Pets are a joy to have, but they can also be a source of messes, including stains on your carpet. Whether your pet has had an accident on the carpet or simply tracked in some dirt, there are a few simple steps you can follow to remove the stain and keep your carpet looking its best.

How to Remove Pet Stains from Carpet

Blot Up the Stain

As soon as you notice a pet stain on your carpet, blot it up with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub the stain, as this will only spread it and make it harder to remove. Continue blotting until the cloth no longer absorbs any of the stain.

Treat the Stain

Once you have blotted up the stain, you can treat it with a commercial pet stain remover. Follow the directions on the product label. Most pet stain removers will require you to spray the stain with the product and then blot it up with a clean cloth. Rinse the area with water and blot it dry.

Use a Baking Soda Paste

If you do not have a commercial pet stain remover, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Mix equal parts baking soda and water until you have a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Blot up the paste with a clean cloth and rinse the area with water.

Steam Clean the Carpet

If the stain is still visible after you have treated it, you may need to steam clean the carpet. You can rent a steam cleaner from a local hardware store. Follow the directions on the steam cleaner rental to clean the carpet.

Use a Carpet Cleaner

If you do not have a steam cleaner, you can use a carpet cleaner to clean the carpet. Apply the carpet cleaner to the stain and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. Blot up the carpet cleaner with a clean cloth and rinse the area with water.

Prevent Pet Stains

The best way to remove pet stains from carpet is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you prevent pet stains on your carpet:

  • Train your pet to use a litter box or go outside to do their business.
  • Keep your pet's nails trimmed so that they do not scratch the carpet.
  • Clean up pet accidents immediately.
  • Regularly vacuum your carpet to remove dirt and debris that can attract pets.
  • Apply a pet-safe carpet protector to your carpet to help repel stains.