Quck answer
To get pet urine and smells out of a carpet using a steam cleaner, follow these steps:
1. Start by removing any solid waste from the carpet using gloves and paper towels.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the affected area with the vinegar solution and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Blot the area with clean paper towels or a cloth to absorb the moisture.
5. Fill the steam cleaner with hot water and a pet-friendly carpet cleaning solution.
6. Use the steam cleaner to thoroughly clean the carpet, focusing on the areas with urine stains and smells.
7. After cleaning, allow the carpet to dry completely.
8. If any odor remains, sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it up.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove pet urine and smells from your carpet using a steam cleaner.
Pets are a delightful and affectionate addition to any home, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, due to illness, emotional distress, unpredictable animal behavior, or even being a young pet, accidents can happen during potty training. If these stains are not promptly and thoroughly cleaned, it can result in a smelly disaster. Steam cleaning is an effective solution, but it is important to pre-treat the stain before using it.
Facts About Pet Urine
Pet urine contains proteins that produce strong odors. It also attracts bacteria, which can worsen the situation by promoting the growth of mold. Both the proteins and mold can cause damage to the carpet, the padding underneath, and even the subfloor over time. Steam cleaning an untreated pet stain can actually bind these proteins to the synthetic fibers of the carpet, making it impossible to remove the stain. The chemicals in a steam cleaner may only partially mask the odor of the proteins, and they can also encourage your pet to mark that spot again. The solution? Pre-treatment.
First, Blot the Stain
Most pet supply stores offer carpet cleaners that contain natural enzymes to break down the proteins causing the odors. Before using an enzymatic cleaner, it is best to blot up as much of the urine as possible, if it is still wet. Place a thick pile of paper towels over the wet area and then add several layers of newspaper on top. Stand on the newspapers for at least one minute. Repeat this process with fresh paper towels and newspaper until the carpet is as dry as possible. It is recommended to do this barefoot or with shoes on to avoid getting wet socks.
Then Vacuum and Steam Clean
Thoroughly vacuum the area you plan to steam clean. Vacuum in one direction and then again perpendicular to the first strokes to lift the carpet fibers. Next, fill the steam cleaner’s tank with an enzymatic carpet cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions. Push the steamer or its hose away from you to release the cleaner, and then slowly pull it back toward yourself to extract the water from the carpet. Repeat this process in two directions, similar to how you vacuumed. Allow the area to completely dry.
Natural Alternatives to Chemical Cleaners
One of the most chemically pure methods to remove pet stains is by thoroughly rinsing the area with clean water. Many large hardware stores rent out extractors that function like steam cleaners but without the heat. Fill the extractor’s tank with a solution of 1 tablespoon of pure liquid Castile soap for every quart of very hot water. Castile soap is oil-based and will attract the proteins in the pet stains. Fill and use the extractor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning the carpet, go over it again with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to eliminate any remnants of the Castile soap.
