Being a nation of animal lovers, we all know just how much joy and happiness our pets bring into our lives and homes. We also know the struggle we have with them from time to time keeping our homes clean.
No matter how well trained or well mannered our pets are, accidents will happen, its all just a matter of time.
A lot of pet owners find themselves stressed out trying to keep on top of the additional cleaning needed, especially when we bring home a puppy, from muddy paws and pet hair to emergency messes.
We have put together some easy top carpet cleaning tips all pet owners will want to know.
So let’s get down to business!
THE CLEANING CUPBOARD STAPLES:
Most store-bought cleaning solutions for the pet owner are not only harmful to you, your family, and your pet but also the environment. A much safer (and cost-efficient) way of going about the business of carpet cleaning would be to make up a few DIY solutions of your own.
To do this you will need a cupboard stocked up with the following:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Essential oils – chose your own favourite fragrances
- Vacuum cleaning with attachments
- Clean towels
REACT QUICKLY
The key to good carpet cleaning is reacting quickly. The longer urine or stains stay on the carpet, the more time they have to seep deep int the fabrics and cause permanent damage. Remove your pet from the room, and move onto the next step.
Different types of pet messes need a different approach. For example, spills and urine should never be rubbed, as this will push the stain deeper into the carpet fabric. Solid messes on the other hand, should not be tended to with towels or rags unless you want them smeared all over the floor.
How to deal with a wet mess:
For cleaning any kind of a wet mess, you can use:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- A spray bottle
- Clean towel or rag
- Vacuum cleaner
Firstly, mix your water, and vinegar pouring them into your spray bottle.
Any wet mess such as urine, vomit, or a spill the towel or rag is your best friend. You need to avoid any sort of rubbing or scrubbing and stick to gently pressing it to the surface of your carpet instead. This allows the towel or rag to absorb the liquid, leaving the carpet reasonably dry. Once you have gently dabbed and absorbed the liquid, spray your vinegar solution on the spot. Sprinkle the location with baking soda and let it stay like that for about 15 minutes. Then blot with a clean towel and vacuum it up.
How to deal with those solid messes:
For those solid messes, you will need the following:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- A putty knife
- dustpan
- Vacuum cleaner
Even though you could just scoop a solid mess by using a towel, it is no recommended as it can be easily smeared onto the carpet, thus making it much harder to deal with. Instead use a putty knife, simply sink the edge gently into your carpet and scoop the mess into your dustpan.
To deal with the offending odour you can use the baking soda, leave it in the area for as long as 15 minutes then vacuum up.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CARPETS
Once you have the emergencies out of the way, you now want to ensure your carpet stays clean and fresh for as long as possible.
DIRT AND GRIME
Your pets can bring a surprising amount of dust, dirt and grime with those adorable paws of theirs. Keeping their paws clean will drastically reduce this. Keeping a clean towel and spray bottle near your door for those after walk cleanups will work wonders, as well as a packet of handy pet-friendly wipes to give their paws a once over.
REGULAR GROOMING AND BATHING OF YOUR PETS
Not all our pets are lovers of water but keeping our pets clean and tidy will greatly reduce the amount of dust and dirt in the home as well as keep our homes smelling clean and fresh. Regular grooming of your pet will reduce the amount of pet hairs in your carpets and furniture.
REGULAR VACUUMING
Regular vacuuming with pets is essential, if you would normally vacuum once a week consider adding another mid-week vacuuming to help keep on top of the pet hair.
TREAT YOUR CARPET TO A PROFESSIONAL CLEAN
Every home will benefit from a professional deep clean every now and then. If you own a pet, no matter how well you look after your pets and home, a professional clean is needed.
We recommend once every six months at the very least.
Calling in the experts at least twice a year will ensure your carpets stay in tip-top condition and last you a lot longer than they would if you just cleaned with regular vacuuming alone.
We provide carpet cleaning, marble floor polishing, wood floor restoration, and other services for clients in Merseyside, The Wirral, St Helens, Wavertree, Belle Valem Everton, Fairfield & surrounding areas.