Use the cleaners you already have to quickly clean up pet urine on carpeting. Avoid permanent damage by cleaning it up immediately. It only takes 5 minutes.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:May 2005
Immediately soak up what you can with a white paper towel.
When your pooch makes a liquid deposit on the carpet, you have to act fast. Pet urine—whether from a dog or a cat—can damage fibers and even change the color of carpet. Permanent damage may take days to develop, but it can also happen in minutes, so any delay is risky. Don't make a time-wasting trip to the store for special cleaners. Instead, use products that are immediately available in your kitchen.
Blot the spot right away with plain white paper towels; printed patterns can bleed color into the carpet. Press hard to soak up as much as possible.
Add about 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to a cup of lukewarm water. Don't use the detergent you use in your dishwasher or any detergent that contains bleach or lanolin.
Wet and blot with soapy water several times. Then wet and blot with clean water.
Apply the soapy water with a paper towel. Wet the area thoroughly. Then blot the carpet with dry paper towels to soak up the water. Repeat this step at least once.
Lightly wet the carpet with warm water and blot it dry again. You may have to repeat this step to thoroughly rinse out the detergent.
Wet and blot with vinegar added to clean water. Then dry.
Repeat the wet-and-blot process once more—this time use one part white vinegar mixed with two parts water.
Cover the damp area with about 20 layers of paper towels and a heavy stack of books. Change the towels again and again until they no longer absorb moisture.
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
It's best to wear rubber gloves.
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.
