Best Ways to Clean Dog Poop from the Carpet

A dog brings so much love, joy, and companionship. Their wagging tails and playful energy make every day brighter. 

But let’s be honest— being a pet parent also comes with its fair share of messes and accidents on the carpets that are bound to happen at some point. 

Dog poop stains and odours are unpleasant surprises. that you may discover in the room. Imagine your guests arriving at your house, only to be greeted by an unpleasant odour. Or picture yourself scrubbing the stain tirelessly only to see the stains return days later. Moreover, using the wrong chemical methods damages the carpet, spreads the bacteria, and makes it harder to remove the stains.

Don’t worry; with proper techniques and solutions, you can remove the toughest stains easily while keeping your carpet fresh and odour-free.

So, here, we will cover everything from DIY methods to when to call a professional to clean the stains from the carpet.

Types of Dog Poop (Fresh, Dried, or Old Set-In Poop)

Here are three types of dog waste:

Why is Cleaning Dog Poop Properly Crucial?

Cleaning the dog poop is not only about keeping the place tidy. It is also about maintaining hygiene and health. If it is not cleaned, it may lead to problems such as:

Permanent Stains:

• Dog stool contains acids and pigments that can discolour carpets, concrete, and flooring. 
• If left untreated, it can seep into the porous surfaces, making it difficult to remove the stains afterwards.

Lingering Odours:

• Even after removal, the residual odour can attract the pets to the same spots, leading to the same practice.
• Bacteria and organic matter present in dog waste cause a strong, persistent smell that worsens over time.

Health Problems:

• Dog poops contain harmful bacteria and parasites like Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia and E. coli.
• Leftover waste in outdoor spaces can also affect the soil and water. It ultimately poses risks to humans as well as other animals.

So, the sooner you clean the mess, the easier it is to remove the stains, odour, and bacterial contamination. 

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Dog Poop

Cleaning the dog poop should not be messy at any cost. Here are some steps that you can follow to get the job done easily and efficiently:

•  Gloves – To protect your hands from germs.
•  Paper towels or old rags – For wiping and absorbing residue.
• Plastic bags or poop bags – To contain and dispose of waste properly.
• Dish soap – Breaks down bacteria and removes grease.
• White vinegar – A natural deodoriser that neutralises smells.
• Baking soda – Absorbs odours and helps lift stains.
• Enzymatic cleaner – Best for deep cleaning and removing stains on carpets.

NOTE: All of these items are household accessories.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Fresh Dog Poop

Step 1: Remove Solid Waste

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from bacteria.
• Use a plastic bag or poop bag to scoop up the poop.
• Pro Tip: Use a spoon or spatula to lift the poop without pushing it deeper into the carpet.
• Caution: Avoid rubbing or smearing, as this can spread the stain.

Step 2: Blot the Stain

• Use a damp cloth or paper towel to blot the area gently.
• Pro Tip: Start from the outer edges of the stain and work inward to prevent spreading.
• Caution: Do not scrub, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.

Step 3: Apply a Cleaning Solution

• Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 1 cup of warm water OR use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner.
• Apply the solution using a clean cloth or spray bottle.
• Pro Tip: Test the solution on a small, hidden area of the carpet first to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

• Rinse the area with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Blot the area dry with a clean towel.
• Pro Tip: Place a heavy object (like a book) on top of a dry towel to absorb excess moisture overnight.
• Caution: Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain permanently.

How to Clean Dried Dog Poop from Carpet

Dried dog poop is harder to clean because it sticks to carpet fibres. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Waste

• Use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off the dried residue.
• Pro Tip: Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the carpet fibres.
• Caution: Be gentle to prevent tearing the carpet.

Step 2: Rehydrate the Stain

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto the dried poop and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Pro Tip: Cover the area with a damp cloth to keep it moist while the solution works.

Step 3: Clean and Rinse

• Follow the same steps as for fresh poop (blot, apply cleaning solution, rinse, and dry).
• Pro Tip: Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the stain if it’s particularly stubborn.

