Every pet owner has to deal with “indoor accidents” now and then. Even trained adult dogs can have inappropriate urination inside the house for some reasons, such as urinary tract infections, aging, etc.
Depending on their health condition and diet, the odor of pets’ urine can become overpowering. If you didn’t notice an accident spot and left it uncleaned, it can be absorbed in your furniture and carpet. This leaves a musty odor that you can breathe in that can trigger health issues. In addition, mold can grow and, in some cases, damage your home’s structure.
Gladly, you can take some measures to eliminate these odors as follows:
1. Baking Soda Is Your Best Friend
Baking soda is your go-to product when it comes to odors and stains. The best thing about it is that it absorbs odors rather than masking them. Sprinkle baking soda while the spot is damp, and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Vacuum it up with the soft brush attached to your vacuum cleaner. To get rid of stains on hardwood floors, use a safe enzyme-based stain remover. Make sure to test it first in a small area and follow the instructions on the product’s package.
2. Soak It Up
For new “accidents,” soak as much urine as possible. Use a thick layer of paper towels on the wet spot and cover it with a thick layer of newspaper (or another paper towel). Place the newspaper under the soiled area if possible. Wait for at least one minute without smearing it around, and repeat until the area is dried.
Dispose of the paper towels and newspapers properly to avoid a lingering smell. Rinse the “accident spot” thoroughly with clean, cool water and dry. If the pee is on your carpet or fabric, use strong pressure until the area is dry as possible.
For old stains that have already been set, you may need to rent a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store. If the padding underneath your carpet is soaked with urine, replacing your carpet and padding is always a good idea. Consider getting an odor removal service from professionals if you can still save them.
3. Clean More Than Your Floors
Your pets’ pee can get more than flooring, and stains left on the walls, draperies, and furniture legs can persistently smell even after cleaning your floor. Some pets may also leak on their bedding and other items. Be sure to clean and deodorize them thoroughly so that the odors don’t remain.
Take note that the most noticeable effect of animal urine in carpets is the strong odor of ammonia. While all urine contains some amount of ammonia, it is more concentrated in cats’ urine. In addition, the components of urine attract moisture that can cause mold growth over time. They start growing underneath your carpet.
If you decide to hire odor removal experts, click here to know how it works.
4. Keep the Litter Clean
Pets can have occasional near-misses even if they know where to urinate. This can cause odors to linger and grow stronger. Clean your litter box, pad areas, and similar locations frequently with enzymatic cleaners and deodorizing agents.
But keep in mind that slight odors must remain in these areas to remind your pet of the right places to do their business.
5. Consider Wet-Dry Vacuuming
For dried pet urine on carpets and fabric, consider using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. Start by rinsing the “accident zone” thoroughly with plain water. Using your wet-dry vacuum, keep saturating and vacuuming the area until clean.
Avoid using a steam cleaner since the heat will set the odor and stain permanently. If you don’t have a wet-dry vacuum, wet and blot the spot repeatedly with warm water and clean towels. Try using an enzymatic cleanser to break down and remove stubborn odors and stains if this doesn’t work.
When to Hire Odor Removal Professionals
You can often eliminate the odors and stains of your pets’ urine with the right know-how, especially with small dogs. For bigger problems, like numerous pee accidents or severely saturated areas, you need the help of professionals.
Some homeowners can use too much cleaning solutions and water in an attempt to dilute the urine. Unfortunately, this just drives the remaining pee deep into the carpet fibers and padding. Remember, bacteria grow quickly. The remaining urine crystalizes and leaves more stinky smells.
When choosing a company, make sure they have the experience, like this company (PuroClean). They specialize in odor removal, water damage restoration, and fire damage cleanup.
