Dogs
by Carrie Boyko
Thank you readers for always being there to remind me of the topics I simply have not covered. When a reader's letter arrived today, she touched on a the topic of cleaning up; what is best?
We, as consumers, are barraged with commercials for all sorts of specialized cleaners, promising to remove not only the stains, but also the odor. The problem? As my carpet cleaner told me, "All those products in the commercials have residues in them that, over time, pick up dirt and grime from the bottoms of our shoes, leaving stains that are tougher to remove than the dog's mistake."
Once you've gotten everything out that you can, one other natural option exists. This only work if you have lighter colored carpet--medium khaki to white, or pastels. Peroxide will gently lighten stains, slowly, so that you can control how much you lighten an area. Allow it to stand on the spot for 5-10 minutes, each time you use it. This is a last ditch effort, when a stain remains, so use it with care. Finally, dowse it generously with water at least twice, when done, to assure that the carpet does not continue to lighten. Keep in mind that wet carpet will naturally look darker, so you'll have to estimate how much to lighten--always better to go with less. You can do another treatment after the carpet dries, if needed.
Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Bookmark this on Delicious
- How To Remove Pet Odors From Wood Floors
Unfortunately, wood absorbs everything including pet odors, and removing pet odors from hardwood can be a tedious process. If your pet urinates, the best case scenario would be to get to the puddle as soon as possible, blot with vinegar then spray the...
- Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Dog Urine Smell
When house training a new puppy or dealing with an incontinent older dog, you may have to frequently clean up the dog's accidents. Dog urine not only stains fabrics and porous surfaces, but also leaves behind an unpleasant odor. To clean these stains...
- How To Clean Up Pet Odors & Stains
Pet stains and odors can cause an unsightly appearance and unpleasant smell unless properly cleaned. Training a pet to relieve himself outdoors or in a litter box may take some time and patience. Accidents may happen during the training process or throughout...
- What Removes The Smell Of Dog Urine?
When house training your dog or puppy, it may have accidents in your home. Some dogs, when under stress, will also mark their territory by depositing a small amount of urine in different locations in the home, according to the Humane Society of the U.S....
- How To Deodorize Your Carpet After Potty Training Your Puppy
The joys of a new puppy quickly fade as you watch your new family member soil your carpet for the fifth time in an hour. Puppies, like babies, have to learn to control their bladders and bowels. While they are learning, your carpet often bears the brunt...
Dogs
Doggie Indiscretions: Cleaning Up the Greener Way
by Carrie Boyko
We, as consumers, are barraged with commercials for all sorts of specialized cleaners, promising to remove not only the stains, but also the odor. The problem? As my carpet cleaner told me, "All those products in the commercials have residues in them that, over time, pick up dirt and grime from the bottoms of our shoes, leaving stains that are tougher to remove than the dog's mistake."
Here's what I use: My first line of defense for cleaning up any indiscretion is always Club Soda. It's cheap and you can buy it at any grocer. The bubbling action brings the liquid substances up from carpet padding or pillow stuffing, for quick absorption. Use 2-3 times on a large stain or when urine is especially dark. Club Soda doesn't leave any residue to collect dirt from our shoes, so no follow up stains.
Using an old rag or towel, after I have soaked up the visible stain, I put one more dose on the spot and let it completely soak it. Then I stand on the old rag or towel and walk around on it, using my body weight to absorb all the excess club soda.
If you're concerned about odor remaining, you might like Simple Green's enzyme treatment that kills odors by "eating" them. Understand that enzyme treatments are not intended to immediately annihilate the odor; it takes time for the enzyme to do its job. That's why most of these products include fragrances. Choose wisely; too much fragrance could also collect dirt with its residue. Save yourself a cabinet full of products that you won't use and stick to what's simple and natural. You'll be saving the earth too. Thanks!
Once you've gotten everything out that you can, one other natural option exists. This only work if you have lighter colored carpet--medium khaki to white, or pastels. Peroxide will gently lighten stains, slowly, so that you can control how much you lighten an area. Allow it to stand on the spot for 5-10 minutes, each time you use it. This is a last ditch effort, when a stain remains, so use it with care. Finally, dowse it generously with water at least twice, when done, to assure that the carpet does not continue to lighten. Keep in mind that wet carpet will naturally look darker, so you'll have to estimate how much to lighten--always better to go with less. You can do another treatment after the carpet dries, if needed.
You may be wondering if Club soda and peroxide will work for other stains--vomit, food and beverage spills, etc.--and yes, you can use it on anything. No worries about setting the stain with Club Soda. I've even battled red wine and won; now that's saying something!
Finally, speaking of saying something, Oliver is spouting his opinion of this over at 5 Minutes for Fido. I think I hit a nerve. Poor little fella got blamed for a wet spot yesterday, and turns out it was just water. Sorry, Oliver!
Finally, speaking of saying something, Oliver is spouting his opinion of this over at 5 Minutes for Fido. I think I hit a nerve. Poor little fella got blamed for a wet spot yesterday, and turns out it was just water. Sorry, Oliver!
Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Help protect our precious dog parks
© Carrie Boyko, all rights reservedFollow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Bookmark this on Delicious
- How To Remove Pet Odors From Wood Floors
Unfortunately, wood absorbs everything including pet odors, and removing pet odors from hardwood can be a tedious process. If your pet urinates, the best case scenario would be to get to the puddle as soon as possible, blot with vinegar then spray the...
- Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Dog Urine Smell
When house training a new puppy or dealing with an incontinent older dog, you may have to frequently clean up the dog's accidents. Dog urine not only stains fabrics and porous surfaces, but also leaves behind an unpleasant odor. To clean these stains...
- How To Clean Up Pet Odors & Stains
Pet stains and odors can cause an unsightly appearance and unpleasant smell unless properly cleaned. Training a pet to relieve himself outdoors or in a litter box may take some time and patience. Accidents may happen during the training process or throughout...
- What Removes The Smell Of Dog Urine?
When house training your dog or puppy, it may have accidents in your home. Some dogs, when under stress, will also mark their territory by depositing a small amount of urine in different locations in the home, according to the Humane Society of the U.S....
- How To Deodorize Your Carpet After Potty Training Your Puppy
The joys of a new puppy quickly fade as you watch your new family member soil your carpet for the fifth time in an hour. Puppies, like babies, have to learn to control their bladders and bowels. While they are learning, your carpet often bears the brunt...