Getting rid of Carpet / Runner Odors

If you have a pet dog or cat at home, you've probably asked this question in sheer frustration. Why doesn't the odor want to come off?? Your lovely pet may have done an accident or two on your carpet or stair runner, and you notice that time does not lessen the lingering stench.

It would have been super if there were one foolproof way of remedying the problem, but unfortunately, people swear by different solutions. The most important thing to consider when tackling the issue is to take small measures first and observe how they help your situation. In general, here are the steps you should take:

Step 1. Blot dry the area of the pet urine using paper towels. Try to absorb as much of the liquid as you can by applying pressure with your foot. If you can't find the source of the odor anymore, you can try investing in a black light to detect it.

Step 2. From this point on, you can try a variety of solutions. The most important thing to remember though is to try the remedy only on a small patch of the stair runner or carpet first so you can see its effect on your carpet. You need to make sure no abrupt "side effects" occur, particularly discoloration on your carpet.

Possible Cleaning Solutions:

• Baking Soda Treatment. This may be a safer home remedy to try out because baking soda is a dry material and will least likely cause any significant damage to your carpet (note that to be safe, you should still consider testing it out on a small portion of your rug first). First, blot dry your carpet or use a hair dryer. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area, and leave overnight. The next day, vacuum, and check to see if the odor has subsided or has disappeared. If you see improvements, repeat the step.
• Store Bought Products. Try purchasing "Kids 'n' Pets Brand Stain & Odor Remover" or "Just for Cats by Nature's Miracle" and follow the stated directions.
• Consider calling a professional. If you would like to maintain your carpet stair runners better, it's always recommended to give professional carpet cleaners a call periodically (every 16 months more or less).