in Christchurch or anywhere in Canterbury, fresh carpets are possible – even with pets around.
