Owners of even the best-trained pets will occasionally
encounter pet accidents. Often, the urine is not discovered until long after the
accident.
The types of damage from pet stains can be diverse and are dependent
upon the makeup of the urine. Urine content will change over the pet’s life
because of the pet’s diet, medications, age, health, sex, and reproductive
cycles. Because of these variations, some urine stains may not be removable.
To treat urine-damaged areas:
Blot damp areas as soon as the urine is detected, with plain white paper
toweling.
Apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent (non-bleach
and non-lanolin) with one cup of lukewarm water. Do not use automatic
dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.
Absorb the moisture with paper towel, rinse with warm water and repeat the
application of detergent. Continue rinsing and blotting with the detergent
solution and water as long as there is a transfer to the toweling or improvement
in the spot.
Follow the detergent application with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two
cups water, and blot dry.
Apply a half-inch layer of paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down
with a flat, heavy, non-fading object. Continue to change paper towels until
completely dry.
Urine can affect the dyes used in carpet, although not all occurrences will
result in a permanent stain. Success is dependent upon the content of the urine,
the dyes and finish used, and the time elapsed after the deposit. Some urine
spots may be immediately noticeable, while others may take weeks or months for a
reaction. The dyes may change color immediately after contact with urine.
When urine spots develop slowly and are noticed after much time has elapsed, the
dyes and carpet fibers may be permanently damaged. In beige carpet, blue dyes
are attacked by pet urine, leaving behind the red and yellow dyes with a
resulting stain appearing red, yellow, or orange.
Pet urine, left unattended, can damage carpet in several ways. Moisture can
weaken the layers of the carpet, allowing separation or delamination of the
backing material. Seam areas can be particularly damaged and can separate.
Another problem, especially with cats, is odor. Unless the cat urine can be
completely removed, complete odor removal is unlikely. A number of products are
available to combat odor, but may simply mask the odor, and, in times of high
humidity, the odor may reappear. Recently, enzymes, available at pet stores and
veterinary offices, have been developed that are more effective; but they may be
better used by a carpet cleaning professional. If odor cannot be removed, the
damaged area of the carpet can be replaced with a piece from reserved scrap. If
carpet replacement is necessary, then replacement of cushion and even
subflooring may also be necessary.
Some carpet manufacturers have developed backings that resist spills and even
prevent the spillage from penetrating the carpet into the carpet cushion and,
perhaps, the subfloor. Check with your carpet dealer about these products.
