There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love that you receive from your pet! But when it comes to them leaving little smelly surprises around the house, it definitely isn’t pleasant.
No matter how well behaved your pet is, it is inevitable that they will occasionally have accidents, especially if they are inside pets. It can be quite tricky to remove odor, especially when the mess has been sitting on the carpet or in pet bed for a period of time.
So to help you keep things smelling fresh, here are 7 handy tips to remember when cleaning waste after housetraining accidents.
1. Clean up as Soon as Possible
If it is a number two, it won’t be as difficult to clean up, but if you’ve found a number one, it’s definitely a different story. If the mess has been sitting on the carpet all night, you will know just how much the smell can linger throughout your home.
Even if it may have been there a while, removing it as soon as you see it can be detrimental to the condition of your carpet. Or even if it has happened on tiles, you’ll still want to clean it up as soon as possible before any ants get to it.
Blot the carpet using a clean towel, rag or thick paper towels to stop the mess from seeping any deeper. You can even pile up a large wad of paper towels and stand on it for a few minutes to help further absorb the urine.
Continue until you are satisfied with the carpet. In the case that the stench remains, read on for the following six tips!
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps neutralize odors, so using baking soda for this sort of clean up is important.
Combine water and baking soda in a bowl to make a paste and apply it to the carpet. Another way you can do this is by sprinkling baking soda over the affected area.
Once it has been there for a full day or overnight, vacuum the area thoroughly, making sure to remove all the powder.
3. Vinegar
Another natural cleaning solution that works amazing when paired with baking soda is vinegar. Vinegar can be used by itself or it can be used after baking soda for a thorough clean.
Make a cleaning spray bottle with about one part vinegar to three parts water and spray over the carpet, covering the area. After you are satisfied with the dampness of the vinegar on the carpet, use paper towels or a clean towel in a blotting motion to remove any moisture.
You can finish this off by using a new towel with water to rinse, then by simply drying the area with a hairdryer.
4. Cornstarch
Another ingredient that you may already have in your pantry is cornstarch. Cornstarch is effective for cleaning as it is naturally abrasive due to the fine granules. In the same sort of method as the baking soda, sprinkle some cornstarch over the area.
After leaving the cornstarch to sit for half an hour, rinse the area with water then use a blotting motion with paper towels to remove any moisture.
5. Keep a Good odor Neutralizer on Hand
Look for an odor neutralizer that’s specific for pets. You’ll want to find one that not only has good enzymatic properties and one that is bio-based to specifically neutralize odors, but one that will clean at the same time.
If you don’t fully neutralize and remove the odor from your carpet, you could risk your pet coming back to that spot in the future.
6. Citrus Essential Oils
Essential oils are useful for so many different things and getting rid of odours is one of them. Diluting citrus essential oils such as lemon, lime, orange or tangerine with water in a spray and then spraying over the area will help leave a fresh smell behind.
7. Call on a Professional
If you’re at your wits end and still can’t get the smell out, call on a professional carpet cleaner or Rubbish Taxi to help with odours and stains.
So there you have it, 7 helpful tips to make use of when your little furry friend leaves an unwelcome surprise for you to clean up. Make sure you screenshot these tips and keep them handy for future use!
