Let’s face it, when you have a pet a lot can happen to your carpet. And if you live in a rented apartment and want to keep your security deposit, eliminating pet dander and other pet-related stains can be stressful. As experts in apartment rentals ourselves, we have put our top tips together so you can keep your carpet spotless (and also keep your security deposit).
Eliminating Pet Stains
If you have a puppy, accidents happen frequently. To prevent stains and lingering odors, you want to try and catch the accidents as soon as they happen so that the stain doesn’t set.
- Get up as much of the mess as possible before doing any cleaning.
- Blot it (don’t rub) with a wet towel using lukewarm or cool water, (not hot).
- For urine, use an absorbent rag or paper towel to blot up as much as possible.
- Use minimal cleaning product (Spot Shot or Resolve work best).
- Allow cleaner to sit on stain for a minute or some. Blot up the water and then vacuum when dry to fluff up the carpet fibers again.
If you prefer natural cleaners, a combination of vinegar and water works as well. Mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water. Blot onto the spot, then sprinkle with baking soda. Wait for it to dry, then vacuum. For even more freshness, add a drop or two of lemon oil to the water/vinegar solution.
Shed the Shedding
While we love our furry friends, the fur-part can be a bit of an issue, especially during shedding seasons! Frequent vacuuming is the best way to keep your carpets fur-free.
Before vacuuming, use a lint roller or duct tape to pick up larger clumps of hair. If all you have is a pair of rubber dish gloves under your kitchen sink, you can use those as well. Put them on, run your hands quickly under water to get them slightly damp, then brush your hands over the carpet. The static created will make the pet hair stick to the glove. The same can be said with a rubber squeegee. Just stroke the carpet or couch and gather the hair in a central location where it can be easily vacuumed up.
