Our pets are members of our families and we love them dearly, however, they can wreak havoc on our carpets and upholstered furniture with pet stains and odors. Accidents happen ... whether it is urine from either puppies or our aging friends, unsettled stomachs or "the runs."
Pet stains and odors are perhaps some of the most difficult challenges to our home fabrics and fibers.
In the instance of pet urine, there are two types of reactions can take place between the chemicals in
the urine and those in the fiber dye. Some dyes change color as soon as urine
comes in contact with them. Often the original color can be restored by immediate
addition of a weak solution of ammonia or white vinegar. Pick an inconspicuous
area of the carpet and test small amounts of solution to determine the
solutions effect on the carpet fiber and dye.
The second reaction of fiber dye to urine develops slowly over a period of several months and results in
permanent change in fiber dye. Not only is there a dye change but some fibers
become weakened or destroyed. After cleaning, these areas are more obvious
because the soil that hid the true color has been removed.
The next time you are confronted with a pet stain, immediately absorb as much liquid as possible. Wash the area with a
solution of one teaspoon of neutral detergent (contains no bleach) to one cup
of lukewarm water. Absorb into white toweling. Add white vinegar solution (one
part white vinegar to two parts water). Absorb as dry as possible. Place a
1/2-inch layer of white absorbent material over area and weight down. Allow to
dry for about six hours.
If immediate action is taken to remove the stain in
this manner, no change in color should occur and the pet stain will
not become apparent after your carpet has been professionally cleaned.
