Animal stains on carpets and rugs is one of the most frequently occurring problems. If taken care of immediately, most pet/ urine stains leave no trace on the carpet. But if neglected, they can cause dye loss, fabric deterioration and odor. There are two ways in which the pet urine stain will affect the carpet:

• Immediate effect: Some dyes may undergo noticeable color change (note: this color change is usually reversible unless neglected).
• Long-term effect: These effects may not be noticeable intially. Over the succeeding weeks and months, some dyes may undergo permanent color changes. At times dyes can become weakened and tend to bleed. Carpet fibers may also be damaged by the chemical reactions between the fiber and the stain. Old urine stain smells strongly like ammonia. Wetting or moisture may increase this unpleasant odor. Urine may also support bacteria growth in carpet/padding.

The key to effective cleaning of pet/urine stain is promptness: blot up as much stain as possible using white, absorbent paper towel. Then rinse the affected area using household ammonia solution. Blot dry using paper towel. Rinse again using vinegar solution. Again, blot the area dry. for effective drying, you may use absorbent towels placed flat over the affected area and weighed down with heavy, flat objects like books..

Remember that professional cleaning or restoration might be required to take care of any discoloration and to effectively disinfect the area. In extreme case, the stain may be impossible to clean and may require removal of affected (area of the) carpet.