DOG ON CARPET

Pets and carpets can coexist together peacefully, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to maintaining your carpet.  Of course, removing carpet is an easy fix, but that’s not always an option, especially if you’re living on a tight budget or renting a home. How can you keep your carpets fresh while Fido or Fluffy live in your home?

Clean Up Messes As They Happen

Accidents will happen; it’s part of sharing our homes with pets. Cleaning up accidents right when they happen is the best way to keep your carpets clean, so wipe up debris before spraying any type of cleaner on your carpet. If your pet urinates or vomits on your carpet, wipe and dab up as much liquid as possible before spraying a cleaner.

A quick tip: grab an old towel or paper towels, place on top of the accident, and stand on the towel for a few seconds. Rotate the towel to absorb additional moisture until the towel is dry.

Blotting Is Best!

Believe it or not, scrubbing can actually spread the stain and untwist the carpet’s pile, making it look matted. Instead, blot using an absorbent cloth working from the outside of the stain inwards.  If you do need to do a little rubbing to loosen things, just gently agitate the surface of the carpet using your fingers, but make sure you use gloves to protect your skin.

Don’t Overuse Product

The dirtier the stain, the more we want to pour on the cleaning products, but you actually want to use the least amount of cleaning products as possible to get rid of your stain. It is actually better to use too little cleaner and have to repeat the process rather than overload on cleaning product the first time and be left with too much residue.  Too much chemical residue can actually attract more dirt in the future, so you just want to use what is actually needed to remove the stain.

Don’t Discount the Power of Water

Once the stain is gone, your work is not done!  Always finish with a good rinse with water to remove as much of the remaining cleaning product as possible.

For Tougher Stains, Call the Experts

A regular cleaning schedule by a professional is not only good for your carpet, it’s strongly recommended. Between professional cleanings, you can maintain the health and beauty of your carpet at home, but proper care and maintenance of your carpet will extend its useful life and preserve its appearance for years. Failure to take care of it will result in premature wear, and having pets only increases the wear and tear on your carpet.

For the toughest stains and messes, Always Clean can help remove pet stains and sanitize your carpets for a healthier, fresher appearance. Contact us for a free consultation.