Living with pets can be a wonderful experience, from physical and mental health improvements to companionship and unconditional love. From cuddles on the couch to engaging in outdoor activities like walks or fetch games, our furry friends bring an extra layer of happiness to everyday routines.
Indeed our furry friends make our Chicago home much more lively, but it also means extra work to keep everything clean. Pets love to spend their time on our carpet because they’re soft and warm, making them perfect for snuggling up after a long day of playtime.
As a result, keeping carpets looking spotless with our furry friends around becomes challenging. Our rugs are often stained and smelly due to accidents and shedding fur. Pet hair and dander can easily get embedded into carpet fibers and cause odors that are hard to remove.
Rest assured; we won’t let dirt and grime take control of your carpets anymore!
In the ultimate guide to pet-proofing your carpets, our suggestions and solutions will keep your carpets looking fresh even with four-legged family members around. Keep reading to find out the solutions!
Pet-Proof Carpet Cleaning: Understanding the Challenges
As pet owners, we usually face the challenges of pet-related messes that don’t come out with regular cleaning. These include pet urine, vomit, or diarrhea stains that make carpets look dirty and can trigger allergies or lingering odors.
To effectively clean carpets while keeping them in good condition, it’s essential to understand the challenges first. The challenge is twofold.
First, prevent pet accidents and messes from occurring in the first place.
Second, dealing with any messes that occur as quickly and effectively as possible.
Start by determining which products are safe and effective for cleaning up pet-related messes. Some chemicals or solutions may damage your carpets in the long run if used to tackle stubborn stains caused by pets.
It’s best to read labels carefully before investing in any cleaner or detergent for carpet use to avoid mishaps. Once you know which products are best for tackling tough stains, devise a suitable routine.
Additionally, vacuum your carpets regularly, at least twice a week. It will prevent dirt and grime from settling into carpets fibers and causing permanent damage.
Carpet Cleaning Schedule and Cleaning Routine
Cleaning our house carpets regularly is integral to having our pets. That’s why creating an effective cleaning schedule should be based on how often we experience pet-related messes.
This should include regular vacuuming in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways, where fur buildup occurs most frequently. Also, you should spot-clean any fresh spills or accidents using proper cleaning solutions safe for carpet types.
An ideal pet carpet cleaning schedule should focus on the following –
Vacuum Carpets Weekly
Regular vacuuming helps to prevent pet odors from seeping into the carpet fibers and becoming embedded in the pile. Larger particles become embedded deep into the fibers, where they can cause permanent staining or damage to your carpets. Vacuuming weekly increases the home carpet’s attractiveness and longevity too.
Spot-clean Pet Accidents Immediately
First, blot up any mess with a clean cloth or paper towel. Next, you can apply a pet odor remover following the directions on the suite.
Shampoo Carpets Every Six Months
Use enzyme cleaners designed explicitly for pet odor removal. Those with organic buildup remove tough pet stains and odors for fresh, clean results. Also, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Invest in Professional Deep Cleaning
In Chicago, you can connect with a professional carpet cleaner twice yearly for deep cleaning. Carpet cleaning companies near me fully extract your carpets using high-temperature heated water and advanced shampooing techniques. It ensures pet odor and stains are removed from your home thoroughly and permanently.
Use the Pet Odor Remover
First, avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that irritate your furry friend’s skin. Usually, good pet odor removers quickly break down pet odors and neutralize them, leaving your carpets clean and fresh smelling. We suggest investing in the best pet odor removers and carpet cleaning solutions to keep your home fresh and pet-friendly.
In a nutshell, keep up with regular vacuuming and spot-cleaning, invest in professional deep-cleaning services, and use the best pet odor removers available. These are all meaningful steps towards a fresher, cleaner home.
Knowing Which Products Are Safe and Effective for Cleaning Up Pet-Related Messes
Cleaning solutions we use on carpeted surfaces must be safe for people and pets alike. Also, the best carpet cleaners should be able to handle the toughest stains caused by pets, such as vomit or diarrhea spots.
When we choose cleaning solutions for pet-related messes, we always go for those certified by the Carpet & Rug Institute (C.R.I.). CRI-certified products are specifically selected and tested not to fade color from carpets or create additional allergens during cleaning. These certified products are ideal for homes with pets.
Other than CRI-approved products, you can also try using enzymatic treatments. These treatments contain bacteria specially formulated to break down proteins found in urine spills. As we already know, dog pee is one of the toughest stains caused by pets.
Caution – always test any product on an inconspicuous area before applying it to more extensive areas to avoid surprises later on during whole house carpet cleaning.
Finally, ensure that your carpets are thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent mold or mildew from developing. This is especially important for high-traffic areas prone to pet-related messes, such as near litter boxes or beds.
