Eliminating pet urine odor is challenging, because it soaks down into the carpet where you can't clean. However, using natural cleaning remedies can help you eliminate the odor in an environmentally safe way as well as preventing your pet from using the family room as a bathroom.
Pet Messes
Every pet has to be “potty trained,” and like human toddlers, pets have accidents too. Throughout the training you will have to clean up what seems like endless amounts of waste, but in order to get through the accident stage and remain environmentally conscious, you need organic supplies. Even if you have an adult dog or cat spraying, natural products can preserve your carpet and get your pet back on track.
Why Organic?
Organic rug cleaners are natural and safer for pets. It’s difficult to predetermine what your pet might be allergic to or have a reaction to, and you often find out when it’s too late and you have to rush your pet to the veterinarian. In addition, organic cleaners have less offensive smells and are gentler on your soft fabrics.
Cleaning Alternatives
Whether you have a dog or a cat, this simple remedy that involves common household items can refresh your carpets in two steps.
- First, mix an equal amount of vinegar and water. Pour this mixture onto the soiled area after you have absorbed most of the urine with a towel (you can always wash the towel so avoid using paper towels). Wait for the solution to dry or soak up the residue with a towel.
- Second, sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and, with the tips of your fingers, massage it into the base of the carpet. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes and then vacuum it up. The vinegar and water mixture is effective in neutralizing the ammonia in cat urine, and the baking soda absorbs any excess odor.
Essential oils are also powerful deodorizers. So once your pet has stopped using your carpet as its bathroom, refresh your house.
- Use equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch. If you use one cup of each, add 30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Then sprinkle this mixture onto your carpet. Let it sit overnight, if possible, and vacuum it up the next day. This helps to rejuvenate your carpet and make your home smell pet free.
Prevention
Consistency is the best way to prevent your pet from messing on the carpet. Sometimes all it takes is putting your dog outside every hour or reminding your new cat where the litter box is. However, if your pet is reluctant to follow the rules or if it is defiantly spraying its territory, try spraying a mixture of water and peppermint essential oil onto your pet’s favorite bathroom areas of the house. The strong aroma can discourage them from the spot, but make sure to keep your pet in a room while you spray the essential oil mixtures so it doesn’t get into your pet’s eyes.
Cleaning pet messes can become aggravating, but if you consistently use organic rug cleaners and aromatic essential oils, it can help your pet turn the corner.