Getting Out Pet Stains with Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural solution to eliminating both the visual stain and the odor. White household vinegar can be found at any grocery store. The acidic nature of vinegar makes it a mild disinfectant and a deodorizer. Frequently used as a natural cleaning solution, vinegar can be safely used on washable fabrics, carpet and all hard surfaces, except for marble and travertine. 

The key to getting rid of pet stains with vinegar is to treat the stain as soon as possible. In many cases, pet stains that are left untreated become nonremovable. For example, old urine in carpet will often cause a discoloration of the carpet. According to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, this discoloration is not actually a stain, but a chemical reaction that slowly takes place and alters the color of the carpet. There is no stain to remove and the carpet must be dyed or replaced. If a urine stain is properly treated from the beginning, no chemical reaction occurs and the carpet is saved.

Using Vinegar on Washable Fabrics

Many pets curl up in the most comfortable places they can find. These places often involve their owner's favorite blanket, sweatshirt or sweater. In many cases, a cat may find itself making a warm next for itself in a laundry hamper. When a pet stain occurs on a washable fabric, treat it with vinegar before washing allows for the successful removal of the stain. 

What You'll Need Before You Start:

• Paper towels
• Clean, white cloths
• Mild dishwashing liquid
• Vinegar
• Laundry detergent

Begin by removing any solids from the surface of the fabric using paper towels. Rinse the stained area from the wrong side of the stain with cool, running water. Turn the fabric back to the stained side and apply undiluted mild dishwashing liquid with the corner of a clean, white cloth. Use a gentle, blotting motion. Rinse again from the wrong side of the fabric. 

Mix together equal parts of vinegar and warm water. From the wrong side of the stain, gently rinse the stained area using the vinegar mixture. Allow to remain for a few minutes. Rinse with cool, running water and then wash in laundry detergent according to the type of fabric. 

Using Vinegar on Carpet

The majority of pet stains happen on carpeted areas. If caught within the first few hours, the stain is usually 100 per cent removable. 

What You'll Need Before You Start:

• Paper towels
• Clean, white towels
• Mild dishwashing liquid
• Vinegar
• Spray bottle of tap water
• Books in a plastic bag, for weight
• Baking soda

Remove any solids from the surface of the carpet using paper towels. Spray tap water on the area and then sponge dry. Mix a teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid with a cup of lukewarm water. Dip a clean, white towel into the solution and gently blot into the stained area. Avoid rubbing, which may harm the tufts of the carpet. Use another towel to blot away the excess moisture. Rinse using the spray bottle of tap water and blot thoroughly. Mix together equal parts of vinegar and water. Dip a clean, white towel into the vinegar mixture and blot into the carpet. Saturate the tufts and allow to penetrate for five minutes. Blot dry. Place folded towels over the cleaned area and weigh down with the books. Allow to remain weighted for at least eight hours, or until the carpet is dry. 

If any lingering vinegar odor remains, it should evaporate with time. To hasten the process, apply a generous dusting of baking soda to the cleaned area and allow to rest overnight before vacuuming.