Pets & People: Protecting Your Carpet

The United States is home to some 68 million dog owners and 73 million cat owners, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. That’s a lot of love—and a lot of carpet stains. Accidents on carpet require quick cleanup to remove bacteria and odor.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and

Restoration Certification (IICRC) suggests:

 

Extract the moisture.

• Put an inch-thick layer of paper towels on the area
  and a color-fast, absorbent towel on top to absorb moisture.
• Leave it overnight.

 

Seal the floor underneath.

• Treat under floors before installing carpet.
• Thoroughly clean, disinfect and seal concrete floors.
• With wood floors, cut out and replace wood rot.
• Disinfect any stained areas and apply wood sealer
• Enlist a certified professional. Without specialized
  chemicals and extraction equipment, pet owners may
  not be able to completely remove soiling from carpet.