As much as we love our pets, these furry friends can cause havoc when it comes to carpets and flooring. Anything from paw marks and stains to pet hair and persistent odours can make maintaining carpets and rugs a challenge. That’s why it’s important to give pet-related carpet issues some special attention.
Luckily, with the right cleaning techniques and regular maintenance, you can keep your carpets looking fresh, even when you have animals at home.
Here are our best tips for maintaining your carpets and rugs around pets.
Spot clean pet accidents to prevent carpet stains
Accidents happen, especially with pets like cats and dogs in your house. When it comes to the right way to tackle carpet stains and pet accidents, always act quickly to prevent them from setting into the fibres. Begin by blotting up as much of the mess as possible with kitchen roll or a clean, dry cloth. This will absorb much of the accident, but you should then apply a carpet cleaner specifically designed to tackle pet stains, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove fur and hair from your carpets and rugs
Pet fur and hair build up on carpets and rugs, making them appear matted, dirty and unkept. To effectively remove fur from your flooring, use a vacuum cleaner with powerful suction and a pet hair-specific attachment or brush. Run your vacuum over the carpet in overlapping strokes, concentrating on areas where your pet spends the most time. For stubborn pet hair, consider using a carpet rake to loosen the hair first.
Stop your pet’s claws from causing carpet damage
Cats and dogs can damage carpet fibres and rugs with their claws. To prevent this issue, keep your pet’s nails trimmed to minimise scratching. You could also place area rugs or carpet runners in high-traffic areas where your pet tends to run or play. These protective coverings can absorb impact and reduce wear and tear.
Remove pet odours from carpets
Pet odours can linger in carpets and rugs, creating uninviting smells. To reduce this problem, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda liberally over the carpet and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the odours before vacuuming thoroughly to remove all traces. For persistent odours, consider using a carpet deodoriser specifically formulated for this issue. Additionally, a deep steam clean from a professional carpet cleaning company can eliminate embedded smells and bacteria.
Regularly maintain your carpets
Regular carpet maintenance is the key to keeping them fresh. Create a routine cleaning schedule that includes weekly vacuuming (or more frequently in high-traffic areas). You could also consider steam cleaning your carpets every 6 to 12 months to remove embedded dirt, fur and pet odours.
Want to get your carpets back to their best? Contact us
At Efficient Cleaning, we offer expert carpet cleaning in Putney, Richmond upon Thames and beyond. For a free consultation and quote, please get in touch.
