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Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaning
by Amanda Bell, Demand Media
Keep your home safe for your pets with safe, gentle carpet cleaning products.
Just as many household cleaners can have a negative effect on human health, they can be dangerous to your pets, too, and this is especially true when it comes to cleaning your carpets. Unlike people, dogs and cats spend a fair amount of time close to the carpet, whether they’re walking or laying down for their afternoon nap. Ensuring that you use only safe, yet still effective, products to clean your carpet is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy now and in the future.
There are numerous pet-safe deodorizers and stain removers that you can use for quick spot cleaning, but the number of choices in the cleaning aisle can be a bit overwhelming. Before you purchase or use any cleaning product on your carpets, carefully read the instructions and warnings on the back of the package. Even if it is meant to clean up pet odors or stains, it can still be dangerous to your animal. If the package indicates that you should keep your pet away from the area for a certain amount of time, it isn’t 100 percent safe for your pet and should only be used if it’s the only option. Your best option when using store-bought cleaners is to purchase something directly from a pet store; in most cases, these products are safe for most pets. Although they will likely be marketed toward pet stains and odors, they can still be used effectively for other carpet stains, such as spilled coffee or day-to-day odors. That way, you end up with something safe for your pet, and you don’t have to keep a collection of cleaning supplies on hand.
The Wet Vac
In many cases, straight water is the most effective and safest means of cleaning carpet that is only slightly soiled. A wet vac, available for rent or purchase, essentially flushes your carpet with clean water, wetting it down and then sucking the water, along with any dirt from your carpet, right back out. This is not only effective for regular carpet cleanings, it is also considered the best way to get rid of pet stains, as it’s the only way to flush out all remnants of urine which, if left to dry, can leave behind a permanent odor. The Humane Society recommends that any accidents be cleaned thoroughly with a wet vac before any cleaning products are used or in lieu of any products. To avoid setting any stains or odors, always use cool water, rather than warm.
Natural Choices
Just as water is typically the best choice for pet-safe carpet cleaning, natural cleaners are often safer than their commercial alternatives. To remove light stains and odors, apply an even layer of baking soda on your carpet, let it sit for an hour, and then vacuum thoroughly. It’s safe for most pets and just as effective as commercial carpet powders. Diluted white vinegar or lemon juice mixed with salt can be used to remove stains or as a prestain treatment right before you use a wet vac for cleaning.
Ingredients to Avoid
For many people, using natural cleaners or buying specialized products from the pet store isn’t feasible. If that’s the case, there are some ingredients to avoid. Chlorine can irritate your pet’s eyes and skin and tends to settle on the carpet, as it is denser than air, which means your pet gets the brunt of the irritation. Ammonia can cause sneezing and watery eyes, and many cats are sensitive to the ingredients in commercial carpet deodorizers or sprays; even when using a pet-safe product, try to keep your cat out of the room until the product dries.
www.CarpetCleaningExcellence.com carpet cleaning process to remove pet urine stains and odors has a 2-3 hour drying time and uses green products (vs. chemical solvents and soap) which means a safer and healthier environment for pets or children.