Pet stains are one of the most stubborn stains to clean up. The length of time that pet urine is left sitting on the carpet really dictates the level of difficulty for the cleanup process.

Dog urine is made up of urea, creatinine, uric acid, ammonia, enzymes, fatty acids, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and hormones. If you have cats, cat urine is even more concentrated than dog urine. Hence why cat urine has such a stronger, foul smell compared to dog urine.

When pet urine dries in the carpet, the urine crystallizes, which causes a pungent, and stronger odor. When you are smelling pet urine, you’re still smelling microscopic particles that are lingering in the stain. Remember there are bacteria found in pet urine stains. It is paramount that you clean up all remnants of pet urine, especially if you have children that play on the floor. Low concentrations of ammonia can cause skin irritations or eye irritation. People who have weaker immune systems, allergies, and asthma are more at risk from ammonia inhalation. Obviously, babies and children are the most at risk for ammonia inhalation.

Here are some helpful tips for cleaning up pet urine stains.

You want to avoid using chemicals with strong odors such as vinegar, and ammonia.

You will need the following:

  • A few diapers
  • 1-2 drops of dish soap
  • Cold water
  • Bowl
  • Spray bottle
  • Clean towels

The first thing you want to do is immediately soak up the stain. A great hack for this is actually using a diaper to soak up the urine. Diapers are comprised of three absorbent layers. The absorbent core layer of a diaper is made up of material fluff, and chemical crystals which are a superabsorbent polymer. 

Take the diaper and lay it over the urine, apply pressure to the carpet to soak up the liquid. Remember to always blot NOT rub the urine into the carpet fibers.

Take 1-2 drops of dish detergent and mix it in a bowl with cold water. Pour this solution into a spray bottle, and generously spritz the stain. You want to essentially flush the stain with the water, so spray a generous amount. Continue to use the diapers to soak up the water solution.

Next, take the clean towels and continue to blot any excess liquid that is still remaining. Depending upon the size and severity of the urine stain, it may be beneficial to repeat this process a few times. When the area has been effectively cleaned, allow the carpet fibers to dry. To speed up drying time, you can place a small fan on the area to aid in the drying process.

When you’re an animal owner it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks so you can keep a clean, and healthy indoor environment for you and your family.