Removing Pet Stains from Carpet

Dear Rob:

We recently moved into a new home, and we’d like to try and salvage the carpet, but it has some pet stains and odors. Is there anything we can do to clean it up so we can discourage our own dogs from relieving themselves on the carpet?

-Evan R. from Indiana

Dear Evan:

Old pet stains and odors in carpet can be a stubborn problem. If the pet urine was allowed soak into the carpet pad or even through to the subfloor, you may not be able to totally remove the odors, but here are a few tips for you to try.

• First off, remember to test any cleaning products you use on a small hidden area of carpet to make sure the cleaner doesn’t damage your particular carpet.
• Next, turn off your lights and use a black-light to look for pet urine stains.  This will allow you to focus your cleaning on problem areas.
• If there are a lot of effected areas, or the carpets are very heavily soiled, consider renting an extractor carpet cleaning machine from your local hardware store.  Use plain water in the machine, and follow the instructions that come with it.
• If the stain is still visible after using the extractor, try an enzymatic cleaner.
• Once you’re done cleaning the visible stain, use a pet odor neutralizer.  You can usually get a high-quality product at a pet supply store.

If the pet odor remains, and the area is near a corner, you might be able to pull up the carpet and replace the section of pad underneath.  While the carpet is up, clean both sides with carpet shampoo and rinse thoroughly.  Then, once the pad is replaced and the underside of the carpet is dry, stretch it back onto the tack strips.

-Rob