How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet

Did you know? A study from the Environmental Science & Technology journal underscores the health risks linked to poorly managed animal feces at home. Exposure can lead to serious conditions like diarrhea and infections. Effective cleaning and hygiene practices are important, especially in homes with pets​​.

Dog diarrhea can be a messy and unpleasant problem for any pet owner. It can also ruin your carpet and leave behind stains and odors that are hard to remove. In this article, we will explain how to clean dog diarrhea from carpets using simple steps and everyday household products. 

What removes diarrhea from the carpet?

Considering the stains and odor from dog diarrhea, you might wonder what is the best cleaner for diarrhea on a carpet. Fortunately, some household items can be handy in cleaning your carpet if you follow the guidelines.

Some household products that can come in handy in removing stains and odor from your carpet include;

• Paper Towels
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Enzyme cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner

Now, before we go into the specifics of how to clean dog diarrhea from carpet using some of these household items, there are best practices you should know to ease cleaning.

Here are some of the best practices for efficient stain removal.

• Act fast: The best time to deal with stains is as soon as possible. The moisture helps the stain soak into your carpet, so acting fast to remove the moisture helps reduce the diarrhea’s effects on the carpet. Even if you have to take your carpet to professionals, you have reduced your bill through this. 
• Blot, don’t rub: It’s natural to want to rub out the stain in your carpet, but this exercise only spreads it and gives it more depth. So, when removing the moisture from your carpet (or any surface that can hold moisture), you should only dab at the affected area. This is the part where you use paper towels (plain ones preferably) to gently remove and contain the stain to only the affected area and depth.
• Use liquid soap: Liquid soaps come in handy in removing stains, especially fresh ones. Although it may not remove stains as effectively as some other cleaning products (it is almost useless against dried stains), liquid soap can be the difference between a ruined carpet and one that is not.
• Test your cleaning solutions before using: Cleaning solutions don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach, so you have to test the ones you are about to use on a hidden part of the carpet before using them on the stained area.

This is important because carpets don’t have the same build (material, thickness, and color). Since these products can negatively affect your carpet if not proportioned correctly, it’s better to test your cleaning solutions before using them on the stained area.

How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Wool Carpets

Wool carpets are sensitive to certain cleaning agents, requiring a gentler approach to avoid damage. When cleaning dog diarrhea from wool carpets, use a mild, acidic solution that preserves both the fibers and color. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
   • Mix ⅓ cup white vinegar, ⅔ cup cool distilled water, and 1½ teaspoons of eco-friendly wool-safe laundry detergent in a spray bottle.
2. Cleaning Process:
   • Spray the stained area with the homemade cleaner.
   • Blot gently with a paper towel, being careful not to rub.
   • Continue spraying and blotting until the stain is no longer visible.
3. Rinsing and Drying:
   • Lightly spray the cleaned area with water.
   • Blot off excess water with a paper towel.
4. Deodorizing:
   • Sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb any lingering odors.
   • Once the baking soda is dry, vacuum the area to restore the carpet’s texture.

How to clean dog diarrhea from carpet with baking soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize the smell of dog diarrhea. Here are some step-by-step procedures to help you remove the mess and the odor using baking soda and other household items. 

1. Put on some gloves and grab a plastic bag to properly dispose of the waste. Use either paper towels or old rags to scoop up as much dog diarrhea as you can and place them in the bag. If the dog’s diarrhea is dried, gently scrape it off the carpet using a knife.
2. Blot the stained area with paper towels or rags to absorb any remaining moisture.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for approximately 40 minutes. Another option is to create a baking soda paste by mixing one teaspoon of water with two teaspoons of baking soda. Apply this mixture evenly over the stained area.
4. Vacuum up the baking soda and check if the stain is still visible. If it is still visible, repeat step 3 until the stain is completely gone.
5. Rinse the area with water and gently blot it dry using paper towels or rags. You can also utilize a fan or hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
6. Dispose of the plastic bag with the waste and wash your hands thoroughly.

How to clean dog diarrhea from carpet with vinegar

Vinegar can play a role in creating a cleaning solution. Just like baking soda, vinegar possesses properties that make it an excellent disinfectant and deodorizer capable of breaking down fecal matter. Here are a few steps on how to use vinegar to clean dog diarrhea from your carpet:

1. Wear gloves and remove the excess diarrhea with paper towels or a dull knife. Try not to rub or smear the mess into the carpet fibers. Dispose of the paper towels or the knife in a plastic bag.
2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add one teaspoonful of mild liquid soap to create a more potent solution.  
3. Spray the vinegar solution generously on the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes. The vinegar will help loosen the remaining diarrhea from the carpet fibers.
4. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel until the stain is gone.
5. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry completely. Baking soda will help absorb residue stains. Repeat steps 3 and 4 till there are zero stains.
6. Vacuum up the baking soda and enjoy your clean carpet.

How to clean dog diarrhea from carpet using hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective cleaning product against the stains and odors from dog diarrhea. The following steps explain how to use hydrogen peroxide to remove diarrhea stains effectively.

