Pet Owners’ Guide to Carpet Cleaning
How to Keep Carpets Clean With Pets in the House
If you’re a pet owner, you know how quickly those adorable paws and messy accidents can damage your carpets.
Keeping carpets clean with pets takes some work, but it protects your investment and keeps your home fresh.
This article shares the best tips on cleaning carpets the right way.
Key Takeaways:
Caring for carpets with pets takes some diligence, but pays off in a fresher, healthier home. Remember these tips:
- Vacuum at least weekly to control pet hair and dander
- Blot stains immediately, then treat with enzyme cleaners
- Refresh often with pet deodorisers and baking soda
- Consider professional carpet cleaning once or twice per year
Putting in the work leads to better indoor air quality and lets carpets last longer. It also keeps pets happy and healthy. A little effort goes a long way for cleaner floors we can feel good about four-legged friends playing on.
Why Regular Carpet Care Matters
Carpets trap all kinds of dirt, dander, bacteria, and stains gradually. Without regular care, it builds up and can lead to discoloration, odors, and deteriorated carpet fibres. As pet owners, we track in a lot of outside mess and should be diligent about cleaning. A clean, fresh carpet makes for a healthier home environment.
Here are my top three carpet care tips:
- Clean frequently: Don’t let filth build up for more than a week if possible. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning keeps carpets fresh.
- Blot stains immediately: The quicker you can blot wet stains, the less likely they’ll set in and lead to permanent discoloration. Keep carpet stain remover and clean cloth on hand.
- Use enzyme-based cleaners: Enzyme cleaners specially break down organic matter like food, vomit, urine, and feces on a molecular level to fully remove stains and odours. They’re a must-have for pet messes.
Smart Carpet Care Methods
Caring for carpets with furry companion takes some additional work. Here are my top tips:
1. Remove Pet Hair and Dander
Frequent vacuuming helps capture all that pesky fur and pet dander. Focus on high traffic areas and places your pets frequent. Use an upright vacuum with a rotating brush head to lift debris and a HEPA filter to capture dander. Empty the vacuum bin often so it keeps strong suction.
Tip: Once a month, sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming. The sodium bicarbonate helps pull even more loose hair and odour from the fibers.
2. Lift Pet Stains
No matter how careful your pets are, occasional accidents happen. Treat wet stains immediately by gently blotting with paper towels. Avoid rubbing, which pushes the stain deeper into fibers. Sprinkle with corn starch to absorb moisture, then vacuum up after 30 minutes.
For set-in stains, use an enzyme cleaner formulated for pets. Spray it on, let it soak for 5-10 mins, then blot and rinse with liquid. The enzymes will destroy odour causing bacteria down to the pad level.
3. Eliminate Pet Odors
Even after stain removal, pet odours can linger. To fully remove, treat carpets with an enzyme cleaner, then a pet deodoriser. These products break down and neutralise odor causing organic compounds. Most also leave a light, clean fragrance. Reapply monthly to problem areas.
Between cleanings, freshen carpets quickly with sodium bicarb and essential oils. Sprinkle it generously, let sit overnight, then vacuum up. The sodium bicarbonate absorbs odors naturally. Add a few drops of lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus oil for an extra clean scent.
The Best Pet Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Using the right carpet care products for pets is crucial. Here are some of my favorite mess and odor remedies from PetLab and Cleaners Supermarket available in Australia:
- PetLab’s Carpet Cleaner Shampoo- It uses a bio-activated formula to completely eliminate lingering pet odors, disinfect carpets, and break down both old and new pet stains. It leaves carpets fresh, clean, and odor-free.
- Bio Natural Solutions Carpet Cleaner – It uses friendly bacteria to break down stains and unpleasant odors, leaving carpets clean, fresh, and odor-free. It’s safe, works with all machines, and effectively eliminates mess and smell.
No matter the brand, always check that pet specialty cleaners use natural enzymatic ingredients and don’t contain harsh chemicals or detergents.
Protecting Carpets In Between Cleanings
While frequent carpet care is crucial, prevention helps reduce pet damage and mishaps:
- Keep pets nails trimmed to avoid snags
- Block off carpeted rooms when away
- Clean pet accidents ASAP to avoid stains
- Use pet repellants and training aids
- Place waterproof liners under food bowls
- Take muddy shoes/paws off at the door
I also highly recommend professional cleaning 1-2 times per year to revitalise carpet fibers and remove all embedded soil. The hot water extraction method is extremely effective and professional carpet cleaners have powerful suction for a deeper clean.
Pro Tip:
For quick odor removal between deep cleanings, make a DIY deodorising spray. Simply mix one part white vinegar and two parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz it lightly on any smelly areas, let sit for 5 mins, then gently blot with a cloth. The acid in the natural distilled sour liquid breaks down chemicals without harsh detergents.
When to Call For Professional Assistance
While we can care for minor stains at home, some scenarios require a pro:
- You see signs of mold or mildew
- Stains cover large areas
- Odors persist after multiple treatments
- Carpet is over 5 years old
- Pets have continued incidents in the same areas
Pet urine and feces can really ruin carpet backing and pads if left for too long. Professionals have equipment to sanitise and deodorise thoroughly. Their powerful truck-mounted systems extract far more soil, bacteria and pet hair than home carpet cleaners.
I recommend professional steam cleaning every 12-18 months to keep carpets in top shape. Always hire a certified cleaner that follows IICRC standards for safety and correct procedures.
Conclusion
Our furry friends enrich our lives tremendously, but they definitely test our carpets!
By making mess cleanup and regular maintenance a priority, we can have fresh, attractive carpets that last. It also teaches kids responsibility and care for our homes with pets.
While incidents happen, cleaning them promptly and using the right pet specialty products keeps floors looking great and homes smelling fresh. Teach everyone in the household these carpet care basics for pet owners and get on a regular schedule. And remember, when stubborn stains and odors persist, call in carpet cleaning professionals and their high-powered equipment.
Consistent, diligent care brings carpets back to life and let pets roam and play comfortably at home. It protects carpet investments in the long run – something both pets and pet parents benefit from.