Accidents Happen! Here’s What to Do About Pet Stains in Carpet
If you have pets in your Chicago residence, accidents will inevitably happen. Pet stains on your carpets can be an eyesore and challenging to clean.
Pets usually pee on their pee pad, but sometimes they can do it on the floor carpet accidentally. So the most important thing is to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to eliminate the stain and odor.
If you can identify it’s a fresh pet stain or already set in, you can use the appropriate methods described below –
For Wet Carpet Stains that are Still New
Suppose your pet has recently made a mess on your carpet. In that case, there are some things you can do right away that can help minimize damage from occurring and prevent a long-term stain from setting in.
Make sure you have plenty of clean towels or paper towels on hand for absorption. You might also need an enzymatic or pet-specific cleaner to handle wet stains quickly.
Apply the cleaner onto the affected area and allow it to sit for several minutes before blotting it up with a dry towel or paper towel.
If possible, rinse off with cool water afterward and then lay down several dry towels on top of the spot to help absorb any remaining moisture from underneath the carpeting.
Leave it for several minutes, and your carpet will be fresh again appropriately.
Dried Stains that have Already Set-In
You might need to employ a few different techniques for removing stubborn dried stains that have already set in deep into carpet fibers.
First, you should start by vacuuming any surface debris, such as hair or dirt.
Before tackling any deeper embedded dirt and grime, mix warm water and mild detergent (or enzyme cleaner) into a spray bottle.
Spray this directly onto the affected areas so that it starts soaking into these deeper layers of dirt underneath your carpeting.
Later, take care not to over-saturate, as too much liquid can ruin your carpets rather than clean them.
Now, allow this solution time to soak in before using either a sponge or cloth rag, along with some elbow grease to work away at loosening up these tough spots. You may also want to consider renting out an extraction machine if you find yourself at a loss.
Usually, these machines use powerful suctioning capabilities which force out deep soils while leaving behind minimal amounts of moisture.
As a result, the drying time significantly reduces when cleaning is done.
Clever Ways To Protect Your Carpet from Pet Fur and Dander
A simple yet smart way to protect your Chicago house carpets against pet fur and dander buildup is by investing in good quality furniture covers for all pieces of furniture within your home. The reason is carpeting frequently comes into contact with pets.
- Moreover, investing in high-quality air filters can also help keep airborne particles from collecting onto carpets. Just ensure that they are changed regularly, though.
- If possible, keep pets away from areas with wall-to-wall carpets whenever possible because smaller area rugs are easier to manage when it comes time for regular cleaning than full-sized ones.
- Another tip is – to keep your furry friend’s nails trimmed short. It dramatically helps to reduce scratching damage caused by running around on hard surfaces like tile or wood flooring throughout your home instead of just sticking strictly indoors. Plus, this limits shedding since shorter nails mean less fur spread everywhere.
- Lastly, vacuum periodically, especially if you have multiple furry friends. Pay extra attention when they’ve been outside rolling around in mud puddles.
Best Cleaning Solutions for Fresh Smelling Carpets
As our previous tricks section mentioned, the best cleaning solution for fresh-smelling carpets is to vacuum regularly and thoroughly. It will eliminate specks of dirt, dander, stains, and fur that your pets may have left behind on your carpet.
Also, it would help if you used a pet-friendly cleaning solution when spot-cleaning or shampooing the carpets. Many pet-safe cleaning products are on the market online and in-store, so read labels carefully before purchasing or using a product in your Chicago home.
Using these natural solutions alongside professional solutions can help keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh. It will also protect our friends from possible harm that harsh chemicals can cause.
Natural Stain Cleaning Solutions
Baking soda can be used as a D.I.Y. deodorizer for those who prefer more natural solutions for keeping carpets clean around pets. Baking soda can help absorb odors and lift dirt out of the fibers.
Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area and let it sit overnight. Vacuuming up the baking soda should eliminate any lingering odors or bacteria.
Another great natural option is white vinegar diluted in water which can also effectively remove pet odors.
The recipe is – to make a homemade cleaner by mixing vinegar, water, and essential oil in a spray bottle and then spraying it onto the carpet before scrubbing it with a brush.
Even if you do not have pets, essential oils are still beneficial because they will leave your carpets smelling great. Just make sure to use this solution carefully, as too much vinegar can damage your carpets.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Sometimes your house carpets need more intense cleaning due to heavy wear and tear from pets.
Hiring professional Chicago carpet cleaners may be necessary if natural solutions do not work for you. Professional carpet cleaners use special tools and powerful suction machines that can penetrate deep into carpets’ fibers to restore them to their original condition.
Sometimes pets in your home pee on the carpet occasionally, and sometimes it might leave accidental stains. Professionals will also be able to take care of any stains present, which is especially important for restoring carpet color and freshness.
