Pet stains on clothing and bedding are often challenging for pet owners. Whether it’s an accident or an intentional mark, pet stains are often difficult to remove and tend to leave behind unpleasant odors. But with the right approach and the proper tools, it is possible to remove spots and odors from clothing and bedding.

Pet stains can come in many forms, including urine, feces and vomit. In addition to being unpleasant to deal with, these things often leave behind spots and nasty smells that seem impossible to eliminate. You must act quickly to remove pet stains from clothing and bedding. Let’s look at a few techniques and products, including eco-friendly laundry detergent, for dealing with this all-too-common problem.

Act Quickly

One of the most important steps in removing pet stains is to act quickly. The longer it is allowed to sit, the harder it will be to remove. As soon as you notice a pet stain, clean up as much as possible using paper towels or a clean cloth. You may need a bag or scoop for cleaning up large accidents. After removing any solids, dab the area gently without rubbing the spot. Rubbing may cause it to spread and penetrate deeper into the fabric. If possible, rinse from the back with cool water to remove more of the stain.

Identify the Type of Stain

Before attempting to remove any stain, it is important to identify what you are dealing with. Different kinds require different approaches, so you need to know what you are up against. For example, urine and feces are protein-based stains, while vomit primarily consists of food and digestive acids. Because of this, a product or technique that works great for removing urine stains may be less effective for cleaning up vomit.

Use the Right Products

Using the right products is key. Many stain-removing products are available, ranging from household cleaning agents to commercial laundry detergents. Be sure to choose a product specifically designed for removing pet stains, as these products often contain enzymes that break down the protein in pet waste. Avoid using bleach products when cleaning up urine, as the combination of bleach and ammonia can produce chlorine gas. Remember to stay safe and avoid combining cleaning products of any kind. Despite what certain social media influencers say, less is more — and certainly a lot safer — when it comes to cleaning chemicals.

Give Homemade Cleaning Solutions a Try

For pet owners who prefer to use natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions, there are several homemade options that are effective for removing pet stains. Some of the most common natural stain removers include lemon, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. To use these solutions, mix a small amount of your chosen ingredient with water and apply it to the stain. Be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.

Try Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Eco-friendly laundry products are ideal for pet owners who are environmentally conscious and want to clean up messes without damaging the planet. These detergents are made with natural, biodegradable ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. This also means that they are safer for sensitive skin and can help pets who struggle with allergies. They are just as effective at removing pet stains, making them an excellent choice for animal lovers who want to keep their homes clean and green. Try laundry detergent sheets if you are swapping your chemical-laden detergent for something more natural.

These sheets are small, convenient and easy to use. Place a half or whole sheet in the wash with your soiled clothing or bedding, and let the machine do the work. For particularly nasty stains and large loads, use two sheets. Since they are super concentrated, they do a great job of removing stains and odors. Once you try them, you may never want to return to regular detergent again.

Enlist the Help of a Professional Cleaning Service

If you can’t remove the stain itself, professional cleaning services are a good option. Seeking help from a professional is also a wise idea if the spot is on a garment or other item with monetary or sentimental value. These services have the knowledge and expertise to effectively remove pet stains, and they use specialized cleaning products and equipment that is not available to the general public. However, professional cleaning services can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the value of restoring your clothing or bedding to its original condition.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to avoid pet stains on clothing and bedding is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can achieve this by properly house-training your pet. If your furry family member is prone to accidents, place absorbent pads in the areas they visit most frequently. And if you haven’t already done so, consult with a veterinarian. They may be able to determine the underlying cause of accidents and provide treatment to eliminate the problem. In addition to protecting your home and belongings, addressing the underlying issue may improve your pet’s quality of life.

Conclusion

Dealing with pet stains on clothing and bedding can be challenging, but with the right approach you can usually remove unsightly spots and foul odors. Whether you choose eco-friendly laundry detergents, laundry detergent sheets, homemade cleaning solutions or professional cleaning services, the key to removing pet stains is acting quickly and using the right products and techniques. By following these tips, you can keep your clothing and bedding looking and smelling fresh — even with a pet in the house.