Owning a pet is one of life's great joys, but it can also come with some challenges. One of the biggest is keeping your carpets clean, especially if you have a new pet still learning the ropes of housebreaking or an older one struggling with a health issue. To help keep your flooring in good shape, follow these three carpet cleaning tips for pet owners.

A Carpet Cleaning Guide for Pet Owners

1. Invest in a Handheld Wet-Dry Vacuum

Wet pet messes should be cleaned up right away to avoid stains from saturating carpet and setting in further. Trying to sop up wet spots with paper towels only forces the liquid deeper into the fibers and base of the carpet. Instead, invest in a handheld wet-dry vacuum cleaner and use it to promptly suction up any affected areas.

2. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner

The enzymes in bio-enzymatic cleaners designed for pet urine neutralize odors and break down proteins, making it easier to remove stains. Use the wet-dry vacuum first, then apply the cleaner to an area slightly larger than the stain. Covering the surrounding fibers helps contain the stain and prevent it from spreading. If the stain is still there after attacking it with an enzymatic cleaner, now’s the time to use a traditional pet stain remover.

3. Keep Lint Rollers Handy

A lint roller works wonders for quick, on-the-spot removal of pet hair buildup. Pet hair can accumulate with remarkable speed, and once it gets tamped down into the fibers of the carpet, it can be stubborn to remove and ultimately alter the whole appearance of your flooring. Regular vacuuming is still important, but a lint roller is an ideal tool for spot cleaning. 

Routine professional carpet cleaning is the best way to remove tough stains and maintain your floors when you share a home with a beloved pet. Lakes Area Professional Carpet Care offers carpet cleaning services to the Branson, Kimberling City, Ozark, Hollister, Forsyth, and Nixa, MO, areas. With nearly three decades of experience, they’re trusted leaders in carpet stain removal, as well as water damage, concrete, upholstery, and furniture cleaning. Call (417) 334-6049 for the Branson location, (417) 739-5537 for the Kimberling location, or (417) 485-5651 for Ozark. Visit them online to schedule service today.