Carpet cleaning tips for pet owners



When your pooch makes a liquid deposit on the carpet, you have to act fast. Pet urine - whether from a dog or a cat - can damage fibres and even change the colour of carpet. Permanent damage may take days to develop, but it can also happen in minutes, so any delay is risky. Don't make a time-wasting trip to the store for special cleaners. Instead, use products that are immediately available in your kitchen.

 

 

Blot the spot

Blot the spot right away with plain white paper towels; printed patterns can bleed colour into the carpet. Press hard to soak up as much as possible.

 

Wet with soapy water

Add half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to a cup of lukewarm water. Don't use the detergent you use in your dishwasher or any detergent that contains bleach, unless it's an oxygen bleach such as Vanish.

Apply the soapy water with a paper towel. Wet the area thoroughly. Then blot the carpet with dry paper towels to soak up the water. Repeat this step at least once.

Lightly wet the carpet with warm water and blot it dry again. You may have to repeat this step to thoroughly rinse out the detergent.

 

Final cleaning

 

Repeat the wet-and-blot process once more - this time use one part white vinegar mixed with two parts water.

 

Cover the damp area with about 20 layers of paper towels and a heavy stack of books. Change the towels again and again until they no longer absorb moisture.

 

 

 

 

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