To ensure that the job is done precisely, hiring experienced professionals is best. They have dealt with pet messes for the long term, so they know exactly how to clean carpets quickly and effectively.
Detergents, Deodorizers, and Enzymatic Treatments to Neutralize Urine Odors
Cleaning up after pets can be difficult due to their tendency to urinate on carpets.
A combination of detergents, deodorizers, and enzymatic treatments should be used to tackle this problem effectively.
The reason is – Detergents help remove any visible staining left behind by urine. At the same time, deodorizers work to neutralize the scent of the urine itself.
Finally, enzymatic treatments use natural enzymes that break down the proteins found in animal urine. It helps prevent future re-soiling and odor problems in carpets.
Importantly, you should always follow up with routine deep cleanses with steam or professional carpet cleaners.
Implementing Steam Cleaners, Deep Cleansers, and Shampooers for Tough Stains
For tough stains, such as pet vomit or poop stains, implementing steam cleaners, deep cleansers, or shampooers is often necessary to remove the stains from carpets entirely.
Steam cleaning is effective because it uses hot steam combined with a detergent solution to penetrate deep into carpet fibers. This method allows better removal of dirt particles than vacuuming alone could achieve.
Alternatively, deep cleansers can be used on tougher stains. Still, you should be careful with this method as it can leave a residue if not done correctly, leading to further staining issues.
Finally, shampooers are best suited for lighter stains. Shampooers work by spraying water-based foam onto carpets. You should quickly remove shampoo spray using a vacuum cleaner before drying it on mats. If left unattended too long, it can cause long-term damage instead of benefits.
Spot Treatments for Stains Caused by Vomit or Diarrhea
For more minor spots caused by vomit or diarrhea, you should use proper solutions on your carpets on a prior basis to minimize potential damage. The reason is – any deep cleaning practices are usually implemented after quite a while.
Spot treatment products include powders, gels, foams, sprays, wipes, and even pens. All of these cleaning solutions are designed to remove hard-set stains without damaging the underlying carpet material.
The type of product chosen depends mainly on what has been spilled onto the carpet initially. Usually, powder-based products are ideal for liquid spills, while gels and foams work well on solid waste stains.
Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Pet Proof Their Homes
Most of the mistakes people make when pet-proofing their homes are not paying enough attention to specific types of risks associated with the animal types. For example – cats need more vertical space than dogs due to the climbing nature of this species. On the other hand, dogs don’t need much space except enough to roam comfortably.
Pet proofing one’s home requires properly assessing all areas, identifying potential hazards and existing ones, and taking corrective action accordingly. Some good ways are:
- Check for Small Entryways
Even the tiniest opening or gap in your walls, floors, or ceilings can invite curious little paws to come inside. Be sure to scrutinize your home and repair any spots that could let animals in.
- Securing Hazardous Materials and Substances
Pets can get into a lot of trouble if you leave potentially dangerous items like cleaning products, medications, and other chemicals within reach. Keep these items out of sight and somewhere entirely inaccessible to pets when not in use.
- Forgetting about Indoor Plants
Some plants increase our Chicago home’s beauty but can be toxic to cats and dogs if they ingest them. So it’s essential to keep them out of reach. If you’re unsure which plants are harmful, do some research or ask a vet for advice to ensure your pet stays safe.
- Not dealing with Pests
Rodents and bugs can be dangerous to pets as they may carry diseases that could harm them. Be sure to immediately eliminate any pests in your home, and keep an eye out for any new ones that might enter the house.
- Neglecting Furniture
Some furniture items, such as sofas and armchairs, often contain stuffing materials like foam and batting that can be hazardous if ingested by animals. Take extra precautions to ensure they’re pet-friendly or use covers to protect them.
F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions
Will professional carpet cleaning remove pet odors?
Yes, professional carpet cleaning companies can remove pet odors. However, depending on the severity of the odor and how long it has been there, it may take a few visits to altogether remove the smell. Urine, in particular, is difficult to remove and often requires special treatment.
What kills pet odor in the carpet?
There are a few things that can work to kill pet odors on the carpet. One is to use an enzyme cleaner that specifically breaks down organic matter, like pet urine. Another is to use a steam cleaner to disinfect the carpets and remove any lingering smells. Finally, it’s also essential to keep up on regular cleaning and maintenance of the carpets, as this will help prevent pet odors from forming in the first place.
How often should carpets be cleaned with pets?
Pets can be a significant source of dirt, dust, and dander, contributing to allergies and asthma. Carpets should be cleaned at least once every week, but more often if there is more than one pet in the home.
About My Carpet Cleaning
My Carpet Cleaning is a professional carpet, upholstery, and tile cleaning pro with multiple offices throughout Chicagoland. We have extensive knowledge of cleaning pet stains and eliminating odors from carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Contact our Chicago office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
