How to Detect Pet Stains in Carpet

If you don't catch your pet in the act of creating a stain, you may not know exactly how to pinpoint it occurred.  Though you may be able to smell that your pet has had an accident, identifying the specific area is key to properly cleaning it well.  Locating the affected area can be simpler than you may think.

Pet stains can discolor carpets, create odor, and encourage pets to continue to go in the same spot.  Thorough cleaning of the carpet will eliminate the odor, and help house breaking.  If the pet stain is allowed to dry because the stain was created previously, it can be challenging to find the stain to be properly cleaned.  Some simple steps will allow for easy detection and cleaning.

1. Examine your carpet thoroughly taking note of discolorations in the carpet.  Often slight discolorations can be noticeable to the naked eye.  Get down on your hands and knees and smell the discolored area.  Even older stains have a urine scent.


2. Use a black light.  It can confirm the discoloration is in fact urine.  The stains should fluoresce under the ultra violet light.  Once you have identified the affected area and confirmed the stain, you can begin the process for proper cleaning and removal.


3. Mark the spot with a coin or another type of marker.  Return to the marked area with your cleaning supplies.  Prepare to clean the area using a two step cleaning process. 


4. Use ¼ teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid and 1 quart of water to create your cleaning solution.  Once completed, sponge the solution on the area using care to blot, and not to rub.  Rinse the spot with a ¼ cup white vinegar and 1 quart of water mixture.  Blot the area dry.


5. Dry the newly cleaned area by placing paper towels over the spot.  Place a heavy object over the paper towels so that the towels are pressed down to absorb as much liquid as possible.  Change the paper towels as they become soaked through.  Continue the process until the carpet is dry.


6. Brush the carpet and vacuum once dry.  Ensure that you do not walk on the freshly cleaned area until it is completely dry.