How To Clean Cat Diarrhea From Your Carpet

Cats are usually known for their good hygiene, but accidents can happen. If your cat has had diarrhoea on your carpet, it's important to act quickly to prevent stains and lingering odours. In this article, we'll cover how to remove cat diarrhoea from your carpet and treat the affected area to prevent your cat from soiling the same spot again.

Removing dried cat diarrhea from carpet

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools and Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

• Gloves and a face mask: These will protect you from bacteria and unpleasant odours.
• Paper towels or clean rags: Absorbent materials to help lift the mess.
• A stiff brush: To help loosen the dried matter.
• A vacuum cleaner: To remove solid particles.
• A bucket of warm water: For rinsing and cleaning.
• A rag or sponge: To scrub and wipe the affected area.
• Toilet paper: For easy disposal of the mess.
• A cleaning solution: You can use a mixture of cool water, dish detergent, and vinegar, or opt for an enzymatic or oxygenated cleaner specifically designed for pet stains.

Step 2: Remove Solid Particles

Start by putting on your gloves and face mask. Use paper towels or a spade to remove as much of the dried cat diarrhea as possible. Be gentle to avoid pushing the stain further into the carpet fibres. If there are solid particles stuck in the carpet, use a comb or teaspoon to carefully lift them out.

Step 3: Apply a Cleaning Solution

Once you've removed the bulk of the mess, it's time to treat the stain. You can use a mixture of 2 cups of cool water, 1 tablespoon of dish detergent, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Alternatively, you can use enzymatic or oxygenated cleaners designed for pet stains. Apply the solution to the affected area and let it sit for a while to penetrate the stain.

Step 4: Scrub and Blot the Area

Using a clean rag or sponge, gently scrub the area to lift the stain from the carpet fibres. Continue blotting until the stain is removed. If necessary, apply more of the cleaning solution and repeat the process. You can also use baking soda by sprinkling it over the area, letting it sit for about 10 minutes, and then applying a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. This will help to further loosen the stain.

Step 5: Treat the Smell

Even if the stain is gone, it's important to treat the area for odours to prevent your cat from being drawn back to the same spot. You can use an enzymatic cleaner, or a mixture of 5 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoons of dish detergent. Apply the solution and blot the area with a clean white cloth. Alternatively, you can simply sprinkle baking soda over the area, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then vacuum it up.

Step 6: Finalise the Cleaning

Allow the carpet to air dry after treating the stain and odour. Once dry, vacuum the area to finish the cleaning process. If necessary, use an air purifier to eliminate any lingering smells from the room.

Using enzymatic cleaners to remove stains

Enzymatic cleaners are a great way to remove stains and odours from carpets, especially those caused by pet accidents. Enzymes break down the molecules found in organic matter, such as pet urine, into smaller molecules that are easier to remove. They are also relatively gentle and safe for use on most surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces.

Step 1: Remove Solid Waste

Using paper towels or a spade, remove as much solid waste as possible from the carpet. If the stain is wet, soak up any moisture with paper towels or a dry cloth. Try to avoid working the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.

Step 2: Apply Enzymatic Cleaner

Once you have removed as much solid waste as possible, it's time to apply the enzymatic cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product label, as application methods may vary. Some enzymatic cleaners come in a spray bottle, while others may need to be poured or sprayed directly onto the stain. Allow the cleaner to penetrate the stain for the recommended amount of time.

Step 3: Blot the Stain

After allowing the enzymatic cleaner to work its magic, use a clean cloth to gently blot the stained area. Continue blotting until the stain transfers from the carpet to the cloth. If the stain persists, apply more of the cleaner and repeat the process.

Step 4: Treat the Odour

Even if you think the odour has been eliminated, it is important to treat the area to prevent your pet from marking the same spot again. Enzymatic cleaners are very effective in eliminating odours, as they break down the molecules that cause the smell. Apply the enzymatic cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. You can also use baking soda or vinegar to help neutralise the odour.

Step 5: Vacuum the Carpet

Once you have removed the stain and treated the odour, allow the carpet to dry completely. Then, vacuum the area to restore the softness and even nap of the carpet fibres.

It is important to choose an enzymatic cleaner that is safe for use on carpets and around pets. Always read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Some enzymatic cleaners may require dilution before application, while others may need to be applied directly to the stain. It is also a good idea to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before treating the stain to ensure it does not damage or discolour the fibres.

Using home remedies to remove stains

Step 1: Remove the poop

If you are dealing with a wet poop stain, the first step is to remove as much poop from the area as you can before you start cleaning it. Start by using a shovel or paper towels to pick up as much of the poop as possible.

Remove as much of the top layer as you can before gently using the paper towel to remove the remnants of poop between the carpet fibers. Fold the paper towel in half and start dabbing the area to soak up some of the moisture. Try to avoid working the stain deeper into the carpet fibers. Do this until the paper towel comes back clean and most of the poop has been transferred to your paper towel. Ensure that you use a dry paper towel and don't introduce any additional moisture at this stage, as this will only make the stain worse.

Step 2: Remove any moisture

After removing as much solid waste as you can, sprinkle a heap of baking soda over the stain. The heap should be at least a quarter-inch high. Let it sit for 20 minutes to a couple of hours. You want the baking soda to soak up any residual moisture from the stain. Once everything has dried up, you can vacuum the baking soda and dried-up poop that remains from the stain.

If there are stubborn particles still clinging to the carpet fibers, you can use a comb or teaspoon to remove any dried-up remnants from the carpet fibers. Do not scrape too hard as this will only let the dried poop penetrate deeper into the carpet.

