How to Remove Pet Stains and Odors from Carpet with a Steam Cleaner

Removing stains and odors from a carpet be difficult, especially if those stains and odors were caused by pets. Actually, odors are often more difficult to remove than stains because they are seated so deeply in the carpet and the padding. Luckily, in most cases, both the stain and the odor can be removed using the proper technique and a steam cleaner.

Steps

Often the stained areas are also home to odors caused by uric acid, bacteria and yeast colonies, so that is the place you need to concentrate your cleaning effort. To achieve a finished appearance that is uniform and odor-free, though, you will need to clean the whole carpet methodically, expending just a bit more time and effort in the badly stained areas.
Be sure to remove as much loose debris as possible.
3
Pre-treat the badly stained areas. Do this just before you start the steam cleaning process. Use a single commercial degreaser/cleaning agent that will not discolor the carpet. If you are unsure of the action of the selected cleaner, test it in an inconspicuous place, say in a closet or under a couch. A carpet remnant is a perfect test ground.
- It is best to use a pre-treatment that is formulated to work with the cleaning solution you will use in the steam vac. The pretreatments and cleaning solutions will have been thoroughly tested to ensure that no untoward chemical reactions between the two will occur.
- Gently work the chemicals into the badly stained spots using a moderately stiff bristle brush. Work the chemicals down into the carpet fibers, but do not overdo the scrubbing to the point that the strands start to fray or unravel.
- Do not let the spot-treated carpet dry out. Instead, proceed directly to the steam cleaning step.
- Stick to one pretreatment chemical. If you mix chemicals, you may get unexpected results: generation of dangerous or lethal gases, creation of harmful acids, generation of harsh caustic solutions.
Steam cleaners for the home are a good investment, especially if you are a pet owner. If you do not have a machine, rent one from a local hardware store, a grocery store or home improvement center.
Most cleaning formulations will contain a surfactant which serves to break the stain-carpet fiber and odor-carpet fiber bonds and lift the offending chemicals to the surface. In addition to removing stains and odors, the cleansing agents kill bacteria and other micro-organisms and bind chemicals that are the source of odors. A properly formulated cleanser will act to loosen existing bonds by replacing them with strong bonds which float the offending chemicals to the surface where they are picked up by the vacuum action of the steam cleaner.
The steam vac cleaner draws the solution from the tank and mixes it with water as you slowly run the machine over the carpet.
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Follow the instructions that were provided with your cleaner. Typically, you will use methodical, overlapping strokes. Many will specify a forward and return stroke dispensing the cleanser/water mixture and a complete forward and return stroke over the same area to pick up the loosened stain and odor particles. Make sure to take your time in the cleaning process and do not get in a big hurry. It takes a while to loosen and pick up particles that have been in place for a long time. Allow the machine to do its work by moving slowly and methodically in the recommended pattern.
- For odor-filled carpet, dispense additional liquid so that the pad becomes saturated. This will require that you spend additional time removing the moisture from the carpet and pad. Extra drying time will also be required. It is best to plan on using air conditioning and strong fans to ensure that drying is completed as quickly as possible. Any moisture that is left will create the perfect environment for mold growth.
This will allow the solution to get deep into the carpet, break down all the stains, and deodorize the carpet and padding.
10
Rinse the carpet using only hot water. Do not add any more cleaning solution at this time. By rinsing, you are flushing the carpet of everything that has been loosened.
- Rinse until the return water begins to come back clean. Be patient. It may take as many as eight or ten rinse passes. You are pulling up everything that has been trapped below the carpet.
Use your air conditioner in conjunction with available dehumidifiers and fans to assist the drying.
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Question
What else can I use to remove pet stains?
Nat Ismaeil
Cleaning Expert
Nat Ismail is a Cleaning Expert based in Howel Township, New Jersey. He is the President of Pure Surface Care, a residential and commercial cleaning company. Pure Surface Care provides a wide range of professional cleaning services, including carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, area rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hardwood floor cleaning, laminate and vinyl cleaning, and pet odor treatment. The company’s services cater to both residential and commercial clients, and they are dedicated to delivering top-quality service for all of their clients.
Nat Ismaeil
Cleaning Expert
Expert Answer
You can also consider using enzymatic cleaners designed specifically for urine and soiled areas. You can easily purchase these cleaners online or at pet stores. However, if the stain has been on your carpet for a while, combining hydrogen peroxide with enzymatic cleaners can be effective. Also, don't forget to do a spot test beforehand to ensure these products won't cause any discoloration or bleaching on your carpets.
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When is it necessary to replace carpet padding due to urin stains?
Victoria Allison
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As soon as possible, I would say. It looks nasty and may harbor bacteria and viruses.
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Warnings

Various cleaners that are oxidants can be harmful to carpets. These types of cleaners can cause discoloration and break down the carpet fibers. It is best to avoid strong oxidizing agents, but, if you opt to use them, test your carpet carefully.
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