Whether it’s a recent mishap or an old one, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean up dog poop stains.
Accidents can happen, especially if you have a puppy or an older dog. The good news is that cleaning up after your pet is not as challenging as it may seem, especially if you address the situation promptly. Whether the stain is fresh or old, we’ve got you covered on how to remove poop stains from your carpet.
It’s crucial to clean up pet waste quickly for a couple of reasons. The obvious one is that the smell can quickly spread throughout your home. Additionally, feces contain bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to both pets and humans, such as E. coli, salmonella, and parasitic worms. The longer the mess remains, the more it penetrates your carpet, causing lasting damage that may require carpet replacement.
Similar to cleaning dog pee or getting rid of pet odors, effectively cleaning dog poop stains from your carpet requires some effort and the right cleaning supplies. Here’s a simple guide:
How to Clean Fresh Poop Stains from Carpet
- Remove the pet from the area: If you catch your pet in the act, don’t scold them. Instead, gently remove them from the area to avoid further mess.
- Use a plastic bag to remove the mess: Grab a plastic bag or dog poop bag to dispose of as much material as possible. For diarrhea, use paper towels to soak it up, avoiding pushing too hard to prevent deeper penetration into the carpet.
- Spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner: After removing the bulk, spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner to break down the remaining stains and odors.
- Wipe away more of the mess: Use paper towels or a rag to wipe away more of the mess after spraying.
- Repeat: Spray the area again, saturating the stain and a surrounding inch. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the enzymes to work.
- Blot the area again: After spraying, blot the area again. Repeat if necessary.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain: Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the area and gently scrub it with a soft-bristle brush. Let it sit for about 30 minute.
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum to remove the baking soda, and you’re done. If you need a new vacuum, consider one designed for pet hair.
How to Remove Old Poop Stains from Carpet
Surprisingly, cleaning up dried dog poop on your carpet isn’t as challenging as it may seem, and sometimes it’s even easier than dealing with fresh accidents. If you discover an old pile of dried poop, don’t panic—follow these steps to efficiently clean it up:
- Use a plastic bag to pick up the mess: Similar to dealing with a new accident, use a plastic bag to pick up as much poop as possible. With an old mess, you can use your fingers (with the bag covering them) to grip and pull off pieces.
- Loosen old excrement: Employ a bristle brush or a scraping tool, like a putty knife, to loosen as much of the dried poop as possible. According to Peters, “The more you can remove while dry, the less unpleasant the cleaning process will be.” Avoid adding liquid at this stage to prevent smells and stains from re-emerging.
- Spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner: Thoroughly spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Ensure the area stays saturated during this time, as it’s ineffective if it dries out. Reapply as needed.
- Scrub the area: Gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush, taking care not to rub too hard to prevent pushing the mess deeper into the carpet fibers.
- Blot: Blot the area.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the area: After cleaning with the enzymatic cleaner, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the area. Gently scrub the area. Leave it sit for 30 to an hour or until completely dry.
- Vacuum: Vacuum up the baking soda.
- Repeat if needed: Repeat the entire process if necessary, as old messes may require multiple treatments for complete removal.
Supplies you’ll need
Ensure you have the following tools to effectively clean dog poop from your carpet:
- Plastic bags
- Paper towels or rags
- Enzymatic carpet cleaner
- A soft-bristle cleaning brush
- Baking soda
- A vacuum
For stains accompanied by odors, such as pet urine, vomit, or poop, opt for an enzymatic cleaner. Peters explains that the enzyme action in these cleaners works similarly to healthy probiotics, breaking down microscopic particles in the stain. Keeping the stained area moist allows the enzymes to continue working until the material is completely removed.