1. Wipe the affected area with wet paper towels or baby wipes. Blot the affected area with water or baby wipes until you remove as much poop residue as possible. Do not rub or scrub the carpet, which can spread the stain and damage the fibers.
2. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove any remaining stains. Create your hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution by mixing three tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water and spray or pour it onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then place another clean cloth over the area and press it into the carpet to soak up the liquid.
3. Rinse the area with water and dry it thoroughly. You can use a spray bottle filled with water or a wet cloth. 
4. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. You can also use a fan, a hair dryer, or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
5. Sprinkle baking soda on the area, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up the next day.

How to clean dog diarrhea from the carpet using an enzyme cleaner

1. Wear some gloves and use paper towels or a spatula to scoop up as much of the diarrhea as possible. Dispose of it in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
2. Spray the affected area with an enzyme cleaner. Follow the instructions on the label and let the cleaner sit for the recommended time.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the excess liquid. 
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the stain is gone or no more color transfers to the cloth or paper towel.
5. Rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry. You can also use a fan or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
6. Vacuum the carpet once completely dry to restore its texture.

Eco-Friendly Homemade Solution for Cleaning Dog Diarrhea from Carpets

Creating an eco-friendly cleaner is easy and cost-effective. Here’s how to make and use a homemade cleaning solution:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1½ teaspoons of eco-friendly dish soap.
   • 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
   • 2 cups of warm water.
2. Preparation:
   • Combine the dish soap, vinegar, and warm water in a spray bottle.
   • Shake well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Application:
   • Spray the affected area generously with the mixture.
   • Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the stain.
   • Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel until the liquid is absorbed.
   • If necessary, reapply the cleaner and repeat the blotting process.
4. Rinsing and Drying:
   • After the stain is removed, spray the area with cold water to rinse out any soap residue.
   • Blot the area dry with a clean towel.
   • To tackle any remaining odors, sprinkle baking soda over the area, let it sit until dry, and then vacuum.

How to clean tough stains on carpet

For stubborn dog diarrhea stains that don’t respond to initial cleaning methods, consider using a stronger approach:

1. Preparing the Solution:
   • Combine 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of water.
2. Application:
   • Conduct a spot test on a hidden area of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause bleaching.
   • Blot the stain with the hydrogen peroxide solution using a paper towel or clean rag.
   • Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
3. Rinsing:
   • Rinse the area with water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
4. Important Precaution:
   • If you have previously used a vinegar solution, rinse the carpet with cold water before applying hydrogen peroxide. This prevents the formation of peracetic acid, which can be irritating.

Unique Cleaning Hacks for Dog Diarrhea Stains on Carpet

While some cleaning methods may not work, you might need to try something different. Here’s a cleaning hack to consider:

Using Shaving Foam:

1. After initial cleanup, apply shaving foam to the stained area.
2. You can either massage the foam gently into the carpet with gloves or let it sit for up to 20 minutes.
3. Add some water and blot the area with a towel or cloth.
4. Allow the carpet to dry naturally.

Professional Cleaning Services for Dog Diarrhea Stains on Carpet

If you’re dealing with dog diarrhea stains on your carpet that are hard to remove, it may be worth considering the services of cleaners. These expert cleaners have the skills and equipment to effectively treat and eliminate stains and unpleasant odors from your carpets.

When to call in professionals for carpet cleaning;

• Stubborn Stains: If your attempts at using home remedies or DIY solutions have failed to remove the stain.
• Delicate Carpets: Certain types of carpets such as wool or silk require care to avoid damage, which is why professional assistance might be necessary.
• Health Concerns: Professional cleaners use cleaning products and disinfectants that are more effective in thoroughly sanitizing your carpet.

The benefits of opting for carpet cleaning services;

• Expertise: Professional cleaners possess knowledge and skills for this type of job. They utilize specialized products for efficient odor removal and cleaning tough pet stains.
• Equipment: They employ quality industrial-grade equipment designed for cleaning, ensuring a thorough job.
• Time-Saving: Outsourcing this task can save time and effort specially if you don’t have time to clean it yourself.

FAQs

Should I let dog diarrhea dry on the carpet before cleaning it?

Do not let dog diarrhea dry on the carpet before cleaning it. The longer it stays on the carpet, the tougher the stain becomes, putting your carpet at risk of ruin.

How to get dog diarrhea smell out of the carpet?

To remove the dog diarrhea smell from a carpet, clean the area with vinegar and water solution, then sprinkle baking soda over it. Let the baking soda sit before vacuuming it up.

How to get dried dog diarrhea out of carpet?

To clean dried dog diarrhea from a carpet, scrape off the solids, clean with a vinegar-water solution, blot the area, and then vacuum baking soda after it dries to eliminate odors.

Conclusion

Dog diarrhea can be nasty and unexpected, but knowing how to clean dog diarrhea from a carpet brings some relief. Also, knowing that you can achieve this with minimum cost brings more upside to owning pets.

Remember to clean the diarrhea as soon as possible, blot, not rub the affected area, and always use the right concentration of your cleaning solution. However, you can always check with the nearest pro cleaners if you need to get up to deal with the stains yourself.