If you have a dog, an accident is bound to happen at some point. If that accident happens on the carpet, there is no need to panic! With some good cleaner products or even basic household items, you can get your carpets back to clean and fresh. Here’s how to clean dog poop from carpet:

How to Clean Dog Poop From Carpet

If your dog poops on your carpet, remain calm and follow these steps:

1. Act Fast and Gather The Right Supplies

A useful home cleaning tip for dog owners is to clean up messes quickly. The quicker you’re able to clean up the mess, the easier the process will be. Plus, fresh stains will come out a lot easier than old ones.

You should also make sure you use the right supplies. Some of the things you may need, depending on the situation, will include disposable or rubber gloves, a bucket, rags, dish soap, distilled white vinegar, a trash bag, baking soda, and an enzymatic cleaner.

If the mess occurred on a rug that is on hardwood flooring, take the rug to an area that is easily washable or put a tarp under it. This will protect your hardwood floors from any water or chemical damage. Let the rug dry after cleaning before putting it back where it belongs.

2. Remove Any Solid Material

Get your rubber or disposable gloves on! This will help you stop spreading germs to yourself and keep your hands clean. Then, starting at the outer edge, use a slightly damp paper towel or rag to lift any solids off the carpeting. Be careful not to push any solids deeper into the fibers. Discard the solids into a trash bag.

If your dog has diarrhea caused by gastritis or something else and it’s really watery or soft, using a plastic spoon or even a paper plate can help get most of it off the fibers. Use a paper towel to blot away any excessive moisture.

3. Go in With a Cleaner

Next, you need to use whatever cleaner you’ve picked. Equal parts of vinegar and warm water with a few drops of dish soap can be really effective at cleaning poop. Use a clean rag or paper towel to gently blot the area until it’s clean.

You can then sprinkle baking soda on the area to help get rid of any lingering odors. Let it dry for about an hour before vacuuming it up. If there are still some odors, sprinkle more on and let it sit overnight or for 12 hours. Put a box or bowl over the area so no one walks on it.

However, an enzymatic cleaner is also a great option. Enzymatic cleaners work to break down uric acid. This is especially helpful in eliminating odors and stains. Having it on hand so a dog doesn’t recognize that area as a place to mark or go potty is a helpful tip for house training your new puppy.

Generously spray the affected area as well as a small perimeter with the cleaner. Give it about 20 minutes (or however long the directions specify) to work its magic. Then, blot the area with a clean paper towel or rag. Allow the area to dry completely before letting any foot traffic on it. If you want to be sure there are no lingering odors, you can put baking soda on the damp area. Let it dry completely and then vacuum it up.

How To Clean Dried or Old Dog Poop Stains From Carpet

Sometimes you come across an old stain or dried dog poop and you have to figure out how to clean it. Fortunately, sometimes it’s actually a little easier to clean completely dry poop. Here’s what to do:

1. Loosen and Remove Dried Poop

While wearing gloves, try to pull the dried poop away from the carpet. A bristle brush might make this easier, but you can try a knife or fork, too. It might take some time, but it’ll make the rest of the cleanup process easier. However, remember to be gentle so you don’t destroy your carpeting.

2. Follow Up With a Cleaner

Just like the process for fresh stains, pick a cleaner of your choice. Either an enzymatic cleaner or a solution of vinegar, water, and soap will be effective. If you want, you can finish with baking soda. Depending on how long the stain has been there, you may need to repeat the process a few times to get rid of the stain.

This is how to clean dog poop from carpet. Remember, accidents happen, so have cleaning supplies ready so you’re always prepared!