14 July 2024
How to Handle Pet Urine Stains on Your Carpet
It would be fair to say that we are a nation of animal lovers — and there is probably no better place to enjoy companion animals than on the Cairns Northern Beaches.
Having worked in the carpet cleaning industry for over 15 years, I have seen my fair share of carpet stains. In this article, I’ll explain how to clean pet urine stains yourself and when it’s time to call your professional carpet cleaner.
1. Why Are Urine Stains an Issue?
Urine can be a real challenge if not attended to immediately.
When fresh, urine starts out very acidic (low pH), but as it dries, it crystallises and becomes alkaline (high pH). This crystallised urine can damage your carpets by discolouring the dyes in the carpet fibres, often causing a bleaching effect.
Crystallised urine also releases VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which not only emit unpleasant odours but can also present a health hazard.
If urine stains have been left untreated for a while, you will often notice the odours more strongly on hot, humid days or when returning home after being away for an extended period.
If you are fortunate enough to catch your pet in the act, you may be able to limit or eliminate the damage entirely.
How well you can manage the stain depends on the volume of urine, whether it is concentrated in one area or spread out, and how deeply it has soaked into the carpet backing, underlay, or even the substrate beneath the carpet.
2. How to Tackle Pet Urine Stains
It is a good idea to always have bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) on hand, as it is very effective for dealing with spills and pet accidents.
Follow these steps as soon as you notice the accident:
Immediately soak up as much urine as possible using a white cloth or white paper towels.
Dilute the stain by applying small amounts of water and blotting it up again with a clean white cloth. Repeat this process at least three times but avoid oversaturating the carpet.
Cover the affected area generously with bicarbonate of soda. Use plenty — the goal is for the bicarbonate of soda to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Allow the bicarbonate of soda to dry completely, then vacuum it up thoroughly.
This method can often prevent stains and odours if the accident is caught early enough.
3. When to Call Cairns Carpet Cleaning Professionals
If a large volume of urine is concentrated in one area, or if you are dealing with an older stain, it is best to contact your Cairns carpet cleaning professionals.
Professional carpet cleaners use specialised products that are poured directly onto the carpet. These solutions penetrate the carpet fibres, the underlay, and the substrate underneath. Specialised extraction machines are then used to remove both the cleaning product and the urine, ensuring that the stain and odour are properly treated.
If you are unsure whether you can manage a stain yourself, feel free to contact us by email — we are happy to assist.
Conclusion
While immediate action can often prevent permanent damage from pet urine stains, professional treatment is sometimes necessary to fully resolve the issue.
Whether it is a fresh accident or a lingering stain, Vivid Cleaning Services is here to help homes across Cairns’ Northern Beaches stay clean, fresh, and healthy.
For assistance with carpet stains, upholstery cleaning, or mattress cleaning, contact Vivid Cleaning Services today.
Servicing Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach, Smithfield, Yorkeys Knob, and surrounding areas.
Call 0436 319 270
