How to Clean Dog Waste from Carpets and Upholstery

Well, we addressed cat “issues,” so we might as well be fair and tackle dogs!  Pet waste and urine have a tremendous amount of proteins.  Certain sorts of bacteria are attracted to these and consume them as food.  During the digestion process, you get strong odors, yuck!  To eliminate the smell, you must eliminate the protein.  So!  What steps does the responsible pet owner take?  Several websites recommend using enzymatic cleaners.  Nature’s Miracle is easily found at pet home and garden stores.  Knowing that, let’s outline the steps:

1:  Remove the Excess:

Pick up any solids with a paper towel.  After blotting up as much residue with another paper towel, spray the stain with either a laundry stain remover or your pet stain cleaner.  Let it soak for a few minutes or as directed on the back of the bottle.

2:  Blot with Cold Water and Detergent:

This is where several websites differ.  Some will tell you to make a weak, soapy mixture of laundry detergent and water and blot with a sponge into the stain.  Scrub vigorously with a bristle brush and blot again with a clean towel.  Others say to just use the enzymatic cleaner per instructions.

3:  Deodorize with Vinegar:

This part is agreed upon!  Make a mixture of 1/2 distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup warm water.  Blot into the stained area repeatedly until there is no trace of a stain.

4:  Finish with Baking Soda:

Sprinkle baking soda into the DRY carpet (you may have to wait until the next day) to freshen it.  You may choose to use another bristle brush to work it into the carpet fibers.  Allow it to sit there overnight or at least three hours.  In the morning, vacuum the soda away. 
However you decide to clean up, do it promptly.  While it can be difficult, it’s worth the extra time to do it correctly.  Aside from making your home look and smell dirty, the residual odors will attract your dog BACK to the area where he will go again and again!  Avoid the frustration and potentially dangerous bacteria by handling things right away!