Take these steps to avoid stains after accidents
The two darlings pictured above were my house guests this past week. I was watching them while their owners were out of town. Sparky on the left and the little ball of energy, Tolstoy, on the right kept me entertained with their antics and showered me with sloppy dog kisses. We went for walks – lots and lots of walks, or should I say, they walked, I followed. They came with me to my shop, barked at any and all big dogs that had the nerve to come within 50 yards of them and kept me covered in dog hair.
Animals have always been a part of my life and if they are a part of yours, then you know that pets need a lot of care and sometimes that means tending to little accidents that are bound to happen. Knowing how to treat your area rugs to prevent spots from tender tummies from setting will keep both you and your pet’s nerves calm.
Step #1 Dilute, dilute, dilute! Wet the area with water and use paper towels to draw up the moisture. Using a soft brush or sponge, gently rub the fibers, wet again and repeat blotting with paper towels. Before you use any type of cleaning agent, go to the next step.
Step #2 Use an enzyme based product, such as Nature’s Miracle, and apply liberally to area. This type of product is a must-have for pet owners. Follow directions on container then gently clean with a diluted mixture of mild dishwashing liquid.
Step #3 Stay calm! If tended to quickly, you can prevent most spots from becoming stains. For larger areas, take your rug to a qualified dealer for washing. Keep in mind a good wool rug is naturally stain resistant, and one made of polypropylene is stain-proof – important criteria for people that share their homes with fur kids.
