Dealing with pet urine on your carpet is a common challenge for pet owners. Accidents happen, and the lingering odor and stubborn stains can be frustrating. Many commercial carpet shampoos promise to tackle pet urine, but they often come with a hefty price tag and harsh chemicals. What if you could create an incredibly effective carpet shampoo at home, specifically designed to combat pet urine, for just pennies per gallon? This DIY carpet shampoo recipe is not only budget-friendly but also surprisingly powerful, outperforming even expensive store-bought brands in removing pet urine stains and odors.
Originally created by a resourceful homeowner who tested countless solutions, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone struggling with pet messes. It’s a concentrated formula that cleans deep, removes stains from food, spills, and, most importantly, tough pet urine stains and odors. Get ready to say goodbye to expensive carpet cleaning solutions and hello to a fresh, clean, and odor-free home with this amazing DIY carpet shampoo.
Why This DIY Carpet Shampoo is Perfect for Pet Urine
Pet urine presents a unique challenge due to its strong odor and tendency to deeply penetrate carpet fibers, leading to stubborn stains. Many commercial carpet cleaners fall short when it comes to completely eliminating these issues. This homemade recipe, however, is specifically formulated to tackle these problems head-on.
Here’s why this DIY carpet shampoo excels at removing pet urine:
- Powerful Stain Removal: The combination of ingredients like Oxiclean and LA’s Totally Awesome cleaner works synergistically to break down and lift even old, set-in pet urine stains from carpet fibers.
- Odor Neutralization: Unlike some cleaners that simply mask odors, this recipe targets and neutralizes the odor molecules in pet urine, leaving your carpet smelling fresh and clean.
- Cost-Effective: Commercial pet urine carpet shampoos can be very expensive. This DIY version costs approximately $1 per gallon to make, saving you significant money while delivering superior results.
- Gentle on Carpets: While powerful on stains and odors, the ingredients are formulated to be gentle enough for carpets, especially when diluted correctly, preventing damage and preserving carpet softness.
- Versatile: This solution isn’t just for pet urine. It’s effective on all types of carpet stains, making it an all-around great carpet cleaner for homes with pets and families.
Don’t just take our word for it. See the stain-removing power in action:
Before: A noticeable pet urine stain marring the carpet’s appearance.
After: The same area, completely free of the pet urine stain after using this DIY carpet shampoo.
The Ultimate DIY Carpet Shampoo Recipe for Pet Urine Stains
This recipe uses readily available household cleaning supplies and is incredibly easy to mix. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a potent carpet cleaner for pet urine.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Liquid Tide Laundry Detergent: Tide is known for its powerful cleaning capabilities and helps to lift stains and dirt from carpet fibers. It’s effective at breaking down organic matter found in pet urine.
- 1/4 cup LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner: This powerful cleaner is excellent at degreasing and stain removal. It enhances the stain-fighting power of the formula, particularly effective against tough pet urine stains.
- 1 scoop Oxiclean (3 Tbsp): Oxiclean is a color-safe bleach alternative that uses the power of oxygen to lift stains and brighten carpets. It’s crucial for removing the discoloration caused by pet urine and helps to eliminate odors. Generic dollar store brands of oxygen cleaner work just as well, making it even more budget-friendly.
- 1 tsp Downy Fabric Softener (Optional): Downy adds a pleasant scent and helps to keep carpets soft after cleaning. While optional, it’s a nice touch, especially for pet owners who want to eliminate any lingering pet odors and leave a fresh scent.
- 1 Gallon Hot Water: Hot water aids in dissolving the cleaning agents and enhances their cleaning power. Make sure the water is hot but safe for your carpet type.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or pitcher, mix together the liquid Tide, LA’s Totally Awesome cleaner, Oxiclean, and Downy (if using). Stir gently until combined.
- Dissolve in Hot Water: Pour the mixture into a gallon of hot water. Stir slowly and gently to dissolve the Oxiclean completely. Avoid creating excessive bubbles.
- Use Immediately or Store: For best results, use the solution immediately in your carpet cleaning machine. Alternatively, you can store any leftover solution in a labeled gallon container with a lid for future use.
How to Use This DIY Carpet Shampoo for Pet Urine
Using this homemade carpet shampoo is as simple as using any store-bought solution. Follow these steps for optimal pet urine stain and odor removal:
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Before shampooing, vacuum your carpet thoroughly to remove loose dirt, debris, and pet hair. This step is crucial for allowing the cleaning solution to work directly on the stains.
- Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Always test the solution in a hidden area of your carpet to ensure colorfastness. Wait at least 24 hours to check for any discoloration or adverse reactions.
- Prepare Your Carpet Cleaning Machine: Fill the clean water reservoir of your carpet cleaning machine with hot water, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add Concentrated Solution: Add 1/4 cup of the concentrated DIY carpet shampoo solution to the water reservoir for a typical carpet cleaning machine. Always refer to your machine’s manual for specific instructions on solution ratios.
