Pet Messes – Everyday Cleaning Tips You Need!
You’re finally settled into your new home, and wouldn’t you know it – Spot and Fluffy haven’t wasted any time “christening” your new digs. If you’ve got a pet, you’ll have accidents – that’s as certain as death and taxes. But never fear…the “Clean Team” at Ernest Homes is bringing you the first in a series of cleaning tips to help you remove any evidence of your pet’s indiscretions.
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat…
We all remember the song from the TV show Friends – and it’s based in truth. Sometimes your cats (and dogs, ferrets, hamsters, etc.) can create unpleasant lingering odors. To make air fresheners with punch, turn to some basic ingredients you’re sure to have on hand. They’re inexpensive, effective, and completely safe for your pets and your furnishings!
- White Vinegar – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well and mist the air. Vinegar neutralizes odors quickly. For stubborn smells, use vinegar full strength.
- Nestea – Mix two cups of instant powdered Nestea according to the package directions and pour into a spray bottle. Tea is a natural odor eliminator and freshens the air instantly.
- Baking Soda – A classic deodorizer!
- Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon lemon juice + 2 cups very warm water. Spray lightly for a fresh lemon scent.
- For a vanilla scent: Mix 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract + 1 tablespoon baking soda + 1/2 tablespoon Parson’s lemon ammonia + 2 cups water. Shake and spritz!
- Old Spice Aftershave Lotion – Dampen a cotton ball with Old Spice and place it inside your vacuum cleaner bag or cup. As you vacuum, the scent circulates through the home.
- Downy Fabric Softener – Mix 1 tablespoon of Downy with 2 cups of water for a powerful, pleasant-smelling air freshener. The solution also reduces static, making pet hair easier to vacuum.
Baking soda also works wonders on dry upholstery, bedding, sofas, and carpets. Sprinkle it lightly, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then shake or vacuum it up.
When Your Pet “Messes” on the Carpet
Because animals often return to the same spot if they still smell traces of their accident, you need to neutralize the odor completely. Try these solutions:
- Vinegar + Dawn Solution – Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar + a few drops of blue Dawn dishwashing liquid + 1 quart warm water. Scrub the area thoroughly and blot dry.
- Corn Meal – After blotting the area, sprinkle corn meal over the spot. Let sit for several hours, then brush and vacuum. Corn meal naturally absorbs odors.
- Club Soda + Baking Soda – For fresh stains, pour a small amount of club soda on the spot after blotting. Re-blot to remove excess. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area and let sit for several hours. The club soda lifts the stain, and the baking soda tackles the odor.
Want to learn more about tackling tough pet messes? Keep an eye on our blog — more cleaning tips and tricks are coming your way this summer and fall!
