A pet owner's guide to clean carpet: stains, odors and daily care

Fresh accidents

Blot up as much as you can with paper towels, pressing hard. Rinse with cold water and blot again. Use an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine, following the label, and let it dry. Don't use ammonia; it smells like urine to pets and invites repeat accidents.

Why odor comes back

Urine soaks into the backing and pad and leaves salts that release odor on humid days. Surface sprays mask it for a while but don't remove it.

Daily habits that help

Vacuum often to pick up hair and dander, keep nails trimmed, and put washable rugs at entrances.

Choosing carpet and rugs if you have pets

Nylon carpet in a medium or multi-tone color hides the most and cleans the best. Avoid light solid colors and loose loop pile that claws can snag. For area rugs, washable synthetic rugs are easiest in pet areas, and wool rugs should be washed promptly after accidents because urine can permanently change wool dyes.

When to call a pro

If odor returns, if there are many spots, or if the pad is saturated. Professional enzyme treatment plus extraction reaches the pad.

Around Long Island

Pet odor calls come from every town we serve, most often from family neighborhoods like Levittown, Massapequa, North Babylon, Commack and Deer Park.