The Best Way to Clean Carpets and Upholstery When You Have Pets

Pets enrich our lives in so many ways. However, when you have pets in a home with carpeting and upholstery, it can be a challenge to keep your space looking and smelling clean. If you’ve been struggled to keep your home fresh, read on for the best ways to clean carpets and upholstery when you have pets. 

CARPETS

Vacuum Weekly

Vacuuming regularly is one of the keys to preventing dirt and hair from building up in your carpets. Even if your pet does not shed a lot, dander is still created. This can cause a carpet to get weighed down and have a pet odor to it. 

To prevent this from being an issue, you should vacuum at least twice per week. At least once per week you should move furniture and thoroughly vacuum to prevent buildup. Pet dander and hair can travel, causing it to get on carpet that is underneath furniture. 

If the pet eats on the carpet or plays with toys on carpeted areas, it is also ideal to vacuum their play areas. Drool and particles from toys can get into the carpet as well. And pet saliva can leave an unpleasant odor over time if left untreated.

Use Carpet Powder

There are several carpet powders available for homes with pets. Choose an odor you find pleasant and sprinkle it generously on your carpet. Allow it to sit for the amount of time suggested on the package, then vacuum thoroughly by going over the entire carpet twice. 

The first pass will pull up the powder and topical particles. The second pass, which should be performed in a slower motion, gets down further. This will pull up hair, dander, and other particles that are deeper into the fibers.

Try the Baking Soda Method

If you don’t want to use carpet powder, the baking soda method is an easy DIY hack. Baking soda is a home remedy that you can use to keep carpet odors at bay. It may also remove minor stains. However, it is important to remember that using baking soda is not a substitute for a deep carpet cleaning. 

Spot Treat Pet Accidents

Pet urine is one of the toughest things to battle when it comes to carpet care. To get accidental urine spots out of the carpet, you need to catch them rather quickly. When you find a wet spot, grab some paper towels and step on them, a few at a time, with shoes on. This will help you to pull up the urine without spreading it. Continue to do this until the paper towels come up nearly dry. 

Next, make a mixture of 1-teaspoon of ammonia and 1-cup of water. Spray this on the area and let it sit for 5-minutes. Use a stiff brush and make small circular motions from the inside of the spot outward. Use a wet/dry vacuum to pull up the rest of the area. This should prevent the urine from staining and should pull it up from the carpet. 

Steam Clean Monthly

Steam cleaning carpets monthly not only helps to wash the carpet but also helps to clean any dander, hair, or saliva embedded in the carpet. Use a mild cleaner so that it does not break down the structure of the carpet pile. 

Since you are steam-cleaning monthly, it is best to use a cleaner that is designed for just freshening up the carpet or one that is designed for homes with pets. These are often a more diluted concentration and are easier on the carpet pile.

If you do not own a steam cleaner, you can rent one, or schedule a professional carpet cleaning a couple of times a year instead. 

UPHOLSTERY

Home Hacks: Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda is an extremely effective natural odor remover, and you can use it to get lingering dog smell out of your upholstered furniture. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and let it sit overnight. In the morning, vacuum your couch thoroughly. The odors should be significantly lessened, if not gone completely. 

For stains, baking soda and pet-specific enzymatic cleaners can also be effective. You can also try using a vinegar rinse to help prevent permanent discoloration. Try mixing 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. The vinegar will act to neutralize the stain and eliminate much of the odor. Mix the solution in a clean, empty spray bottle. Apply the solution liberally to the stain, so it soaks down into the carpet and the pad. Let it sit for 5-to-10 minutes, and then wipe it up with a clean, dry towel.

Removing Pet Hair

While shedding comes with the territory of owning most pets, removing pet hair is relatively simple for upholstery. An easy trick? Dampen a pair of rubber gloves or a sponge and simply glide your hands across your sofa. The hair will clump together, making it come up with minimal effort. Classic lint rollers and hair magnet brushes can also be great at helping to pick up your furry friend’s hair from your sofa. Try to do this once a week to keep hairs from embedding in upholstery fibers. 

Upholstery Cleaner

Just like dander and dirt get in your carpet, you will also need to vacuum your furniture. And remember, any dirt that is on the furniture can easily end up on the carpet. When you vacuum your carpets, take some time with an upholstery attachment to vacuum furniture, as well. 

If your furniture’s care instructions indicate that detergents are okay to use, apply a detergent or a cleanser designed specifically for upholstery. Then gently dab any spots, rinsing with water as necessary. Use a wet vac to absorb the extra liquid. 

Call in the Pros

If your pet has an accident, then you will need to clean it up quickly to prevent the stain from becoming embedded in the carpet or furniture. However, over time stains may rise to the surface, or you may have missed an accident and the cleanup window has closed. 

Tough carpet stains cannot be removed with products that are purchased from the store. That is why you need to hire a carpet and upholstery cleaning service. You will need to have your carpet and furniture professionally cleaned two or three times per year. Carpet cleaning has many benefits. Not only will it remove stains, but it will also extend the life of your carpet. Furthermore, a deep carpet cleaning can remove allergens and make your home a safer place. 

Bottom Line 

When you own pets and have carpet in your home, it can be difficult to keep the carpet looking clean all of the time. Cats are generally cleaner than dogs since most cats are indoor animals. They do still shed and spread pet dander, so vacuuming twice per week is suggested. It is also ideal to have a carpet with a medium tone and that has a few colors woven in to help hide some pet dirt from showing. 

There are several steps to taking care of your carpet when you have pets. Maintaining your carpet is a representation of your home and shows that you have pride in how clean and fresh it always looks -and smells! It also shows guests that you take care of every element of your home. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee. So start looking for a trusted professional carpet and upholstery cleaning company in your area today!