Yes, some carpet stains can be permanent. Stains that have been sitting for a long time (weeks, months, or years) are much harder to remove because they have had time to dry and set. Other types that may be permanent include oil-based stains and dye stains. While some cleaners can help, they can also risk dyeing or permanently changing the carpet's color. If you have an old stain and are unsure of the cause, it's best to call a carpet cleaning professional. If DIY methods and professional cleaning fail, you may need to replace that section of carpet or learn to live with the stain.
If the chemical compounds that make up pet pee haven’t been properly neutralized, the smell of urine can be reactivated with water and linger even after cleaning. You may also notice a remaining pee smell in carpets if the urine has soaked down to the carpet padding, which is more difficult to access and clean than the carpet itself.
Looking clean is only half the battle. A professionally cleaned carpet should feel soft and fluffy, i.e., not caked down with dirt or matted from excess cleaning product. It will not have any unpleasant odors, since carpet cleaners go deep enough to eliminate the most sunk-in smells. It should also be free of stains or discoloration from heavy foot traffic. Keep in mind that, in some cases, your cleaner may not be able to remove every stain.
The time it takes professionals to clean carpets depends on the size of the room, the cleaning method, and how dirty the carpet is. You can expect carpet cleaning services to take 30 to 45 minutes per room, but it will vary based on these factors. Drying time depends on the method used, but it can range from 6 to 12 hours.
In some cases, yes, it’s safe to spray hydrogen peroxide on your mattress, but the solution can damage memory foam mattresses, so you should only use it on non-memory foam mattresses. If you have a standard spring mattress, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with cold water in a 1:1 ratio and spray that on your urine-soaked mattress. If you’re cleaning pee out of a memory foam mattress, swap out the hydrogen peroxide for white distilled vinegar, or call in a professional mattress cleaner to avoid doing damage to your mattress.
The Wamsutter, WY homeowners’ guide to carpet cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes, you need to give your carpet a deep clean. This guide breaks down the best way to clean carpet to make your floor sparkle and remove hidden dirt.
Some homeowners wonder if professional carpet cleaning is worth the cost. We break down the pros and cons so you can decide what works best for your home.
