Pet Stain & Odor Tips

Read these 14 Pet Stain & Odor Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Cleaning tips and hundreds of other topics.

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How do I clean up cat vomit?

Pet Vomit Stain and Odor Removal from Carpet

To remove a pet vomit stain or odor from your carpet, the newest technology uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate the soiled area for pet stain removal and odor deactivation. Simply spray a product such as PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution on the soiled area, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the pet stain or odor persists, repeat the process. You can also try saturating the area with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the pet stain or odor persists, repeat the process. Another option is baking soda, which can be used to eliminate surface (but not deeply penetrated) odors. Dampen the area with clean water and then sprinkle baking soda over it. Rub the baking soda into the soiled area and let dry; brush or vacuum to remove the dry material.

   
When I clean my toilet, it seems that I'm just pushing the dirt/fuzz/pet hair around on the toilet and it never looks clean. This also happens with the porcelain sink and with my tile floors--even though I sweep first. What am I doing wrong.

Cleaning Pet Hair And Lint

A good start is to be sure that you are using a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel when you wipe the toilet. Spray the rag with your cleaner and allow it to penetrate for a moment or two before wiping away the dirt. You don't want the surface of the toilet or your rag to be too wet as that causes things to stick to the porcelain rather than come off onto your rag. Also wipe, then refold your cloth so that ever swipe you are using a clean side of the rag.

For floors, invest in a good Swiffer style duster mop with dry cloths or invest in a good vacuum with bare floor settings. For wet mopping I recommend getting a mop with a removable terry cloth cover. These are excellent and trapping leftover hair/lint. After mopping the cover pops right off and can be washed with your regular laundry ensuring a clean mop head every time. Regular mops tend to hold onto hair and other assorted icky things from previous cleanings. With the terry cloth covers you ensure a very clean mop and therefore a clean floor each time.

   
How do I remove the smell of cat urine from my home?

Cat Urine Odor

If your home has a cat urine odor, it may be coming from stained areas on the carpet or furniture. To remove cat urine and cat urine odor, you may need to give the stained area a good cleaning. Use vinegar to spot clean pet stains and remove the odor. In addition you can try a professional product such as PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution or Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the soiled area, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor persists, repeat the process. PAWS will do an excellent job on old pet stain and odors too. You can also try saturating the area with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor or stain persists, repeat the process. Another option is baking soda, which can be used to eliminate surface (but not deeply penetrated) odors. Dampen the area with clean water and then sprinkle baking soda over it. Rub the baking soda into the soiled area and let dry; brush or vacuum to remove the dry material.

   
How do I remove pet stains from carpet?

Removing Pet Stains From Carpet

Removal of pet urine stains from carpet is not always an easy task. The first tip to make it easier is to try to clean it while it is still new (still wet and right after it happens).

If the stain is still wet, soak up as much of it as you possibly can with paper towels and newspapers. If you wait too long, not only is the stain going to be more difficult to remove, but if your pet notices the smell at that spot, they are going to use the same spot again and that's the last thing you want to happen.

Blot the wetness with the newspaper and paper towel, do not "scrub" it. If possible, put newspapers underneath the wetness, too, so it can soak some up from the bottom.

As a side note, the Humane Society suggests putting the paper towels that you used to soak up urine near the litter box so the pet will be reminded where the proper place is for that activity.

After you have soaked up as much of the pet urine as you can, rinse the spot completely with cool water and then once again blot the wetness out of the carpet.

If you were not home or did not see the "accident" right away and a stain has already set in, there is a different way to clean it. If at all possible, rent or borrow an extractor vac for the best job at removal or if you have a "collection" of pet stains.

There are products that work on breaking down the urine proteins for easier removal and a pet store should be able to suggest which product will be best.

After you have cleaned the area thoroughly with cool water, use a pet odor neutralizer. Often when we think all traces are gone, the pet can still smell it and may decide to use the area again.

Ask your pet store or even vet for a recommendation for an enzymatic cleaning product.

If the pet urine has soaked through to carpet padding, you may want to consider replacing that portion of the padding.

Those are some things to do. What should you NOT do? First of all, do not use a carpet steam cleaner although it may be your first thought. The heat will set the stain and even the odor making it much more difficult or impossible to remove at some point.

Do not use cleaning products that have strong chemicals.

   
How can I remove the stain and odor from pet feces?

