If you have a cat, then you probably know the struggle of cleaning the nasty poop stains out of your carpet. In addition to the stains, the odor is very protruding and hard to eliminate, making this task a bit more challenging.
Although we adore our pets, sometimes the mess they leave can give you a headache, especially if the carpet or rug is new or expensive.
And while we all wish that they would do their ‘deed’ outside or in the yard, this happens very often, especially with kittens who are learning to use the litter box.
So, what to do with these stains and nasty smells? Luckily for you, there are various stain removers, enzymatic cleaners, and homemade solutions that you can use to clean the stains. Let’s check them out!
Table of Contents
Do I Need To Spot-Test My Carpet?
If you have a wool carpet or some expensive rug made of silk or other fibers, we suggest you spot-test it before applying any of these mixtures and cleaner.
Even if your carpet is not expensive or made of some special fibers, you never know the reaction it might get after the solution is applied to it. Here is how you can do it.
Find a small part of the carpet or an area that is not very pronounced and apply a small amount of the mixture you plan to use on the rug. If you see discoloration after five minutes, that is your clue not to use the cleaner or solution on that carpet.
For example, solutions with bleach or ammonia can discolor your wool carpet very quickly.
What Do I Need For Cleaning the Poop Stains?
Before diving into the numerous solutions and cleaners, it is vital to equip yourself with rubber gloves, old clothing, and paper towel.
1. Rubber Gloves
If you know about cat and their feces, you are probably familiar with the fact that cat poop contains various bacteria and parasites, which can get you sick. Therefore, cleaning poop without gloves and proper protection can infect the cat’s owner.
The most common infection that can be transmitted from cats to humans is toxoplasmosis. So, do not skip this step; always wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Old Clothing
If you are going to get your hands dirty, you should wear some old clothes, just in case you transfer the poop or the solution to your clothing.
3. Paper Towel or Cloth
In order to clear the mess and deal with the excess moisture from urine, you will have to use a paper towel or a cloth. We suggest that you use paper towels because they are disposable.
On the other hand, you can also use a cloth, but we suggest you throw it away after use.
Solutions and Cleaners for Poop Stains
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most common and useful homemade agents is the mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a great neutralizer and cleaner because it is a mild alkali that quickly dissolves stains, grime, and grease.
Furthermore, it absorbs odors rather than masks them, which is something that happens with candles and air fresheners. Although it might seem that you have eliminated the nasty smell, they usually hide them and create an even more foul scent.
White vinegar is also an excellent cleaning agent due to its ability to break down different stains, grime, and dirt. It can also be used for cleaning counters and kitchen fixtures.
So, how to make this solution/paste?
Step 1: Make the Solution
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two cups of vinegar, two cups of lukewarm water, and a towel.
Step 2: Remove the Poop
Using a paper towel, remove the poop from the carpet. Do not press too hard because you will push the feces further into the carpet, making it harder to clean. Instead, use gentle motions to scrape or pick up the poop.
If the poop has already hardened, use a metal tool or a knife to scrape off the poop.
Step 3: Apply the Solution
Apply the solution or paste onto the stain or targeted area. When using this solution, it is vital that the two agents “foam up”; otherwise, it will not be very effective. Combined, these two cleaners produce a chemical reaction, causing the paste to form bubbles.
Therefore, you can apply the baking soda directly onto the stain and then sprinkle the mixture of water and white vinegar over it.
Step 4: Blot up the Carpet
After applying the cleaning solution, use a paper towel or a cloth to blot up the carpet or rug and remove any excess or residue.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
Another commonly used combination of cleaners to get rid of pet and urine stains is hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. These cleaners will eliminate the stain and odors, especially the ones caused by cat urine.
These stains are tough to get rid of, and sometimes even after you have cleaned them, the smell remains. That is the part where the dish soap comes in handy.
Step 1: Make Two Solution
For this method, you will have to make two solutions. For the first one, mix one part of hydrogen peroxide with two parts and pour it into a spray bottle. The second solution comprises 1 tablespoon of dish soap and two cups of warm water.
Step 2: Remove the Poop
Using a towel or a disposable cloth, scrape the poop off the carpet or soak up the moisture and poop wetness.
Step 3: Apply the First Solution
Spray the first solution onto the stains and let it sit for a couple of minutes. When applying this solution, always be generous and submerge the stains with the solution to ensure maximum efficiency unless you have an expensive rug that needs special care.
Step 4: Use the Second Solution
The purpose of the second solution is to remove the odor and pick up the dissolved stain residue. Using this solution, you will clean the stained part of the rug.
Although this combination of cleaners is pretty effective, sometimes there are still some stains or poop residue left. You can use a towel to remove the residue and blot up that part of the carpet.
3. Enzyme Cleaners
As the name implies, enzyme cleaners contain enzymes that help break down various organic stains and odors, making them an excellent choice for urine and poop stains. You can choose from multiple types and forms of enzymatic cleaners.
The Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray seem to be the most popular, which will successfully eliminate stubborn stains and smells. These cleaners come in a spray bottle and are very easy to use.
The only disadvantage regarding these cleaners is their price-they tend to be more expensive than regular cleaning solutions.
If you want to invest in a good cleaner, we suggest you buy this detergent and opt for a powdered version because it can last longer. So, how to use the enzyme cleaner?
Step 1: Clean or Remove the Poop
Before going in with the cleaner, make sure that you have removed all the poop and urine. If the urine has already soaked the rug or carpet, try to bloat it with a towel and eliminate excess or residue.
It would help if you vacuumed the area and got rid of tiny particles left on the carpet.
Step 2: Apply the Cleaner
Spray the solution all over the stains, which will break down the proteins and molecules in the poop, allowing you to scoop it off the carpet. We suggest you leave it for five minutes and then rinse it with warm water.
The great thing about enzyme poop removers is that they also eliminate the nasty odor and discourage your pet from returning to the same spot and doing the ‘deed.’
4. Carpet Cleaners
Although carpet cleaners are not made explicitly for dealing with poop and urine stains, they can effectively remove them and the foul smell. Today, there are plenty of commercial carpet cleaners that you can use.
The process is usually very simple and involves a sponge, bucket of warm water, rubber gloves, and the cleaner. When choosing the cleaner, go for one of excellent quality because the regular stain remover and cleaners will not do the job.
Most of the cleaners are diluted with water in unequal amounts and then applied to the carpet with a sponge. Afterward, it would help if you rinse the spot with a damp cloth. If you notice that the smell or the stain is still there, repeat the process until it disappears completely.
Conclusion
There are many solutions and cleaners that you can use to get rid of various pet stains. Even though pets are great companions and bring so much happiness into our lives, nobody likes to come home from work and find a pile of stinky cat feces on a carpet.
Therefore, invest in a good cleaner if you care about pets and your home! If you do not feel like spending money, you can make a homemade solution containing soda and white vinegar.
How do you get rid of pet stains? Which cleaner is the best for you? Please, share your experience with us! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!