Pet owners know that accidents are bound to happen sooner or later, especially if the pets suffer from any of a wide range of possible medical conditions. Occasionally, the carpets in their homes become stained, and some of these stains are very hard to remove, if not nearly impossible. That tends to be the case with stains that have not been discovered right away. The damage will depend on the type of pet and the composition of the urine, which in turn will depend on the pet's lifestyle, diet, age, gender, and stage in the reproductive cycle.
To treat a urine-stained area, simply blot it with white paper towels. Dissolve 1ml (1/4tsp) liquid dishwashing detergent (lanolin and bleach-free) in a small cup of lukewarm water, moisten the towels in the solution and apply them to the area. Then apply dry towels to the area to absorb the moisture, rinse with some warm water and reapply the solution. Continue the process until there is no visible transfer on the dry paper towels and the stain stops fading. Dissolve one cup of white wine vinegar into twice as much water, moisten towels in this new solution and apply them in a half-inch layer to the affected area. Cover the paper towels with a heavy, flat, non-fading object and leave for a few minutes. Re-apply dry tissues to the area until it dries out completely.
Another well known method is to pour white vinegar on the stain until it is covered. Then add baking soda to the top of the spot by sprinkling on. Do not rub in, but instead, allow the baking soda to bubble and pull up the stain. If the spot is in a high traffic area, cover loosely with a pan or bowl so it is not stepped in. After the baking soda is dry, simply sweep up or vacuum the area and the stain should be gone.
The degree to which this technique is successful relies on several factors, such as the composition of the urine, the dyes and finishes used in manufacturing the carpet, and the age of the stain. Some stains will be visible due to a change in the color of the carpet as the urine comes into contact with the dyes, while other stains may be harder to pin-point.
Old, slowly-developing stains can damage the carpet fibers and dyes permanently. The blue dyes of a beige carpet, for instance, react with urine to create red, yellow or orange hues. Old urine spots can cause the bonds between the different layers of the carpet to weaken. The result is that the layers separate or the backing material of the carpet is delaminated. Odor is another source of irritation, and feline urine scent is especially difficult to clear away, unless the urine is completely removed. Pet stores, retail outlets and veterinarians usually offer enzyme-based treatments for such cases.
If you've tried these steps and your carpet is beyond repair, a replacement may be in order. Don't hesitate to call Denver Carpet and Flooring, or fill out the free estimate form available on our website. We'll have your new carpet delivered and installed for you within seven working days, before your pet even has time to miss the old one.
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