Apr 22, 2019
How to Remove Pet Stains from Carpets: Your Ultimate Guide
Our furry friends fill our homes with love and laughter—but sometimes, they also leave behind unexpected messes. Whether dealing with pet stains on your carpet, rug, or upholstery, understanding how to remove pet stains effectively makes all the difference.
Those brown patches on your lawn? That's what pet urine can do to your carpets, too! Pet stains are acidic (pH 6.5-7), permanently damaging carpet fibres if not treated quickly. So let's dive into how to remove pet stains for a cleaner, fresher-smelling home.
Setting up for success
Before we dive into how to remove pet stains, let's prevent some messes:
- Create a designated pet bed area to contain fur and dander
- Ensure easy outdoor access to reduce indoor accidents
- Set up proper litter trays for cats in quiet spots
- Consider keeping your pets on non-carpeted floors while potty training
- Invest in professional training for efficient results
PET Portable Spot Cleaner: The professional-grade solution
When pet accidents become part of life, you need help. Engineered with twice the suction power of comparable cleaners, our PET Portable Spot Cleaner tackles everything from fresh stains to set-in messes:
- Removes deep-set stains and odours from carpets, rugs, and upholstery
- Features a handheld tool with special bristles for lifting pet hair while cleaning
- Includes carpet-friendly wheels and retractable handle for easy movement
- Perfect for quick cleanups or deep cleaning your pet's favourite spots
- Compact design for easy storage
Your quick-action guide to removing fresh stains
The moment you discover a pet accident, here's how to remove pet stains:
- Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels or a clean cloth—never rub, as this pushes urine stains deeper into carpet fibres.
- Apply Rug Doctor Stain Remover to break down tough proteins. Spray lightly—oversaturating can cause excess residue.
- Gently dab from the edges toward the centre using a clean cloth, replacing it when soiled.
- Rinse the stain area with a cloth dampened with clean, cold water to remove product residue.
- Apply Rug Doctor Odour Remover to prevent return visits.
- For thorough cleaning, extract the remaining stains with the PET Portable Spot Cleaner.
Tackling different types of pet messes
Every accident needs special attention. Here's how to remove pet stains by type:
How to get dog pee out of the carpet
That distinctive dog wee smell needs quick action! Follow our steps above, paying particular attention to complete odour removal—dogs often return to marked spots.
How to get cat pee out of carpet
Cat pee contains strong scents that can attract repeated markings. Repetition is also the key to halt this behaviour! Repeat the cleaning process with our Odour Remover, and consider treating hidden areas. An easy way to spot missed accidents is to use a UV black light in a dark room.
How to get dog (or cat!) poop out of the carpet
Need to know how to clean cat poop off carpet or deal with your dog's latest gift before it stains? Carefully remove solids first. Treat the affected area with Stain Remover, then use Rug Doctor's PET carpet cleaner for deep extraction. This helps prevent any lingering smell that might attract your pet back to the same place.
How to get dog (or cat!) vomit out of the carpet
A good process to clean cat vomit off the carpet or tackle the dog's regurgitated breakfast on your rugs is to blot up as much liquid and solids as you can, apply Stain Remover, and use our PET Portable Spot Cleaner to extract all the remaining traces from the carpet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get old dog urine stains out of carpet?
Old stains caused by dog urine on carpet can be tricky and might seem impossible to shift, but our three-step system can help: Start with Stain Remover to break down old proteins, follow with Odour Remover for lingering smells, then deep clean with the PET Portable Spot Cleaner.
How do I prevent my pet from returning to accident spots?
Complete odour removal is critical. Our Odour Remover eliminates scents that attract pets back to the same area. For best results, clean thoroughly with the PET Portable Spot Cleaner to remove all traces.
What's the best way to clean wool carpet?
Wool carpets need special care, due to the delicate natural fibres. Always test stain removal products in a hidden area first, and avoid soaking the carpet. Rug Doctor's pet urine carpet cleaner is safe for wool when used as directed.
Will vinegar get cat pee smell out of carpet?
Searching for how to get pee smell out of carpet using household products because your pets are peeing inside? While a vinegar and water solution can help temporarily, it doesn't break down dog or cat wee proteins that cause odours. Rug Doctor's professional pet Stain Remover and Odour Remover are specifically formulated to eliminate both stains and smells at their source.
Keep your home fresh and pet-friendly with Rug Doctor
Don't let pet accidents challenge your love for your furry family members! Transform your home care routine with Rug Doctor's complete range of pet stain removal solutions to treat fresh or set-in stains.
Explore our PET Portable Spot Cleaner for everyday accidents, or tackle bigger jobs with our carpet cleaning machine hire - use our handy cost calculator.
Discover why New Zealand pet owners trust Rug Doctor for all their stain removal and carpet cleaning needs – see our tips for house training and maintaining nice, fresh pet bedding here.
Updated December 19, 2024
Author: Gina Gibbs
Gina is the Business Manager at Rug Doctor NZ. With over 20 years at Rug Doctor, she's dedicated to helping New Zealanders keep their homes clean and healthy. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and enjoying Vietnamese and Asian fusion cuisine. Oh, and let's not forget her expertise in cleaning up after everyone, especially her two kids!