How to Clean Old, Set-In Dog Poop Stains

Old stains require extra effort to remove. Here’s how:

Step 1: Pre-Treat the Stain

• Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains.
• If unavailable, make a baking soda paste (baking soda + a little water).
• Apply the cleaner or paste and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Pro Tip: Cover the area with plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent drying.

Step 2: Deep Clean

• Vacuum up dried baking soda (if used).
• Use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
• Pro Tip: If you don’t have a carpet cleaner, scrub the area with warm water and dish soap, then blot dry.
• Caution: Avoid over-wetting the carpet, as this can lead to mould growth.

Step 3: Repeat if Necessary

• If the stain persists, repeat the process or call a professional carpet cleaner.
• Pro Tip: For tough stains, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can be effective (test on a small area first).

How to Get Rid of Dog Poop Smell on Carpet

Even after removing the stain, odours can linger. Here’s how to eliminate them:

Option 1: Baking Soda

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over the affected area.
• Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
• Vacuum it up to remove the absorbed odour.
• Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender) to the baking soda for a fresh scent.

Option 2: Enzymatic Cleaners

• Use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner and follow the instructions on the label.
• Allow the area to dry completely.
• Pro Tip: Enzymatic cleaners are the best long-term solution for odour removal.

Option 3: Vinegar Solution

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Blot with a clean towel and allow it to air dry.
• Pro Tip: Place a fan near the area to speed up drying and improve ventilation.

Before and After Results of Poop Smell on Carpet

Before and after results of poop smell can be dramatic with the right cleaning approach. To get rid of the smell of poop from the carpet, various reputable professional carpet cleaning services use advanced techniques like:

• Specialised deodorisers to neutralise odour.
• Steam cleaning to remove contaminants from the carpet.

Ultimately, they help make your carpets smell fresh and clean all year round.

How to Sanitise the Carpet After Cleaning

Sanitising is crucial to eliminate bacteria and germs:

Option 1: Disinfectant Spray

• Use a pet-safe disinfectant spray and lightly mist the cleaned area.
• Let it air dry.
• Caution: Avoid using bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can harm pets and damage carpets.

Option 2: Vinegar and Water Solution

• Spray a mixture of vinegar and water over the cleaned spot.
• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot dry.
• Pro Tip: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser.

Option 3: Steam Cleaning

• Use a steam cleaner with hot water and a pet-safe cleaning solution.
• Move slowly over the affected area to allow the steam to penetrate the fibres.
• Pro Tip: Let the carpet dry completely before allowing pets or children back on it.

Tips To Stop Dog From Pooping on Carpet

Here are some tips for training dogs to avoid carpet accidents:

Train Your Dog:

• Take your dog outside consistently after meals, playtime, and naps.
• Reward them with treats or praise when they eliminate in the right spot.

Clean Accidents Immediately:

• Use enzymatic cleaners to remove scent markers that attract your dog to the same spot.

Use Deterrent Sprays:

• Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays to areas where your dog has previously had accidents.
• Pro Tip: Citrus scents are often unappealing to dogs and can serve as a natural deterrent.

When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service

• If stains and odours persist after multiple attempts.
• For delicate carpets (e.g., wool or silk) that require specialised care.
• If you suspect bacteria or mould growth in the carpet padding.

This is where Clean King comes into play.

At Clean King, we bring life back to carpets. With our professional carpet cleaning service, you can ensure your carpets look new and promote a healthy environment.  We use state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly products to remove the toughest stains, deep-seated odours, and harmful bacteria in carpets. Don’t let stubborn stains and odours take over your home—Contact us today for a deep clean that removes stains and odours for good!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Dog Poop

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your carpets in top condition:

1. Scrubbing Instead of Blotting:
   • Scrubbing pushes the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.
2. Using Harsh Chemicals:
   • Avoid bleach or ammonia, as they can damage carpets and harm pets.
3. Not Rinsing Thoroughly:
   • Residue left behind can attract dirt and cause re-soiling.

Conclusion

DIY methods are effective for small messes, but tough stains, lingering odours, and deep-set bacteria need professional treatment. Delicate carpets, recurring stains, and health concerns also demand expert care. So, if you are dealing with a stubborn stain or odour, don’t hesitate to call Clean King for expert carpet cleaning services.

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