Carpet Cleaning:(

[fluffypony]

Right. So my pups aren't old enough to have proper bowel control, and whilst they're learning where it's good to potty verses where it's bad, breaking their surface preference for carpets is proving tricky. Because of this, my room carpet is looking pretty disgusting at the moment. The veranda outside is looking pretty shocking too, and it doesn't smell fantastic, everytime I mop the tiles it lasts for five minutes before the pups muck it up again:/ Bearing in mind that I'm in South Africa and we don't always have access to the REALLY fancy (and pricey) pet-specific carpet cleaning products, what's the best way of dealing with this? The reason I ask is that my roommate is freaking out in a big way, starting to make "the dogs or me" claims because of the "filth" that I live in. Pfffft.

[Vanessa]

Hey Fluffypony~
I can only imagine what you are going through.. Two pups is twice the work. Wow..They are adorable though! I saw the additional pictures you posted on your website and they are soooooo beautiful!
As for the carpet issues…Is there an area which you could fence off with a baby gate? That would help. I know its got to be hard to keep an eye on those two but stay strong :) You'll get through it. Be consistant. Take them outside every 20-30 min. As soon as they start sniffin the carpet scoop them up and go outside. Eventually they will get it. Good luck!!!!!!

[DebraDownSouth]

Hi. Well of course the first order of the day is to not let them loose unless you are watching them. It might mean you have to keep one crated at a time. But every "accident" increases time it takes to house break.

http://www.clickerlessons.com/housetraining.html

For cleaning, this is from a friend of mine who not only is a dog trainer, but owns a cleaning service. Hope it helps!

How to remove dog urine stains and odors from carpet!
This works for dog, cat, human or any other type of urine.

FOR FRESH WET URINE.

1. Blot dry with a white cotton towel. Soak up as much liquid as possible by blotting.
2. Mix a solution of one tea spoon powdered laundry detergent (do not use bleach) to one quart of HOT water. Stir until all powder is dissolved. Put solution in a clean spray bottle.
3. Wet the carpet thoroughly. Lightly brush area with a soft scrub brush.
4. Blot dry with a dry white cotton towel. Remove as much moisture as possible.
5. Pour out the remaining hot detergent and rinse spray bottle. Fill bottle with hot water. Rinse area and blot dry. Repeat this step at least 3 times.
6. Use a separate spray bottle and fill it with white vinegar. Mist this lightly over the damp carpet. Keep the vinegar for use another time.
7. Allow carpet to dry.

FOR DRY OR OLD URINE.

1. Mix a solution of one tea spoon powdered laundry detergent (do not use bleach) to one quart of HOT water. Stir until all powder is dissolved. Put solution in a clean spray bottle.
2. Wet the carpet thoroughly with detergent solution. Lightly brush area with a soft scrub brush.
3. Blot dry with a dry white cotton towel. Remove as much moisture as possible.
4. Pour out the remaining hot detergent and rinse spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with hot water. Rinse area and blot dry. Repeat this step at least 3 times.
5. Wet area with enough white vinegar to saturate the yellow stain. Gently work the vinegar into the pile of the carpet with a soft scrub brush. Brush the nap of the carpet the same direction as the adjoining carpet and let it dry.
6. After 24 hours inspect the carpet for any remaining yellow stain or odor. Repeat step 5 again if needed. You may repeat this step up to three times if needed.
7. If the stain or odor remain you may attempt to use an enzyme product(Natures Miracle, Anti Ichi Poo, and many others available at pet stores, and mail order houses). CAUTION: Their are some health risk associated with repeated use of enzymes especially for people with respiratory problems. Also many of the enzyme products being sold to clean up pet stains have a very high pH and will destroy the stain resistant properties of your carpet. Who cares? It's not cleaning up anyway right? Retreat the carpet with 3M "Scotchgard" TM carpet protector when you are compleatly finished.
8. Rinse carpet with warm water to remove all other cleaning agents before working with enzymes. Enzymes are living organisms and can be killed by certain chemicals.
9. If their are directions on the bottle follow them if not here is the general method.
   Wet carpet with enzyme solution thoroughly and work solution into the fiber with a soft brush. Allow the enzyme solution to work for at least 24 hours. Be sure to keep the area moist for a 24 hour period by misting with warm water occasionally.
10. Rinse the carpet with hot water . Use a separate spray bottle and fill it with white vinegar. Mist this lightly over the damp carpet and let it dry.
11. Inspect carpet after it is dry. If the stain is still visible repeat steps 9 and 10 up to 3 times.

PERSISTENT ODOR PROBLEMS?
If you have cleaned the carpet face fibers as described and still have an odor problem it probably not originating from the face fibers. Under the carpet are several layers of potentially odor absorbing material.

The Carpet Backing-
Your carpet is glued to a woven backing and sub backing that may be composed of a natural fiber like jute (tan or brown) or a synthetic fiber like action back (white). If you have a carpet with a natural backing it will be much more difficult to rid it of offensive odors. Either way you may treat it the same. Detach carpet from tackless strip and pull up affected area. Apply a DISINFECTANT (Lysol), or an enzyme product, directly to the backing of the carpet. Let the backing dry before it is reinstalled.

The Pad-
If the pad is discolored from pet urine cut out the affected area making straight cuts only. Take a portion of the damaged pad to a carpet retailer and buy matching pad to replace the damaged area. Cut out a new piece to the exact size and lay it in place. Tape the new pieces down with 3 inch wide masking tape.

Sub Flooring-
It may be concrete, wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, or any other number of surfaces. Concrete and wood are the most common and the most absorbent. Apply a disinfectant (Lysol or Bleach if you are very careful to avoid the carpet) to the affected area. Let it dry. Seal the concrete with any concrete sealer available at hardware stores. Seal wood with polyurethane varnish.

Reattach the carpet to the tackless strip. You will probably need to hire a professional for this job. It's harder than it looks.

About the author:
My name is Mark Brackmann and I own Spotless Carpet Cleaning Inc. a professional carpet cleaning service in Jacksonville, Florida. I have used the methods described above, hundreds of times over the years and have charged my good customers thousands of dollars for this fine service. Many times the same customer will call me back several times a year to handle new problem areas or old areas revisited by the pet. Although it is a welcome addition to my income I am always stuck by how utterly unnecessary it is to clean dog urine from carpet. It is always easier, quicker, cheaper, and certainly more sanitary to teach the dog to pee outside.

Copyright 1996, this article may be reproduced only in it's entirety, not for profit purposes, and if the author is given credit. The author will not be responsible for any damage that is done, to the carpet or other property. Caution should be exorcised when using any chemicals around pets, or especially children. The author assumes no responsibility for injury, illness or any other loss.<<

[jenwilson]

I am fortunate… I work for a carpet cleaning company and can utilize their chemicals or services any time we have an "accident." Luckily my Hollie is housebroke (thank goodness) and she also goes to work with me, so I have very little opportunity for her to have accidents. Thanks for the above information, though, I may need it one day.

[glennstroud844]

I used Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner. They were a little expensive, but they did a great job and I think it was worth it!