Effective Tips for Cleaning Pet Accidents in Your Car
by AutoExpert | 28 May, 2024
Ugh, we know it! You're enjoying your ride, music out loud, coffee next to you and your furry little friend resting on the back seat. Life is good! And then, out of nowhere, a smell so hard it cuts through your eyes. Some good bowel movement just happened back there and you have to clean it all up.
Taming the Pet-Accident Beast
First things first, grab your cleaning arsenal: paper towels, club soda (because who knew it could be a cleaning hero?), white vinegar (another secret weapon!), pet enzyme cleaner (you'll thank us later), baking soda, and good old water.
For Those Pesky Pee Stains:
- Blot, Don't Rub! Grab those paper towels and soak up as much of the accident as possible. Think fast and furious – the quicker you act, the less the stain sets in.
- The Power of Bubbles! Pour a small amount of club soda on the affected area and quickly blot it up again. The fizz helps break down the stain and lift it from your upholstery. Bonus points for stubborn stains – you can repeat this step twice!
- Enzyme Attack! Now that you've loosened things up, it's time for the magic weapon: pet enzyme cleaner. Follow the instructions on the label (because let's face it, reading instructions is cool!), and this magical concoction will break down the enzymes in the mess, eliminating any lingering odours.
- Fresh Air is Key! Roll down the windows and let the area dry completely. This will help prevent any mould growth and keep those nasty smells at bay.
- Baking Soda Power! If there's a faint whiff of pee left behind, sprinkle some baking soda on the spot and let it sit for a few hours. Then, simply vacuum it up and voila – odour be gone!
Dealing with Doo-Doo Disasters:
This one requires a bit more effort, so don't wait around! Here's what you'll need:
- Plastic scraper (because scraping is life sometimes)
- Dustpan (to catch the icky stuff)
- Pet enzyme cleaner (our furry friend's mess vanquisher)
- Hydrogen peroxide (another secret weapon!)
- Baking soda (always a good idea)
- Washcloth (for scrubbing duty)
- Water (our cleaning BFF)
Solidarity Scoop: Using the plastic scraper and dustpan, carefully remove as much of the solid waste as possible. If you're dealing with something a little more… fluid (diarrhea, anyone?), sprinkle baking soda on the area and let it sit for a few hours, or until everything dries up. Then, you can easily scrape or vacuum the dried mess away.
Blotting Away the Ick: Grab your washcloth, dampen it, and gently press it on the stained area. Then, rotate the cloth to a clean section and repeat until there's no more evidence of the accident transferring to the cloth. Basically, you're blotting away the leftover mess.
Enzyme Time! The bulk is out and the pet enzyme cleaner is in. Read the instructions, there's no one golden rule for every type of cleaner on the market. These cleaners break down pet waste on a molecular level, eliminating any lingering odours and stains.
Air it Out! Roll down the windows and let the fresh air circulate. This will help everything dry out completely and get rid of any lingering smells.
Repeat if Necessary: Be patient! These stains might require a few rounds of cleaning to completely vanish. Keep at it, and eventually, your car will be back to smelling fresh and fabulous.
But Wait, There's More!
If the stain is too nasty for you to clean or you simply don't wanna get your hands dirty, why not ask the pros to do the job for you? They have the tools and expertise to make your car look brand new again.
So, there you have it! A guide to conquering pet-related car accidents. Now you can get back to enjoying those stress-free, music-pumping, window-down car rides with your furry copilot (hopefully accident-free this time!).