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: urinary tract infections, aging, etc.
Depending on their health condition and diet, the smell 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 carpeting. This leaves a foul odor that you breathe in, which can trigger health issues. Plus, it can lead to mold growth and, in some cases, structural damage to your home.
Fortunately, there are some ways to get rid of these odors:
1. Go for Baking Soda
Baking soda is your go-to product when it comes to odors and stains. The good thing about it is that it absorbs odors rather than masking them. Sprinkle baking soda while the spot is damp, and leave it for several hours or overnight.
Vacuum it up with the soft brush attached to your vacuum cleaner. To safely remove stains on hardwood floors, use an enzyme-based stain remover. Make sure to test it first in a small area and follow the package’s directions.
2. Soak It Up
For new urine, soak as much pee as possible. Use a thick layer of paper towels on the wet spot and cover it with a thick layer of newspaper. Put 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 the 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. But if the padding underneath your carpet is soaked with urine, you may need to replace your carpet and padding. If you can still save them, consider getting a home odor removal service from professionals.
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 continue to smell even after cleaning your floor. Also, some pets may 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 potent smell of ammonia. While all urine contains some amount of ammonia, it is more concentrated in cats’ urine. Moreover, the components of urine attract moisture, which can cause mold growth over time. They start growing underneath your carpet.
If you decide to hire odor removal experts, click here to learn more about 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 little 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. Begin by rinsing the “accident zone” thoroughly with plain water. With your wet-dry vacuum, keep saturating and vacuuming the area until clean.
Avoid using a steam cleaner because 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. If this doesn’t work, try using an enzymatic cleanser to break down and remove stubborn odors and stains.
When to Hire Odor Removal Professionals
In general, you can eliminate the odors and stains of your pets’ urine with the right know-how and materials, especially with small dogs. Unfortunately, you need the help of professionals when it comes to bigger problems, such as numerous pee accidents or severely saturated areas.
Some homeowners can over use 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 PuroClean of Plantation, Florida. They’re not only an odor removal company but also specialize in water damage restoration and fire damage cleanup.
