Carpet Care for Pet Owners

Posted on April 14, 2021

• Cleaning

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Getting a new pet is a joyful and exciting occasion for the entire family. For homeowners, though, it can also be stressful, especially if you have carpets in your home.

It doesn’t have to be, though. With proper upkeep and carpet care, you and your pets can comfortably enjoy each other and all the space in your home without worrying about long-term damage.

Be Prepared

Be prepared for the additional maintenance owning a pet necessitates. Unfortunately, it isn’t all fun and love. Hopefully, you’re reading this before you rush out to the adoption event, but even if not, arming yourself with knowledge about how to clean up after your precious animal will save you money and headaches later on.

Train Them Well

The first thing that you can do to protect your carpets from pets is to train the pets well from the day you bring them home. This will vary quite a bit depending on what kind of pet you have, but whether it’s litter box training, housebreaking, or something else, it’s the best thing you can do.

One tip that’s pretty universal for all pets: if you plan to eventually let them on the carpets, introduce them early. Otherwise, they may not understand the texture of carpet and whether or not it’s an appropriate place to toilet.

It’s wise to plan to hire carpet cleaners to do a professional cleaning once your pet is mostly trained. This is not only to restore your carpets, but also to prevent your pet from becoming confused if they still smell traces of their waste later on.

Clean Frequently

Whatever routine maintenance you currently do for your carpet, plan to double it. Vacuum, shampoo, and deodorise twice as often. Many pets not only shed lots of hair, they also drag in dirt from outside. They can also be a bit smelly, which can wear off into carpet.

In addition, in the (inevitable) event of a toilet accident, vomit, or other fluid mess, clean it up immediately. The longer it sits, the more it will seep into the fibres and eventually penetrate the padding and floor underneath. This can cause permanent damage and long-term stink.

Carpet cleaning frequently doesn’t just involve vacuuming. It is even more important now that you have a pet to hire carpet cleaners to come at least once a year, ideally biannually. Keep in mind that this kind of regular cleaning will save money in the long run, since you won’t have to replace your carpets as quickly.

Use the Right Products

It’s important to use the right products for both stains and normal wear and tear caused by pets.

For your own purposes, many companies make carpet cleaners and equipment that are designed to clean up after pets. Read reviews and talk to friends and professionals about which might be best for you and your furry friend.

When you hire professional cleaners, be sure to let them know ahead of time what kinds of pets you have and ask about pet-friendly services.

Finally, if you’re looking to replace carpet, many companies make stain resistant products. Ask your floor care professional about them.

Things to Avoid on Carpets for Pets

Anything with harsh chemicals. Read labels for carpet cleaning and check with your veterinarian about best (and worst) products.

Carpet cleaners who don’t specialise in pets. A good professional should have specific practices and products that are safe for pets. Ask before hiring someone.

Home remedies. We love to DIY, but the reality is that with pets, it’s better to go with something made especially for them.

Ignoring the problem. Sticking to your pre-pet routine or not being diligent about carpet care will end up costing you big in the long run.