How To Remove Common Pet Stains

We’re breaking down the six most common pet stains: urine, mud, grass, sweat, blood, and poop with step by step instructions for cleaning up each pet mess.

While our pets make our houses “homes,” they also bring their fair share of messes. At some point, every pet owner will battle with pet stains, whether urine stains, mud tracks, or other messes. Although messes can be challenging for pet owners, there are techniques pet owners can use to ease the clean-up process. Most stains can be effectively handled with standard household cleaners and equipment.

In this CD One Price expert guide, we will break down the six most common pet stains: urine, mud, grass, sweat, blood, and poop. We will outline a clear step-by-step process for cleaning up each of these pet messes and help you restore your floors, couches, clothes, and more back to their pre-accident state.

How to Remove Urine Stains

You will know you found a urine stain by its strong odor and potential surface discoloration (depending on surface color). When it comes to cleaning up pet pee, it is important to act fast to avoid the urine from seeping further into any carpeting or fabric.  Follow these step-by-step instructions for cleaning and removing urine stains:

1. Use a clean rag to absorb excess liquid. Avoid rubbing the soiled area as it can spread the staining and work it deeper into the surface fibers.
2. Mix a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water. Use this solution directly on the stained area to help neutralize the smell and break down the compounds in urine.
3. Allow the solution to sit for 10- 20 minutes. This will give time for the vinegar to react with the urine, ensuring it breaks down and can be blotted up.
4. After 10-20 minutes, blot up the solution. Use a dry, clean towel or rag to draw the solution and the urine out of the carpet, couch, or wherever it is.
5. Sprinkle baking soda over the area. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes lingering smells. Let it sit for a few hours, or overnight for the best results.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Once the baking soda is 100% dry, vacuum over the area a few times to ensure all residue is lifted.

How to Remove Mud Stains

While your pup had a blast running around in the mud, you can’t say the same for yourself as you are stared down by mud tracks and stains all around the house. These stains can feel overwhelming and unmanageable but with the right approach, this isn’t true. The key is really to let the mud fully dry before you get to cleaning. Check out these six steps to cleaning up muddy messes:

1. Let the mud dry completely. When mud is wet, it tends to smear and stick to carpeting and other fabric fibers when you attempt to clean it up. Instead of acting quickly, it is better to allow the mud to dry before you try and lift it, especially for large areas.
2. Scrape off dried mud using a blunt object. Avoid using sharp objects such as knives as they can tear fabrics. Instead, opt for credit cards or a spoon to scrape off the dry mud.
3. Vacuum the area thoroughly. Another benefit of allowing the mud to dry is once you have scraped up the excess, you can use a vacuum to suck up all the residue and flakes of mud.
4. Prepare a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Once a majority of the mud has been lifted, you can re-wet it and use soap to further break down any leftover dirt.
5. Gently scrub the stain in circular motions. Using a soft cloth or sponge soaked in the soapy solution gently scrub to work up any leftover dirt. An important tip is to work your way from the outside to prevent the spreading of the stain.
6. Blotch the area with a clean towel to remove moisture. Once you have removed the excess moisture, allow it to air dry the rest of the way.

How to Remove Grass Stains

Sometimes, our pets bring in grass and other plant materials, which can leave behind green stains on our carpets and furniture. These stains are caused by chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for allowing plants to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. While dealing with green marks can feel impossible, with some effort and gentle techniques, you can remove grass stains. Here’s how:

1. Use a damp cloth to dab the area gently. Do not rub the area as this can result in the green pigments working themselves further into the fibers.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol or diluted detergent. Using either of these two solutions can help to break up the pigments in the stain, allowing you to lift them. Before applying them directly to the stain, test your solution on a small inconspicuous part of the fabric.
3. Scrub gently using a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Circular motions can help break apart and lift the pigment without spreading it or pushing it further into the surface.
4. Rinse with warm water and blot dry with a clean towel. Repeat this portion of the process, if necessary, but avoid using hot water, which can set the stain permanently.

How to Remove Sweat Stains

Sweat stains might not be the first pet mess that comes to mind, but they do happen. When they occur, it is best to be equipped to deal with them. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to removing pet sweat stains:

1. Use a damp rag or cloth to absorb excess oils. Gently dab the area with a cloth dampened by warm water. Do not rub the area as this can work the oils further into the surface.
2. Create a soapy solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water. You can use this solution directly on the stain to help break up and lift the sweat and oils out of the fabric.
3. Scrub gently using a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Circular motions can help break apart and lift any leftover oils without spreading them or pushing them further into the surface.
4. Rinse with warm water and blot dry with a clean towel. Repeat this portion of the process, if necessary, but avoid using hot water, which can cause harm to some fabrics.

How to Remove Blood Stains

Something we have in common with our pets is that we all bleed red. Occasionally, our furry friends will experience injuries, and small cuts or scrapes can go unnoticed. This means that as your pet moves around the house, they may leave behind blood stains. Let’s discuss how to remove these stains and restore your couches, carpets, bedding, and more to their original state.

1. Use a clean rag to absorb excess liquid. You can also flush the blood stain with a bit of cold water to help further lift it (avoid warm and hot water at all costs!)
2. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Hydrogen peroxide reacts with blood and fizzes, breaking the blood particulars apart. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit for 2-3 minutes.
3. Dab the area with a clean, dry cloth. Once the hydrogen peroxide has been given a few minutes to react with the blood stain, you can use a dry cloth to lift the stain.
4. Rinse with cold water and repeat the process as necessary. Once the stain is gone, blot dry with a towel and allow the area to air dry.

How to Remove Poop Stains

Poop stains can be an unpleasant challenge, but they are definitely manageable with the right approach. Whether it’s an unfortunate accident on clothing, furniture, carpeting, or any other fabric, facing the issue head-on can save you from further frustration. Check out these easy steps for removing poop stains:

1. Remove solid waste using gloves or a plastic bag. Handle it carefully to avoid smearing the stain further or spreading bacteria. Never use your bare hands to handle fecal matter as it can lead to infections or disease.
2. Apply a cleaner specifically designed for pet stains. You can also use a homemade solution made by mixing dish soap and white vinegar. However, be sure to use some sort of disinfectant.
3. Let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate the material and loosen any residue.
4. Gently scrub the stain in circular motions. An important tip is to work your way from the outside to prevent the spreading of the stain.
5. Rinse with cold water and repeat the process as necessary. Once the stain is gone, blot dry with a towel and allow the area to air dry.

Where to Get Help with Stubborn Pet Stains

Pet stains don’t have to ruin your home or your mood. By acting quickly and using the right techniques, you can enjoy a clean and fresh home without sacrificing the joy of having pets. However, if you need more help, consider a professional for certain items.

At CD One Price Cleaners, we can help remove various pet stains from clothing, rugs, cushions, bedding, and more. Check out our complete list of dry cleaning and stain removal services.