Sharing your life with a furry friend brings endless joy and companionship. But let’s face it, living with pets can also be messy! We understand the challenges pet owners face. From muddy paw prints to unwelcome “accidents,” keeping your carpets and upholstery clean when you have a four-legged companion can feel like a constant battle. 

That is why The Happy House Cleaning team has put together this comprehensive guide on home cleaning with pets. Our experienced London domestic cleaners and stain removal experts provide practical tips and tricks to help you maintain a spotless house that you and your pet can enjoy. We’ll address everyday pet-related messes like urine, poop, vomit, mud, and of course, fur. We’ll also discuss when it’s best to call the professionals to ensure a deep home cleaning and protect your valuable furniture.

About to move out? Check our Pet-Friendly End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Tips

Consider using pet pee pads while your puppy or kitten is still in training to prevent urine stains on your carpets.

Pet Urine: A Stinky Presence

Pet urine stains are notoriously difficult to remove. This is because urine contains high ammonia levels, which can crystallise and bind to carpet fibres over time. Additionally, pet diets can vary, influencing the breakdown of products in urine and making cleaning even trickier. The key? Act fast! Fresh urine stains are much easier to tackle than dried ones. 

Here’s what we recommend for fresh pet urine when a pee accident happens:

  • Remove the excess liquid: The first step is to blot up as much pee as possible with a clean, absorbent cloth. Don’t rub, as this can spread the urine stain.
  • Choose the right products: For the best results, consider keeping a bottle of an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet urine. The ingredients in these products break down the urine molecules, removing both the stain and the odour. Follow the instructions on the label and always try the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to prevent damage and discolouration of the upholstery and carpet fibres.
  • Vacuuming: After treating the stain with an enzymatic cleaner, thoroughly vacuum the area to remove any residue.

Important Note: While there are many DIY remedies for pet urine stains (like vinegar and baking soda, for example), they often prove ineffective in removing the stain and odour completely. Specialised cleaning products are typically more effective and can prevent the stain from returning. Hiring professional carpet cleaners is the only way to salvage your rugs and furniture if you have to deal with dried urine stains.

Read also: What Causes the Yellow Stains On the Mattress and How to Remove Them?

After walking your dog, always check their backside for any stuck poop that could transfer to your carpets or furniture.

Pet Poop: Quick and Efficient Removal is Crucial

Accidents happen, and dealing with pet faeces on carpets or upholstery is never a pleasant experience. However, with the right approach, you can ensure a thorough cleaning and prevent lingering odours.

Here’s the best way to tackle pet poop:

  1. Solid waste removal: Use a disposable bag or spatula to remove any solid waste. Avoid using paper towels, as these will spread the mess further.
  2. Cleaning Up Poop Residue from Carpets & Upholstery: Once you’ve removed the solid waste, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge with a mild enzymatic cleaner to treat the affected area. Enzymatic cleaners are formulated specifically to break down organic matter and eliminate odours.
  3. Hard Floor Cleaning: For hard floors such as wood, start by wiping up the mess with a damp cloth and an appropriate floor sanitising product. Be sure to use products containing bleach in a well-ventilated area. If you think any poop may have gotten into the cracks of the floor, allow the small particles to dry and then vacuum them up. After that, spray the area with an antibacterial cleaner.

Remember: Don’t pour harsh chemicals directly onto the affected area, as this could damage your carpets or upholstery.

While young animals may need time to adjust to new foods, persistent vomiting can hide a more concerning issue than carpet stains.

Vomit: Swift Action Prevents Stains and Odours

Pet vomit is another unpleasant reality of pet ownership. The key here is to act quickly to prevent the stain from setting.

Here’s what to do when your pet throws up on your carpet or upholstery:

  1. Scrape first: Carefully scrape any solid matter with a spatula or a blunt knife. Avoid using a cloth or paper towel, as these only spread the mess.
  2. Blot, don’t rub: Blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean, absorbent cloth. Work from the outside of the stain inwards to prevent spreading.
  3. Clean and deodorise: Once most of the liquid is removed, mix a solution of cool water and a mild dish soap. Lightly spray the affected area with this solution and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.
  4. Deodorising: After cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Baking soda is a natural odour neutraliser. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda.

Pro Tip: Consider keeping an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet accidents on hand for a deeper clean and odour removal.

We’ve written a helpful article on car vomit stains that might also be useful for cleaning up pet vomit on upholstery.

A dirty dog is a happy dog, and with our tips for cleaning up mud, you can enjoy your adventures together.

Muddy Paws: Patience is Key

When you come in from a walk, muddy paws can quickly turn your pristine carpets into a dirty mess. Resist the urge to tackle it right away!

Why? Mud should be allowed to dry completely before cleaning. When scrubbed, wet mud can spread dirt deeper into the carpet fibres.

Here’s the best way to tackle muddy paw prints:

  1. Let it dry: Allow wet mud to dry completely. It might take a few hours.
  2. Vacuum thoroughly: Once the mud is dry, use a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove the dried mud.
  3. Deep clean: Consider using a specialised carpet cleaning product or hiring a professional carpet cleaner for stubborn stains or heavy mud.

Read also: How to Have a Clean Home When Having a Dog

Reclaim your sofa from the fur using our tried and tested pet hair removal tips.

Fur: A Never-Ending Battle

Pet hair can seem to multiply overnight. Regular vacuuming is essential, but there are additional steps you can take to keep fur at bay.

  • Invest in quality tools: A good-quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction is a smart investment. Vacuums with a HEPA filter are the best to capture fine pet hair.
  • Use lint rollers: Lint rollers are great for removing pet hair from furniture and clothing.
  • Rubber gloves: Believe it or not, you can use thick rubber gloves to remove pet hair from your carpets and upholstery. Put on a glove and run it over the sofa — the static electricity will attract the hair.
  • Prevention: Using throws and blankets on furniture can help protect against pet hair. Regular changing and washing these items will help keep the fur distribution under control.

You can also read this detailed guide on how to remove stubborn pet hair from carpets or check these 6 tricks for easy removal of pet hair from clothes and furniture.

Carpet stains, bacteria, and fur are no match for our powerful hot water extraction machines.

When to Call in the Professionals

While DIY cleaning can be effective for minor stains and spills, there are times when professional carpet and upholstery cleaning is essential.

  • Deep-seated stains: If pet stains have been left untreated for an extended period, they can become deeply embedded in the fibres, making them difficult to remove with DIY methods.
  • Odours: Eliminating persistent pet odours can be challenging. Professional cleaners have specialised equipment and products to tackle even the most persistent smells.
  • Allergy sufferers: If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, regular professional cleaning can help remove allergens like pet dander from your carpets and upholstery.
  • Expensive Furnishings: To prevent damage to valuable carpets and upholstered furniture, it’s often best to leave the cleaning to the experts.

At The Happy House Cleaning, we offer professional carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning services in London tailored to pet owners’ needs. Our technicians are trained to remove even the toughest pet stains and odours, leaving your home fresh and clean.

By following our tips and seeking professional help when needed, you can enjoy a clean and happy home, even with a furry friend by your side.

Call us today to request a service or get a free quote!