Pets are part of the family, and when you have a pet, whether it is a cat or a dog, you want them to also enjoy the comforts of your home.
This can present a unique challenge for people who live in a home with carpets. Owning a pet and having a house with a carpeted floor can cause its own set of unique issues, which many pet owners need to consider. After all, you don’t want to keep your pet off of the floor, but you don’t necessarily want the floor to be covered in pet hair either!
So, irrespective of the pet you own, what are some of the basic care tips you can put in place to ensure that your carpet stays clean and fresh without banning your pet from carpeted rooms?
Removing hair
Many new pet owners assume that running a vacuum around the floor will be enough. If your pet is molting, this is not going to work! You can try to loosen the fur by applying fabric softener and water, then leave this to dry on the carpet before you vacuum it again. You could also put on rubber gloves, dampen them and run them through the carpet to attract the hair. Websites like aflooringboutique.co.uk can offer tips on how to keep your carpets in top condition when sharing your home with a furry friend.
Removing mud
If you have dogs or a puppy, then mud is going to become a common feature in your home. While it is tempting to jump up and begin cleaning when your dog comes home from a walk and has muddy paws, it is best to leave the mud to dry. Then, you can vacuum up the excess and remove the stain with a solution of liquid and warm water. Aim to blot it until the stain disappears. Do not rub the mud into the carpet, as this can cause the stain to spread further.
Preventing scratching
Cats often like to scratch carpets and furniture as it is good for their health, but you will also want to keep your carpet in good condition. If your cat is ignoring the scratching post, try to leave some bicarbonate of soda in the spot that they’re attracted to. This will deter the pheromone scent. Alternatively, you can seek out the help of a local pet store and buy a scratching deterrent.
Preventing accidents
If you have a puppy or kitten that is struggling to use the litter box or the yard, this can be a challenge when it comes to keeping your carpet clean. This will usually require you to take a trip to your local pet store. For puppies, get some pads and place them where they are urinating while also giving your pet the opportunity to use the backyard. For cats, try spraying the carpet with diluted peppermint oil that will create a scent and prevent them from urinating in that area.
Removing urine stains
If your kitten or puppy urinates on your carpet, you will want to neutralize the smell first of all by using some vinegar. Sprinkle down some baking soda as this will cause foam to develop. Using a damp towel, rinse the area but be careful not to soak the carpet. This will remove the stain and keep the carpet smelling fresh.