Step 3: Clean the area

After removing the poop, the area is ready to be treated. For this step, you can use a mixture of 2 cups of cool water, a tablespoon of dish detergent, and a tablespoon of vinegar. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water or baking soda and water as your cleaning solution.

Apply your solution to the affected area and let it sit for a while to penetrate the stain. Then, using a clean cloth, gently blot the area until you see the stain transferring from the carpet to the cloth. Continue blotting until the stain is removed. If it doesn’t work, apply more solution and repeat the process.

Alternatively, you can also sprinkle the area with a heap of baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, apply a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and pour it onto the stain. You will see the solution start to bubble up as the stain becomes loosened from the carpet fibers. Then, blot the stain as described above until the stain is completely removed.

Step 4: Treat the smell

Even if you think the smell has been completely eliminated, it is important to still do this step. Unless you used a powerful enzymatic cleaner, your cat will probably still be able to smell it, increasing the chances that they will poop in that same area in the future.

For this step, you can combine 5 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of dish detergent. Rub the mixture into the stained area. Blot the area with a clean white cloth. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the area with baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes.

If you have an air purifier, you can also use this to ensure that any lingering smells are removed from the area or room where the stain occurred. Allow the carpet to dry after you have cleaned the area and treated it for the smell. Then, vacuum your carpet.

Additional Tips

• Before attempting to clean the stain, put on a pair of gloves, old clothes, and a face mask to protect yourself from bacteria and to help you cope with the smell.
• It is always best to deal with the stain as soon as it occurs. However, this is not always possible. If you are dealing with dried poop on your carpet, grab some white paper towels and try to remove as much poop from the carpet as you can.
• After conducting the above steps for treating a wet stain, you can repeat steps 3 and 4 for removing dried poop from a carpet.
• If you don't have any of the above home remedies to hand, you can try using shaving foam. Simply spray the shaving foam cream onto the stained area. Massage it into the carpet gently while wearing latex gloves, or just let it sit there for up to 20 minutes. Then add some water and blot it up with an old towel or cloth. Once again, allow the carpet to dry naturally.
• If you want to opt for a home remedy, you can use something that you already have on hand, such as white vinegar, dish detergent, or baking soda. Alternatively, you can invest in a carpet cleaner spray that will clean and disinfect the area.

Removing cat diarrhea odours

As well as being unhygienic, cat diarrhoea stains can be incredibly pungent and difficult to remove. If your cat has had an accident on your carpet, it's important to act quickly. The first step is to remove as much of the faecal matter as possible. Use paper towels or an old spade to pick up any solid waste. If the stain is wet, be careful not to work it deeper into the carpet fibres.

Removing Moisture

Once you've removed the solid waste, the next step is to remove any residual moisture. Sprinkle a heap of baking soda over the stain, ensuring it is at least a quarter-inch high. Leave it for 20 minutes to a couple of hours to soak up any remaining moisture. Once the area is dry, vacuum the stain to remove the dried-up faeces and baking soda.

Cleaning the Area

There are several methods you can use to clean the affected area. A simple home remedy involves mixing 2 cups of cool water, a tablespoon of dish detergent, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Apply this solution to the stain and let it sit for a while. Then, using a clean cloth, gently blot the area until the stain is removed.

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water or baking soda and water. Apply this to the stain, then blot with a clean cloth. You can also buy carpet cleaning chemicals such as enzymatic or oxygenated cleaners, which are designed to deal with pet stains.

Treating the Smell

Even if you think the smell has been eliminated, it's important to treat the area to prevent your cat from returning to the same spot. Cats have a keen sense of smell and may detect odours that humans cannot. Enzymatic cleaners are the most effective product for dealing with pet odours. You can also use a mixture of 5 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoons of dish detergent. Rub this into the affected area, then blot it with a clean cloth.

Another option is to sprinkle the area with baking soda and leave it for 10 minutes before vacuuming. Other household products that can help to neutralise odours include crushed activated charcoal, ground coffee, weak tea, and dry mustard. Simply apply these to the affected area, leave to dry, then vacuum.

Preventing Future Accidents

To prevent your cat from having future accidents on your carpet, you can spray areas where they have previously urinated with a solution of one-part white vinegar to five-parts water. This should deter your cat from returning to the same spot.

Preventing stains from setting in

To prevent stains from setting in, it's important to act quickly. The longer a stain sits on your carpet, the harder it will be to remove. Here are some general steps to follow to prevent stains from setting in, specifically when it comes to cat diarrhea:

• Remove Excess Solid Waste: Using a shovel or paper towels, gently lift and remove as much solid waste as possible. Be careful not to rub or scrub, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.
• Absorb Moisture: If the diarrhea stain is still wet, absorb as much moisture as possible using paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Blot the area gently, applying some pressure, and be sure to move to a fresh section of the cloth or towel frequently.
• Apply a Stain Remover: There are various options for stain removers, and you can choose between a commercial carpet cleaner or a DIY solution. For cat diarrhea, an enzymatic cleaner is recommended to break down the proteins effectively. You can also try a mixture of dish detergent, vinegar, and water. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before applying it to the stain to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage.
• Blot the Stain: Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, gently blot the stain from the outside towards the centre to prevent spreading. Repeat this process until the stain is no longer transferring to the cloth. Then, blot the area with cold water and blot dry.
• Treat the Smell: Even if the stain is no longer visible, it's important to treat the area for odour. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and they may return to the same spot if they can still detect any odour. You can use an enzymatic cleaner, hydrogen peroxide mixed with dish detergent, or baking soda for this step.
• Vacuum: Once the area is clean and dry, finish by vacuuming your carpet to restore the pile and lift the carpet fibres.

Remember, the key to preventing stains from setting in is to act quickly and follow the appropriate steps for your specific type of stain.

Frequently asked questions