- Shampoo Your Carpets: Operate your carpet cleaning machine as directed, paying extra attention to areas with pet urine stains and odors. Make overlapping passes to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Allow to Dry: Allow your carpets to air dry completely. This may take several hours depending on humidity and airflow. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to speed up drying.
Cost Savings Breakdown:
Let’s compare the cost of this DIY solution to commercial carpet shampoos designed for pet urine:
| Ingredient | Approximate Cost per Batch |
|---|---|
| Tide Packet (1/2 packet used) | $0.50 |
| Downy Fabric Softener | $0.15 |
| LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner | $0.15 |
| Oxiclean Cleaner | $0.20 |
| Total Cost per Gallon | $1.00 |
Commercial pet urine carpet cleaning solutions often cost $20-$30 for just a half-gallon. This DIY recipe provides a gallon of powerful cleaner for only $1, offering significant savings without compromising on cleaning power.
Tips for Tackling Stubborn Pet Urine Stains and Odors
For particularly stubborn or old pet urine stains and odors, consider these enhanced techniques:
- Pre-Treat Stains: For heavily stained areas, pre-treat with a 50/50 mixture of the concentrated DIY solution and water. Apply directly to the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then proceed with carpet shampooing.
- Multiple Cleaning Sessions: For very severe pet urine issues, you may need to shampoo the affected area multiple times. Allow the carpet to dry between sessions to assess the progress.
- Consider a Final Water Rinse (Optional): While not always necessary, some carpet cleaning experts recommend a final rinse with plain water to remove any cleaning residue, which can attract dirt over time. However, many users find the small amount of residue from this diluted solution is negligible and appreciate the softness and scent left by the Downy.
FAQs About DIY Carpet Shampoo for Pet Urine
Will this solution work in any carpet cleaning machine?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be compatible with most carpet cleaning machines, including upright models, handheld spot cleaners, and rental machines like Rug Doctor. Users have reported success with Bissell, Hoover, and other brands. However, always consult your machine’s manual for warranty information, as some warranties may require the use of specific branded cleaners.
Can I use this on upholstery, rugs, and car interiors?
Yes, this versatile solution is safe and effective for use on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and car interiors. It’s powerful enough to remove pet urine stains from various fabrics while being gentle enough to avoid damage. Always test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area first.
Are there substitutions for ingredients?
While this recipe is optimized as is, some substitutions can be made:
- Liquid Tide: Other liquid laundry detergents can be substituted, but Tide is recommended for its stain-fighting power.
- LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner: Mean Green cleaner might be a possible alternative, although the original recipe’s effectiveness is best guaranteed with LA’s Totally Awesome.
- Oxiclean: Generic oxygen cleaners from dollar stores work equally well.
- Downy Fabric Softener: Any fabric softener can be used or omitted if you prefer a scent-free solution.
Does this DIY carpet shampoo expire?
The concentrated solution can be stored for 6 months or longer in a cool, dry place. Label the container clearly as “Concentrated Carpet Cleaner Solution.”
Is this solution safe for pets?
While the ingredients are common household cleaners, it’s always best to keep pets away from the wet carpet until it is completely dry. Ensure the area is well-ventilated during and after cleaning. Once dry, the minimal residue is generally considered safe.
Do I need to rinse after using this solution?
A final water rinse is optional. Many users skip this step and are satisfied with the results, enjoying the slight softness and scent from the fabric softener. If you prefer to rinse, simply run your carpet cleaning machine over the carpets again with only clean water in the reservoir.
Disclaimer: Always check your carpet cleaning machine’s warranty information regarding the use of non-branded cleaning solutions. Test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire carpet.
Reclaim Your Carpets from Pet Urine Today!
This homemade carpet shampoo is a powerful, affordable, and effective solution for pet urine stains and odors. Say goodbye to expensive commercial cleaners that underperform and hello to a fresh, clean, pet-odor-free home. Try this DIY recipe today and experience the difference!
Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution
The best ever concentrated homemade carpet cleaner solution recipe for machines. It’s easy, costs only $1 per Gallon to make and is tough on stains, especially pet urine.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp liquid Tide laundry detergent
- 1/4 cup LA’s Totally Awesome cleaner
- 1 scoop Oxiclean (3 tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon Downy fabric softener (optional)
- 1 gallon hot water
Instructions
- Making the Solution: In a small bowl, combine the liquid Tide, Awesome cleaner, Oxiclean, and Downy if using. Stir until combined. Add to a gallon of hot water, stirring gently until Oxiclean is dissolved.
- How to Use Solution: Vacuum carpet thoroughly. Test solution in a hidden area. Fill carpet cleaner reservoir with hot water, add 1/4 cup of concentrated solution. Shampoo carpets, paying attention to pet urine stains. Wait 24 hours for carpets to dry.
Notes
- Storing Leftover Solution: Store in a labeled gallon container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Pre-treating Stains: Mix 50/50 solution with water, apply to stain, let sit for 5 minutes before shampooing.
- Final Rinse: Optional water rinse is personal preference.
Happy pet-stain cleaning! Enjoy your fresh, clean carpets and the money you’ve saved!
