We all love our pets, but it would be silly to deny that their presence, as wonderful as it may be, makes it difficult to maintain a clean carpet. Cats, in particular, can be a big strain on a clean carpet. There has never been a cat parent whose cat didn’t shed into their carpet, except maybe parents of Sphinxes. Cats also shed allergens and dander into the air, which can be debilitating for any guests with a pet allergy. In addition to this, kittens have a tendency to knock things off the table (including full glasses) and leave little surprises outside their litter box. Keeping your carpets clean and cat-fur-free is an arduous task that takes a small investment as well as routine maintenance.
Cats and kittens can be fun and playful pets, but that playful attitude can get cats into trouble. Kittens have a tendency to knock things off tables and countertops, including cups full of liquids that will leave a nasty stain on your carpets. If your cat spills something like red wine on your carpet, you’ll want to act immediately to combat the stain by immediately blotting with a paper towel to absorb the stain. Next, you should create a solution by mixing together two cups of warm water with one tablespoon each of white vinegar and dishwashing soap before blotting the stain with a clean cloth dipped in the solution. Blot the area dry with paper towels and, once the stain is gone, blot again with cold water.
Your cats have their litter box for a reason, but if your cat decides to urinate on your carpet, act fast to get rid of the stain and the odor. Cats have a superior sense of smell, and they will be able to smell where they peed on your carpet even after the urine has dried up. They will return there to pee again. To break this cycle, use an enzyme-based carpet cleaner to break down the proteins in the urine and eliminate that nasty odor. After, dry the area with a paper towel and pour baking soda over the affected area before adding some soapy water. Rub the affected area with a soft brush before letting it dry. Once it’s dry, go over the area several times with a vacuum. It’s also advised you go over your carpets with a black light to check if there are any dried-up urine stains that you didn’t notice.
The real key to combating cat fur in your carpets is by investing in a good, powerful vacuum. The difference in your carpet before and after using a strong vacuum can be like night and day. Cats spend over half their waking hours grooming themselves. This makes them very clean animals, but that constant grooming sends fur and dander into the air of your home. Gravity will bring that fur down to the ground where it gets embedded in your carpet fibers. Investing in a good, powerful vacuum (we recommend Dyson brand!) and vacuuming 3-5 days per week is a great way to stay on top of your cat’s shedding and maintain (and prolong) the quality of your home’s carpets.
Another way to cut down on the amount of fur and dander in the air and carpets is by bathing your cat regularly. If you can actually get your cat to sit still in the bath, this can make a world of difference for your home, especially for those who suffer from allergies. If your cat isn’t a fan of the bath, there are specialty cat cleansing wipes available that will reduce your cat’s dander while not subjecting you (and your cat) to the stresses of keeping a cat in the bath.
If you feel more comfortable hiring carpet cleaning professionals to take care of your carpet stains and live in Charlottesville, VA please contact Tidy Guy – family owned carpet cleaning company.