Pet Accidents, What Do You Do

Pets have accidents and it is good to address them as soon as possible. Urine is probably the biggest issue because it soaks into the fabrics. Urine is also a rather sophisticated problem with respect to removal. When it is wet it is acidic and needs to be approached one way. When it dries, it turns into urine salts, an alkaline, and should be addressed differently than when wet. Another aspect is that when it is the dry, the urine salts can absorb moisture from humidity in the air and give off a foul odor. That is why on humid days, a house can smell worse.

Dealing With Urine While It Is Wet

Blot, blot, blot because removal is the first approach. Find a dry white towel and apply to the wet spot (colored or patterned towels run the risk of bleeding onto the carpet, rug or upholstery). Keep moving dry parts of the towel over the wet spot to remove as much as possible. After blottting, sprinkle baking soda on the urinated area. Baking soda will help absorb and neutralze the urine. After the baking sda has dried, vacuum it up thoroughly. (NOTE: Baking soda may sometimes discolor fabrics, so you should test it on a non conspicuous area of your rug, carpet or upholstery)

Dealing With Dried Urine

First identify the spots. Look for visible evidence like spots or discolorations. Also, a black light can be used to find the source. In a darkened room, the urine salts become flouescent in the presence of ultraviolet light. However, the most available and practical method of locating urine problems is your nose. Do not be afraid to get down on your hands and knees to find it. Once the spots have been identified, using 1/3 white vinegar to 2/3 water, spray it on the spot. You want to apply enough to get to the contamination in order to liquefy the urines salts. However, do not over wet the carpet, especially with wood sub-floors. Alter applying the vinegar/water solution, remove as much of the misture as possible by blotting as previously described.