When it comes to cleaning pet stains, it is first important to understand a little bit about the nature of pet stains. Generally people refer to their animals urinating in the house as an accident. However, these occurrences are typically not accidents and are in fact based on instinct. Both cats and dogs urinate instinctively based on scents. Animals are instinctive and are inclined to urinate in the same spot. They are drawn to these spots based on where they have smelled previous markings.
The instinctual behavior can be seen in dogs clearly when they are outside. In the yard, they will sniff out a spot. Generally, the spot they select to relieve themselves is a spot where they have repeatedly gone in the past. When walking outside, they will also mark in an area where they smell another dog has previously marked. This behavior does not cease when inside. If they smell any type of marking or urine scent in the house, they will instinctively mark in that area or think that it is an acceptable location to relieve them self. In the event that there is a legitimate accident in the home because the dog was sick or unable to get outside in time, it is crucial that the accident be properly cleaned up to prevent the dog from smelling the mark in the future and using that scent as a cue to continue to relieve them self in that spot again.
Cats also clearly reflect the instinct to urinate in the same spot. While most people assume that cats go in a litter box because they are trained too, that theory is not quite accurate. Cats naturally bury their waste. They choose to go to the bathroom in a litter box because it allows them the freedom to dig around and cover their waste. In addition, the odor of cat litter helps draw them to the box. Cat litter is often ammonia based. This is very important to understand as ammonia is a component found in urine. Because the litter contains an agent that is also found in urine, it helps draw them to the area as a sign that this is where they should go to the bathroom.
Knowing the background to animal behavior is extremely important in knowing how to deter pets from going in unwanted areas. It helps to understand why behavior might be repeated, and more importantly, it helps to make changes to stop future incidents. The primary cause for what many people refer to accidents is scent. Scent draws animals to go to the bathroom in the same spot. To prevent the behavior, it is important that areas are thoroughly and properly cleaned to remove any scent that may draw your pet back to that spot.
One of the biggest mistakes in cleaning pet stains is the misconception that vinegar is an ideal cleaner. This couldn't be further from the truth. Like ammonia, vinegar contains some of the same chemical compounds found in urine, particularly the acidic elements. It is true that vinegar is a good cleaner. The acidic components of vinegar help to break down proteins in certain stains. However when it comes to pets, the scent of the vinegar can cause more problems then good. That same acidic quality that makes it a great cleaner can also release a scent that draws both cats and dogs to urinate in the area where the were applied. Essentially, cleaning with vinegar can cause more problems then good. Even the Humane Society recognizes this and expands on it in their website.
Another misconception is that enzymes are a suitable cleaner for pet stains. Enzymes are a natural chemical. They can be found in virtually every living thing. Enzymes are chemicals released which counter balance other natural elements. However enzymes are extremely sensitive. Enzymes naturally break proteins down. But, the problem with enzymes is that they are very specific as to what they break down. Every enzyme is different and they can only be broken down if introduced to the right counterpart. The philosophy of enzymes has often been compared to as a key and lock situation. While there are millions of keys, and millions of locks, they only function properly when the correct key is used with the corresponding lock. Enzymes are no different. While there may be bottle after bottle of enzyme based cleaners in your pet store aisles, you need to find the correct enzyme to properly remove the stain you are looking to clean. This becomes even more complex when you breakdown the stain you are trying to clean. Cats and dogs have different chemistry in their waste. That becomes even further complicated when you factor in their diets. Different foods and diets alter the chemistry of their waste. Temperature is also a factor. Enzymes are extremely sensitive to temperature and many will only react if the temperature correlates with them. They also will not work properly if any other chemicals or cleaners have been used in the area. These are only a few of the reasons that consumers find enzymes to be useless. More often then not, they will remove the scent for a few days, but then the odor returns . . . normally more foul smelling then before. This is as a result of the proteins "dying" out and creating an odor of their own.
To properly remove pet stains and odors and stop your pet from going in that same spot, you really need to properly clean the area and completely remove any scent that will draw your pet back to that spot. The best way to do this is by using a surfactant based cleaner such as Genesis 950. These type of cleaners work best in a steam cleaner or carpet shampooer. Surfactant based cleaners are designed to work with water to saturate the stains and break them apart. Once they are broken apart, they can be lifted from the carpet through a rinsing. In addition to lifting the visible stains, they have antibacterial agents which will actually deodorize the area and completely remove the scent. In doing so, you are not only cleaning the area, but you are stopping your pet from finding an area that invites them to use your floor as their bathroom. It is also very important that you do use a machine in cleaning. Merely cleaning the surface or the visible stain does not remove the smell. Remember, that scent can travel down ward into the carpet. If such staining gets into the padding, surface cleaning will not remove the scent. Animals have a much more keen scent of smell, and if they smell their urine in the padding, they will continue to go in that spot no matter how many times you hand clean the surface area. A machine will ensure that the area is thoroughly deep cleaned and it will remove the odor that you can't smell but you pet can!
There are also things you can do to stop future behavior from occurring. The most common places for cats to go to the bathroom is near laundry baskets, on bathroom rugs, or on comforters and blankets. As stated previously, cats urinate where they smell urine. If your cat is going to the bathroom in your bathroom, the first question to ask yourself is, "Is there a man in the house?" The reason this question needs to be asked is because men generally urinate standing up. In the event they might not have the best aim, they could very well be getting some on the floor or a rug. If that smell is there, the cat will be inclined to follow suit. If there is not a man in the house, it may very well be because the area is one where dirty clothes are placed. This also holds true for beds, closets and laundry baskets. While this is not the most pleasant thing to think about, when you place dirty clothes on the floor or bed, particularly underwear, the scent on that clothing can easily be transferred to wherever it was placed. That scent can serve as the basis to your cat going in that spot. Be aware of where you are putting your dirty clothes and of the scents that your animals might be sensitive too.
Many times, cat owners complain that their cat is going around the litter box rather then in the litter box. This can quite simply be because the cat is kicking up litter from the box and that the scent of that litter around the box is telling them it is ok to go in that spot as well. To reduce this, use a litter box with a lid. It could also be from the cat walking around after using the box. If a cat has pawed around in a dirty litter box, then walked around that box, the scent of the litter and urine can transfer from the cat's paw to the carpet. Over time, this smell may become overpowering to your cat and again serve as an indication that this is where they have gone to the bathroom in the past and therefore can do so. This can easily be prevented by using a cleaner like Genesis 950 in a machine around the box.
With dogs, occasionally there are accidents. There are times when someone might not be around to let the dog outside in time. Often times, an ailment might interfere with the dogs regularly learned schedule and something might happen in the house. Incidents like these happen, but the important thing is that when it does happen, it is dealt with immediately. Such stains need to be completely removed to ensure that in the future your dog does not pick up the scent and continue to use the area as a regular toilet. Again, the best way to do this is by using a surfactant based cleaner that will kill the bacteria and completely deodorize the area.
Cleaning pet stains is quite simple when done right. Understanding why pets go in an area is crucial in helping you ensure that it doesn't continue.
Genesis 950 has been reviewed by several bloggers. Read the reviews here:
