Why your carpet still smells after cleaning pet stains

Caring for a pet is one of life's greatest joys, but it also comes with responsibilities, including keeping your home clean. Dealing with pet stains on your carpet can be challenging, especially when a foul smell persists after a thorough cleaning. What could be the possible causes?

1. Too Much Water

A common reason is that your carpet hasn’t thoroughly dried yet. Water will soak and retain into the carpet’s backing and padding, triggering mold and mildew growth. According to research, around 3%—10% of people have a mold allergy. When inhaled, mold can cause nasal and sinus discomfort, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath.

2. Improper Drying Techniques

Your carpet might smell because your vacuuming machine didn’t have enough power to suck out excess moisture or the floor covering wasn’t exposed to direct sunlight. While carpets are more challenging to clean and dry than rugs, there are ways you can speed up the drying process to ensure it’s clean and odor-free.

3. Pet Urine

The foul smell could be from pet urine. Dogs or cats engage in urine marking, a behavior characterized by urinating in multiple places, particularly on new objects at home or their favorite spots. Pet stains on the carpet can be challenging if left for a long time. Aside from urine, poop and vomit can also stain your floor covering. If not immediately cleaned, bacteria can dry and set into the carpet.

4. Low-Quality Cleaning

Professional cleaning companies usually use high-quality equipment to ensure cleanliness and dryness. They also invest in drying solutions to ensure the carpet smells fresh. Some signs the company failed to give your carpet its much-needed cleaning include using too much detergent or insufficient cleaning solution.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Pet Stains

Removing pet stains and odors from carpets can be challenging without the help of professionals. Discover these common cleaning habits that contribute to further staining and odors.

1. Inadequate Cleaning Solutions

Most cleaners only mask the odor without removing them, leading to lingering smells that may compromise your home’s cleanliness. Pet urine contains harmful substances that can cause illnesses like leptospirosis. You need cleaning solutions that contain special enzymes that help decompose bacteria and urine proteins that may cause diseases.

2. Insufficient Rinsing

Many commercial carpet cleaners contain detergents that eliminate stains. However, poor rinsing strategies can leave a residue that attracts more dirt. This buildup can create a foul-smelling surface and affect the tensile strength of your fibers, potentially damaging your carpet.

3. Overlooking Underlying Issues

Stains and odors can seep under carpet fibers and padding, requiring professional cleaning. You may risk damaging your carpet without the right tools and cleaning solutions.

How to Properly Clean Your Carpet

Implement the following strategies as soon as you see pet urine, poop or vomit on your carpet.

1. Rinse the Affected Area

To remove new stains, use a thick layer of paper towels. For dried urine or vomit, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.

2. Use Natural Odor Eliminators

There are three things you can use to eliminate odor:

• Baking soda: Spread about ¼ cup or less of baking soda across the damp spot and let it sit overnight.
• Vinegar: In a spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with two teaspoons of baking soda and one cup of water. Shake well before spraying on the stain.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide and a few teaspoons of dishwashing liquid. Pour it over the stain. Wait until the stain disappears before washing with plain water.

3. Wait for It to Dry Out Completely

Use a wet vacuum to speed up drying. If you don’t have this tool, open doors and windows to improve airflow. You can also hang your carpet under the sun to naturally remove the moisture.

4. Invest in Professional Cleaning Services

If your carpet is infested with molds and stains, hire a professional to clean it. Ask if the carpet can still be saved by thorough cleaning or if it’s better to invest in a new one.

How to Prevent Smelly Carpet in the Future

Maintain your carpet’s quality with the following tips:

1. Regular Maintenance

Vacuuming regularly can help prevent dirt from getting into carpet fibers. Consider having your carpet cleaned professionally every year, especially if your furry friend frequently messes with it.

2. Train Your Pet

If you have a dog, incorporate additional training to help them remember where to relieve themselves. Use positive reinforcement, like providing treats, to make them more likely to repeat the behavior.

3. Respond Immediately

Avoid waiting until the pee has dried out or until your next cleaning schedule. Clean immediately as soon as you see the stain to prevent the odor from lingering in the room. In addition to the cleaning tips, you may invest in a spot cleaner to remove tough spots and stains.

Say Hello to a Cleaner Carpet

Say goodbye to dirty, foul-smelling carpet. With these tips, you can confidently tackle pet stains on your carpet and create a fresher, healthier environment for you and your furry friend.