Oriental Rug Pet Stain Removal: 3 Proven Methods

Oriental rugs and pets don’t mix very well. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between your love for these sumptuous rugs and your beloved pet. Thanks to the techniques described below, you will be able to eliminate pesky stains left by your pet on your precious rug.

Before You Start

Check the label of your oriental rug before cleaning it. The label should carry specific instructions to clean the carpet without damaging it. Generally, oriental rugs are made of silk, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Each material requires a particular cleaning method. Also, be aware that although cotton and wool are more robust and easier to clean than silk fibers, no material is utterly immune to permanent damage from a pet accident.

The 3 Methods for Oriental Rug Pet Stain Removal

1. Warm Water Is Your Best Ally

No need to use a fancy method to remove pet messes from your beautiful oriental rug. The safest, most convenient, and economical approach is to immediately blot the stain with paper towels (or white cloth towels) and warm water. Then, gently dab the area without rubbing so as not to set the stain in the fibers of the carpet. By rubbing, the stain (especially urine or vomit) will become embedded deeper in the fiber, and it will be trickier to eliminate it.

Side note: This method will yield better results if you catch your pet in the act. Indeed, the longer you wait, the more the stain risks damaging the fibers of your luxurious rug.

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2. Use a Solution of Vinegar, Water, and Detergent

Prepare a cleaning solution to remove stubborn pet stains. Mix 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, ½ teaspoon of liquid dish detergent, and 2 cups of room temperature water in a bucket. Pour a small amount of the mixture on the stain and dab it gently, without rubbing. The acidity of the vinegar will prevent the rug from discoloring and will aid in the elimination of bad smells.

Caution: Do not add bleach or ammonia to your solution as they will aggravate the stain and might permanently discolor your oriental rug.

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3. Call a Professional

If the previous methods don’t work, or if you’re dealing with a very stubborn stain (like urine), you’ll need to call a certified professional oriental rug cleaner. These professionals specialize in cleaning this type of carpet and use appropriate techniques to avoid damaging the material. Most use special solutions made with enzymes and other compounds. So, since pet stains are a common problem for many oriental rug owners, professional rug cleaners can remove the stain easily.

This is the most reliable and efficient method, but also the most expensive. However, it will cost you less than buying a new oriental rug!

How To Prevent Your Pet from Soiling Your Oriental Rug?

You finally managed to remove the pesky stain left by your beloved pet. But now, the next step is to prevent him or her from coming back to wreak havoc on your beautiful oriental rug.

Note: The tactics below apply especially in the case of urine or feces stains. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to prevent a cat or dog from vomiting in a particular place. Besides, you should not, under any circumstances, punish your pet if this happens.

1. Train Your Pet

It’s easier said than done, but with a little patience and skill, you can train your pet not to go on your splendid oriental rug to do its business. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent your pet from using your oriental rug as a bathroom is to discipline him.

Some owners use bottles filled with water to spray their pets when caught in the act. This may deter your dog or cat from urinating on your oriental rug again but could also stress your pet.

A more effective method that yields better results is positive reinforcement. Reward your dog when he relieves himself in the right place and avoid scolding him if he accidentally uses your mat. This will help your dog understand that he is doing the right thing and that it is in his best interest.

In the case of the cat, positive reinforcement is a little more complicated, but you can use other techniques to prevent him from urinating on your rug.

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2. Keep Your Cat’s Litter Box Spotless

The problem behind your pet’s urge to urinate on your rug may be that they just don’t like their toilet area.

It’s also possible that there aren’t enough litter boxes in your home if you have more than one cat or if your pet just doesn’t like the new brand of litter you bought for him.

So, by making your pet’s designated area more appealing, you will draw him away from your precious rug.

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3. Keep Your Pet Away from Your Oriental Rug

While there are certain smells that cats and dogs adore, there are others that they absolutely abhor. You can take advantage of this by spraying these particular scents around your oriental rug, or by carefully placing certain elements all around it.

Side note: Avoid spraying your rug directly, as this may damage it further.

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4. Clean Your Pet’s Paws Frequently

If your oriental rug is adorned with tiny patterns of dirty paws, it’s time to clean your animals’ feet when they come back from outside!

Indeed, doggies and kitties often bring back dirt and mud after walks in the rain or snow. So, be sure to give their little paws a good wipe when they return!

Conclusion

An oriental rug is a real treasure. Obviously, you want to keep such beauty away from annoying pet stains. However, accidents do happen, and you might as well be prepared in such cases.

Fortunately, there are ways to remove these stains from your precious carpet. But if warm water or spot cleaning solution fails, professional cleaners can salvage what your attempts may not. That being said, prevention is always the best cure. Thus, ensure your pet always has access to a clean, safe place to relieve himself and reinforce positive behaviors with lots of treats and cuddles!

See Also:

• 6 Homemade Cat Urine Cleaner Recipes (Enzyme Cleaners)
• How to Get Cat Urine Smell & Stains Out of Furniture (3 Simple Steps)

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Featured Image Credit: Counselling, Pixabay