Your dog brings in dirt and debris from the yard, making tracks on your carpet and throughout your home. And even though he's a well-trained dog, he may soil the carpet while you're at work. It may be simple to apply a commercial carpet cleaner, but toxic chemicals are in commercial cleaners. The right natural homemade cleaners can be safer for your dog and family.
Chemicals in Commercial Cleaners
Commercial cleaners typically contain pesticides, disinfectants, formaldehyde, fragrances, acids and lye. These harmful chemicals get released into the air and water, which can affect your dog's health and your family's by aggravating allergies and chronic respiratory conditions. According to the Global Healing Center, these chemicals can also blend with toxic materials found in synthetic carpets, which can release fumes. Your pets are at high risk of coming in contact with these fumes -- they eat, play and rest on your carpets.
Organic Cleaners
According to the Global Healing Center, organic cleaners don't pollute the air and are healthier for you, your family and the environment. Unlike other cleaners, they do not leave vapors in the air, which reduces irritation to the respiratory system, minimizing coughing, congestion, asthma reflexes and fatigue. Natural cleaners are dry and can reduce mold growth; once mold gets in your carpet, it's nearly impossible to remove.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Urine has acidic and alkaline components that need to be counteracted using baking soda and vinegar. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda in a spray bottle. If you're cleaning up a new soiled spot, blot the area dry, spray the remover onto the spot and blot dry the area. Repeat if necessary. If you're cleaning up an old spot, the cleaner should neutralize the urine.
Borax and Vinegar
Mix 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of white vinegar into a paste. Rub the paste directly into the stain and let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum over the area.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
In a spray bottle, combine 12 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 teaspoon of natural dish soap and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda. Liberally apply the mix to the stain and allow the spot to air-dry. Vacuum any remaining residue.
Cleaning Pet Stains
When cleaning stains on your carpet, treat it as soon as possible -- the quicker you can get to the soiled area, the easier it is to remove the stain. Before you start cleaning, blot the area removing the excess urine, mud or debris. Blot the stain from the outside inward so you don't spread it. When cleaning carpet, make sure to get deep so you get the carpet and the under-layers.