How To Get the Pet Smell Out of Carpet

Having pets is fun. They’re good company, they make us happy, and they’re full of energy. Ask any pet owner, and they can’t imagine their life without their furry friend. Pets are work, though, especially when they’re young—dogs especially. Training them to go outside when it’s time to pee instead of going on the carpet seems to take forever. Accidents will happen, adding a certain aroma to the house. You must clean up those accidents immediately so that the stink doesn’t take over. Learn how to get the pet smell out of carpet—it’s much cheaper than replacing it.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Dry the carpet: If the spot is still wet, dab it with a clean towel to absorb the leftovers.
2. Use a vinegar solution: Make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Mix them together in a spray bottle, and apply it to the spot. If a spray bottle isn’t available, a bowl will do. Scrub the area with a towel or brush, and let it dry completely.
3. Apply baking soda: Baking soda will get rid of the smell. Apply baking soda to the spot, and let it sit for 24 hours. The baking soda eats the odors in the same way it does in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
4. Add soap and hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle or bowl with a small amount of dish soap. Add it to the baking soda that’s still in the carpet, and scrub. The soap will bring a more pleasant smell to the mix.
5. Vacuum: After all the mixing and scrubbing, get out the vacuum cleaner to remove anything that’s left.

Other Options

If that seems like too much work, you have other options. You can leave the pets outdoors instead of having them in the house. They are animals, after all, and they might prefer it outside, where they can run around and play. Another option is to bring in the professionals to get the pet smell out of your carpet. Hiring carpet cleaners will give the carpet a good deep cleaning. They can do the entire house, of course—not just that one little spot.