As pet owners will tell you, odors from their furry friends can be persistent problems. They negatively affect the freshness and comfort levels of your home. Whether it’s a recent accident or a buildup of smells over time, you may start wondering how to get pet odor out of carpet areas. Tackling them quickly is essential, and preventing them from returning will help keep your home smelling clean.
Tips on How To Get Pet Odor Out of Carpet
Figuring out how to get pet odor out of carpet requires a combination of quick thinking and the right products. If you have fresh stains, you want to get them up before they soak into the padding. Blot the affected area with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much of the accident as possible.
Rubbing the stain will push it into the fibers, making it harder to remove. After blotting it, applying a targeted remover like Jackson Galaxy Pet Stain & Odor Remover Spray will help break down the odor-causing molecules. The spray comes specifically formulated for neutralizing odors instead of masking them, ensuring it removes the entire smell.
Why Pet Odors Persist in Carpets
Pet odors can be notoriously difficult to remove from your carpets because the fibers tend to trap and hold onto the smells. Over time, as your pet lies, walks, or plays on the carpet, the oils from their skin and coat, and any dirt they bring it builds up.
The residues, combined with accidents, lead to persistent odors that you have a hard time removing. Understanding where these odors linger is the first step in preventing them from becoming a chronic issue.
Where Pet Odors Tend To Accumulate
Pet odors are most likely to accumulate in areas where your pet spends the most time. These high-traffic areas can include:
- Pet Bedding on the Carpet: Putting a pet bed directly on the carpet can be a huge source of odor. The bed’s fabric absorbs the fur, oil, and dirt, and it transfers onto the carpeting under it. Over time, this leads to a smell buildup that is challenging to get rid of without deep cleaning the carpet and bedding.
- Favorite Lounging Spots: Pets often have favorite spots where they like to sit or lie down. These areas slowly gain an odor due to having repeated, frequent contact with your pet’s body oils.
- Feeding Areas: If you put your pet’s food or water bowls onto the carpet, spills can happen, and this leads to odors and stains. The water bowls will impart moisture into the carpet, and when you combine it with food particles, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria. The bacteria also contribute to the smell.
- Hallways or Entryways: If your pet tends to run into the house after being outside, they may track moisture or dirt inside that eventually gets ground into the carpet.
The longer you leave these areas, the deeper the smell gets into the carpet, and the harder it will be to remove.
How To Remove Dog Odor From Carpet
Dog odors can be particularly challenging, especially if your dog loves to lie or roll on the carpet. Regular vacuuming with a machine with a HEPA filter is crucial in these areas to remove loose hair, dirt, and other particles that can contribute to odors. However, vacuuming alone might not be enough if the smells have become embedded in the carpet fibers.
For these persistent dog odors, consider using a deodorizer spray like Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer Spray. This spray works by neutralizing the odors at their source, leaving your carpet smelling fresh without the use of heavy perfumes that simply mask the smell. If the odor is particularly stubborn, a deep clean with a carpet cleaner designed for pet owners may be necessary to fully lift and remove the odor.
How To Remove Cat Urine From Carpet
Because cat urine contains an elevated level of uric acid, which crystallizes and forms strong connections with things, it can be a very challenging pet odor to get out of carpet. Since these crystals are not soluble in water, they're immune to common cleaning techniques. Urine releases ammonia when it dries, which makes the stink worse.
This is especially problematic when it comes to cat spray because the strong smell is meant to indicate territory, which makes it more difficult to get rid of. The scent becomes more pronounced the longer the pee or spray remains on the carpet, penetrating deeper into padding and even subflooring.
Quickly blot the area before applying a specialized stain and odor remover like Skout's Honor Professional Strength Urine Destroyer Carpet Pad Penetrator. The purpose of this product is to break down the compounds found in cat pee, subsequently removing the unpleasant smell at its source.
Preventing Future Pet Odors in Carpet
Preventing pet odors from settling into your carpet is easier than trying to remove them once they’ve become established. Regular maintenance and the right products can make a significant difference in keeping your carpets fresh:
- Frequent Grooming: Reduce the amount of fur, dander, and oils that end up on your carpet by keeping your pet clean. Frequent brushing and bathing sessions will help reduce the overall amount of particles and hair that your pet carries home.
- Using Room Sprays: A room spray like Pet House Sunwashed Cotton Room Spray can help keep your home smelling fresh. Spraying it in rooms where your pet frequently spends time can help neutralize any lingering odors.
- Maintaining Feeding Areas: Clean up any spills around your pet’s food and water bowls immediately. Placing a mat under the bowls can help protect the carpet from moisture and food particles.
Keep Your Home Fresh and Odor-Free by Learning How to Get Pet Odor Out of Carpet
Maintaining a fresh and odor-free home when you have pets is entirely possible with the right approach and products. By understanding how to get pet odor out of carpet and taking proactive steps to address and prevent these smells, you can enjoy a cleaner, more inviting living space. For more tips and product recommendations tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to BaxterBoo.