Cleaning Up With Pets: Dealing With Odours And Stains

Cleaning Up With Pets: Dealing With Odours And Stains

By : Mikaela Perrin
Pets make great companions as they help lift your mood and keep you active and energetic. But pets can also cause quite a big mess and spread foul odours in your homes with their hair dander, urine and vomit. This is because bacteria and yeast thrive on the damp spots on your pet’s body. These bacteria and yeast are then transferred to your floors, carpets and upholstery via pet saliva, urine, faeces and hair. Even your pet’s paws and hair follicles have sweat and dirt, creating a lingering odour in your home. Therefore it is necessary to tackle these stains and odours as soon as possible by cleaning these areas thoroughly or by hiring expert bond cleaning Gold Coast services. If you are doing this cleanup on your own, here are some effective tips to help you out:  

1. Tackle Pet Accidents As Soon As You Spot Them

The best and easiest way to get rid of pet stains and odours is to tackle them as soon as you spot them. For instance, if your pet has urinated on your carpets or upholstery, you should immediately blot it with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel so that it does not set in and become difficult to remove. Bond cleaners on the Gold Coast also recommend placing paper towels under the stained area to remove as much urine or vomit as possible. Next, rinse the area with cold water and blot it again to dry it.

2. Wipe Your Pet’s Paws Before They Enter Your Home

If you have a pet on the Gold Coast, you might take it for walks and runs in your neighbouring parks. But when you return home, your pet’s paws carry soil and dirt from outside and transfer it all over your home. Thus, professional cleaners recommend keeping a soft brush or microfiber cloth at the entrance and wiping your pet’s paws before they enter. You can also place area rugs and mats near the doors so that you can wash these in your machine regularly.

3. Use An Enzymatic Cleaner To Break Down Tough Stains

Next, if you have deep-set pet stains or odours that won’t go away, you need to use an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners contain enzymes that break down tough stains and neutralise foul odours in your home. If you do not want a chemical enzyme cleaner, you can make your cleaning solution using hydrogen peroxide and citrus. Mix 2 parts of water with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup of lemon juice in a spray bottle and use it on tough pet stains and smells. Citrus is a natural enzymatic cleaner that neutralises odours, while hydrogen peroxide is a natural cleaning agent that removes dirt and stains. Tip Here are some more homemade carpet cleaners for pet stains.

4. Groom Your Pet Regularly

It is also important to bathe and groom your pet regularly to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Make sure you bathe your dog at least once a month to remove dirt and sweat, while cats must be cleaned every 4-6 weeks. You should also make it a habit to brush and clean your pet’s hair daily to reduce the shedding of hair on your furniture and upholstery. Tip Use a lint roller or duct tape to remove pet hair from your clothes and furniture.

5. Take Your Pet For Their Health Checkup

You must also ensure you take your pets for their health check up regularly. This is especially true if your pet frequently urinates all over your home or is shedding more hair than usual. Investing in a pet insurance plan that will cover any costs of going to the veterinarian is a good idea.

6. Wash And Scrub Your Pet Toys And Beds Daily

Bond cleaners on the Gold Coast also suggest you wash and clean your pet toys and beds daily to prevent smell and stains. You can use regular dish soap for pet toys, bowls and litter boxes. If your pet beds are machine-washable, throw them in the laundry and run them on the hottest cycle.

7. Use Baking Soda To Neutralise Pet Smells

Lastly, one of the best ways to eliminate foul pet smells in your home, like urine and vomit, is to use baking soda. Baking soda is an abrasive alkaline natural solution that does not just mask a foul odour but completely absorbs it so your home smells fresh. Sprinkle baking soda over your carpets and upholstery, and leave it overnight. Vacuum this solution in the morning and your home will be free of foul pet odours and stinks.

Some Additional Tips

  • Open your windows and doors to keep your home ventilated and free of pet smells.
  • Vacuum your carpets with an HEPA filter to get rid of pet hair and dander that can cause allergies for some people.
  • Always test a cleaning solution on the edge of your furniture or carpet before using them.
  • Avoid rubbing a soiled area as it can cause the pet stain to spread further.
  • Clean out your litter daily to prevent any foul odours.
  • Place washable vinyl tablecloths over your furniture.

  • Conclusion

    The above simple tips will help you keep your home clean and free of foul pet smells and stains. It is important to clean up stains as soon as you see them and use natural solutions like baking soda that absorb foul pet smells. If the pet stain or smell is too strong, hiring professional cleaners with advanced tools to deal with these stubborn messes is best.