Pet Feces Stain and Odor Removal

If your pet has messed on the floor, you'll need to tend to it immediately. First clean up any solid material. Next you'll want to remove pet stain as well as odors. To remove pet feces odor from most water-safe surfaces, the newest technology uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate the soiled area to remove the stain and deactivate the odor. Simply spray a product such as PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution on the soiled area, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor persists, repeat the process. PAWS will do an excellent job on old pet stains and odors too. You can also try saturating the area with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, this also works for pet urine stain removal. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the odor or stain persists, repeat the process.

   
How do I remove dog smells from upholdstered furniture?

Remove Pet Odors from Furniture

Man's best friend certainly likes to rest up on man's best pieces of furniture. While we usually don't mind sharing our comfy chairs with our pets, we do mind removing pet odors. If your furniture is starting to pick up the smell of your pets, try these pet odor removal hints: If your furniture is slip coverd, remove the cover and wash at least once a month to remove pet odors. Laying a dryer sheet on top of the furniture will keep it smelling fresh and clean and mask any dog smells. If your slip cover is not removable, freshen the furniture by sprinkling baking soda, corn starch or talcum powder. Vacuum after a few hoursThe powder will absorb the smells and leave your furniture with a fresh scent.

   
How do I remove the smell of dog urine from the pet bed?

Dog Urine Odor

It's unlikely your dog will urinate on his own bed, but it does happen. Especially in the case of illness. If this has happened to you, of course you'll want to remove dog urine odor as well as the stain. To do so, first remove the cover to the dog bed and wash in the washing machine. If the stain has penetrated the mattress, you'll need a dog urine remover. There are professional products you can use such as PAWS -Pet Accident Washup Solution, or you can try something else such as vinegar. Blot the stain with vinegar until the stain is removed and the smell of dog urine is gone. If the dog urine smell remains, cover the stain with baking soda and leave overnight.

   
How do I clean my cat's litter box?

Litter Box Cleaning

Anyone with a cat knows all about pet urine stain removal. Even the bottom of a litter pan requires special attention. Clean out your cat's litter box with a liquid peroxide cleaner such as PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution. Spray PAWS in the empty litter box. Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel. No rinsing necessary. This should eliminate any lingering odors. For a homemade solution, you can try white vinegar, which also works well for pet stain removal.

   
How do I remove pet odors from the car?

Remove Pet Odors from Car

If your pet lkes to go for a ride in the car on a regular basis, you're probably in need of some pet odor removal in your car, one that does more than the pine tree air freshener hanging from your rear view mirror! To neutralize odors, first clean the intereior with your favorite car upholstery cleaner. When the interior of your car is clean, leave a pan of vinegar in the car overnight to absorb and neutralize and lingering pet odors.

   
How do I remove the smell of cat urine from my carpet?

Cat Urine Odor

If your cat has had an accident on the carpet, you're going to need to remove urine odor in addition to the stain. To do so, first clean the stain with a soapy solution made of dishwashing detergent and water. Blot until the entire stain is lifted, and blot again with a damp spong. In order to remove the cat urine odor, cover the cleaned stain with baking soda and leave overnight to neutralize.

   
How do I keep the cat's litter box fresh?

Cat Urine Odor

Cat urine odor is the worst! Unfortunately, this is something one must contend with as the owner of one of these wonderful pets. To keep your cat's litter pan smelling fresh and free of cat urine odor, all you need is to follow a few simple steps. Be sure to remove solid waste and clumped urine twice a day. In addition to this, sprinkle baking soda or pet odor removal powder (found in the supermarket aisle with carpet cleaning products ) on top of the litter box once a day to absorb odors.For maximum pet odor removal, make sure the litter pan is thoroughly cleaned and washed at least oncea week.

   
How do I remove green algae stains from aquarium decorations?

Aquarium Algae Stain Removal

If your aquariam plants and plastic scuba divers have become covered with algae, take heart, this type of pet stain is easy to remove.To bleach green algae stains from coral, shells, and other aquarium decorations, soak in a mild chlorine bleach solution until white. Rinse well under running water, and then soak at least 24 hours in a plastic container filled with water and a small bottle of aquarium water chlorine remover.

   
How do I keep my bird's cage clean?

Easier Bird Cage Cleaning

For easier pet stain removal, stack seven or eight pages of old newspaper in the bottom of your bird cage, and remove them one at a time as they become soiled. This will not only save you from having to deal with a pet stain directly on the bottom of the cage, but it will also save time since you won't have to keep lining the cage with clean newspaper.

   

Removing Pet Hair from Slip Covers

Rather than spending hours and a fortune on products that are supposed to remove pet hair, put the slipcovers in the dryer on fluff for 10 minutes. The pet hair will be gone!

   
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Heidi Splete