How to Remove Pet Stains: Tips and Guidelines

A pet is like a member of the family -- one that occasionally has accidents indoors. Follow these tips to remove pet stains.

The first step in removing pet stains is to identify the stained material.

Below are the most common types of materials that can become pet-stained, with steps on how to remove pet stains from each:

Synthetic fabrics such as Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin or Polyester
Porous surfaces such as Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum or Vinyl Tile
Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate or Terrazzo
Carpet (synthetic or wool)
Wood

Synthetic Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove pet stains from Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester:

Quickly and gently scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove the solids.
Be careful not to force any stain into the fiber.
Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the stain with a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia.
Tamp (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) or scrape to help loosen the stain and blot occasionally with an absorbent pad.
Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all traces of ammonia.

Follow these steps to remove pet stains from Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile:

Follow these steps to remove pet stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:

Scrape to remove the solids, then wash the area with a cloth dipped in a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry.

Follow these steps to remove pet stains from carpet:

After removing solids, apply cleaners such as Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover, Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover, or Up & Out (do not use Up & Out on wool). Be sure to follow the label directions for special instructions and any precautions.
An alternate method is to scrape to remove the solids, being careful not to push stain into pile.
Sponge the area with a solution of 1 teaspoon mild non-alkali detergent and 1 pint lukewarm water.
Blot the stain with an absorbent pad.
Continue the sponging and blotting until no more stain is removed.
If any stain persists, sponge the area with a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 cup warm water. (Do not use ammonia on wool carpet.)
Blot excess liquid, and continue treatment until no more stain is removed.
Place an absorbent pad over the damp area and weight it down.
When no more liquid is absorbed, remove the pad and allow area to thoroughly air dry.

Follow these steps to remove pet stains from wood: