Between kids, pets and spills, it can be difficult to keep carpet clean. Regular vacuuming and deep carpet cleaning every six months helps prevent dirt from settling in.
Stains can also be treated with a variety of household products. Water-based paint can be removed with a paper towel dampened in rubbing alcohol; bloodstains can be treated with white vinegar.
Pet Urine Stain Remover
Pets are lovable but they can also make mistakes that lead to unsightly carpet stains and foul odors. Whether it’s an “excitement pee” incident or the unfortunate outcome of a stomach bug, your pet’s accidents can leave permanent damage to your carpet and rugs. This easy, three-step pet stain and urine odor remover helps you safely get rid of pet urine stains and odors from your home’s carpeting using a few natural products you already have in your pantry or cupboard.
The best way to prevent lingering odors from old pee stains is to clean them up as soon as they occur. This gives you the best chance of removing only the liquid and leaving the urine crystals behind, which is what causes the smell. Use a clean white cloth or paper towels to blot up as much of the pee as possible before you apply any cleaning product.
A few commercial pet stain and odor removers are available with near-miraculous enzymatic formulas that break down urine molecules and kill the odor-causing bacteria. Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator is a great choice. These cleaners are designed to soak into the carpet fibers and padding, whereas standard cleaners only treat the surface of the carpet. They can even be used to treat wicking spots, which are those that reappear after a carpet has dried.
Carpet Shampoo
Carpet shampoo is a liquid detergent that performs best when used with a rotary or cylindrical model of carpet cleaner, which typically uses hot water and suction to remove dirt from both the surface of your carpet and its fibers. Most carpet shampoos require diluting, and you should read your machine’s instructions carefully to ensure that you use the right amount of soap.
When comparing carpet shampoo options, look for one with a formula designed to work well with your machine, and read reviews from experts and customers. Also, make sure that your product will work with the type of stains you’re trying to treat and that it will not damage your rug.
You can also manually shampoo your carpet without a professional-grade machine by misting the (often diluted) product directly onto your floor and then laying down absorbent towels to soak up the soapy solution. This method requires you to frequently change out the towels, but it can provide a deep clean that extends the life of your carpet and lifts stubborn stains.
Brandon Pleshek, a third generation janitor and member of The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board, has another carpet-cleaning tip that can help you get the most out of your shampooing sessions: “Just like you wash your hair, it’s important to rinse the product thoroughly after using it. Otherwise, it can leave residue that attracts dirt and creates a sticky mess.”
Carpet Stain Remover Spray
A stain remover spray can help you tackle stains on your carpet as they happen. You can also use it on a regular basis to keep your carpets looking fresh and clean, and it will work well on any type of carpet, including stain-resistant materials.
Most stain remover sprays are easy to use, and they typically come in a trigger-spray bottle for convenient dispensing. Some are specifically formulated for different types of carpet fibers, so it’s important to read the product instructions carefully to ensure that you are using it safely. It’s also important to do a colorfast test before you use any type of cleaning product on your carpet, as some can cause permanent discoloration, even if it is removed from the surface.
During our testing, this product was able to lift dried wine and barbecue sauce stains, as well as a dark gray mark from pet urine. It’s made without harsh chemicals, and it contains enzymes that are good for the environment and for your carpet. It also has a pleasant, minty scent that testers really liked.
If you are looking for a cleaner that works best on dye-based stains and is less reliant on chemicals, consider this option from Biokleen. It’s made without phosphates, chlorine, or ammonia, and it has a natural formula that includes biodegradable ingredients. It was able to get rid of all of the stains we put it on, and it even worked on old marks that had been sitting for hours.
Carpet Deodorizer
Carpets can be a trap for unwanted smells. Whether it’s spilled food, mildew, pets, or smoke, they hold onto odors like no other surface in your home. Even with regular vacuuming, these odors can build up and make your house smell.
Fortunately, there are many deodorizers available for your carpets that can help eliminate odors and keep them away. Some are liquid-based, while others are a powder that you sprinkle on your carpets and then vacuum up. Most have a built-in scent or natural ingredients, such as baking soda, which helps to neutralize odors and breaks up the elements that cause them.
Liquid-based deodorizers are great for spot treating smaller stains and odors in your carpets. They can also be used on rugs and draperies. When choosing a liquid deodorizer, always test for colorfastness and fabric safety before using it in your home.
Keeping your carpets clean is the best way to prevent odors, especially from pet accidents and smoking. It’s a good idea to have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Professionals can remove embedded abrasive soils that scratch and damage your carpet fibers, which can leave it looking worn and dull. You can also reduce the amount of dirt in your carpet by using doormats and removing shoes when entering the house.
