by Chrystal Mahan

Created on: January 14, 2010

Accidents happen, even with the best trained animals. When dealing with pets, often there is just no way to prevent them. Removing these pet stains does not have to mean you banish your dog outside forever, or a cat to their own room! Plenty of common household items can battle those stains. The most awful smell can be neutralized.

To clean urine stains and smells use vinegar. This mixture also works well if your pet has suddenly lost its meal.  Mix a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Blot the urine with a paper towel, picking up as much as you can. Spray the soiled area then blot some more until color and odor have vanished. Let dry thoroughly.

Another way to remove pet stains is with baking soda. Baking soda absorbs the odor; mix it with a few drops of Hydrogen Peroxide to form a paste. Place the paste on the stain and allow it to dry completely. Once the mixture has dried completely, just vacuum it up and presto! No more stain or smell!

The Humane Society suggests if you can smell it, but you can not see it, then purchase a black light. Amazon has a wide variety to suit any budget. Using the black light will help you see old and new urine stains once the white lights go off.

Disguise the accident area from your pet. This is extremely useful for repeat offenders. Cover the area with furniture, plants or even a rug. For cats, make their potty area beautiful and keep it clean. To hinder smells purchase a litter box that is not only attractive, but smell resistant as well. The ModKat (http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/23/pet-product-revi ew-modkat-litter-box/) does just that.  Not only does it look like a piece of art, it practically cleans itself. Well worth the $180 price tag.

If an item can be washed, do so now! Using detergent and a box of baking soda to the wash will immediately lift the smell, and the stains. You want to be sure a pet can never smell their previous stain or they will continue to soil the same area.

One thing you will want to avoid is using a steam cleaner as the heat will make the stain set permanently.  Also, avoid using chemical cleaners as many of these do not completely get rid of the odor and will simply just add to it.

The best thing you can do for a smell free home is to retrain your pet. Not only will your nose thank you, but your pet will too. No pet likes to hear a stern voice, or the word “no.” Helping your pet will help you. Be consistent. Give rewards and praise. For animals that potty outside, keep them on a daily schedule and take them to the same are so they have a “potty zone.”

As a word of caution, if you try to remedy the situation and there are still problems, it might be best for you to call your veterinarian as there could be something more serious wrong with you pet then just an occasional accident. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

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