If you own a pet, such as a dog or a cat, then it is likely that you’ve had at least one ‘accident’ in your household. While tiled and other types of hard flooring are simpler to clean, the cleaning process for rugs and carpets can be more difficult. Badly soiled carpets require high quality cleaning equipment to restore them to their original condition. Maintaining a good standard of carpet hygiene and care is also essential for a healthy environment within the home, as well as extend the life of your carpet.
So how does carpet care for pet households differ from households without pets? Here are the ways in which pets can soil or cause wear and tear to your carpets, along with some tips for carpet cleaning.
Types of Carpet Contamination by Pets
- Urine and faeces contamination
This is the type of carpet contamination most people associate with pets and the reason why pet owner often get in touch with Acorn Carpet Cleaning. Urine stains can have a smell, but they can also be odourless. While they appear as a surface stain, urine can easily soak into the carpet fibres and into the underlay and floorboards. When left to ‘set’, they become harder to remove and develop a bad odour over time.
- Shedding contamination
Short-haired and “non-shedding” pets can still shed, even if it is not the fur people associate with longer haired animals. All pets shed dander (skin) and body oils, which can sink into the fibres of your carpet and upholstery.
- Dirt and grass stains
It is much easier for pets to bring in soil and other organic material from the outside because they don’t wear shoes. Wiping their paws may help reduce the amount of dirt they bring into your home, but it won’t be thorough enough to stop the bacteria!
Carpet Cleaning Top Tips for Pet Owners Glasgow and Paisley
- Avoid putting food or water on carpets
Keep food and water bowls on sealed flooring surfaces, such as tiled or laminate floors in kitchens. These floors are easier to clean and minimises the likelihood of stains and water damage. It is also a good idea to avoid giving your pets treats in carpeted areas.
- Encourage good bathroom habits
When potty training a new puppy or animal, put out absorbent mats on your carpets until your pet learns how to signal their need to go. (If you have recently brought a new pet into your home, feel free to check out our ‘New Arrivals’ package).
- Good Grooming
Regularly grooming your pet minimises shedding.
- Schedule professional cleanings
In addition to ensuring that your carpets are safe and hygienic for your furry friends, a commercial hot water cleaning unit is the most effective method of treating pet stains. Old stains in particular are harder to remove, and while it may be tempting to use a strong chemical solution on the stain, this approach is likely to cause permanent damage to your carpet.
To book an appointment with Acorn Carpet Cleaning, please call on 0141 212 0212 or email info@acorncarpetcleaning.co.uk
