Oh no! We’ve all been there – that moment when you realize someone (child, pet, adult) has had an accident and diarrhea has ended up on your carpet.
As unpleasant as it is, the most important thing is to act quickly to clean it up before it can settle in and cause lasting stains or odors. Rest assured, while messy; diarrhea can be cleaned from the carpet with some handy supplies and techniques. Let’s go through the process together
Act Quickly
At the first sign of diarrhea on your carpets, spring into action as fast as you can. The sooner you can get to cleaning, the better chance you’ll have of removing all traces of the accident.
Grab some paper towels and gently blot up any excess liquid sitting on top of the carpet fibers. Scrap up any solid matter with a plastic spoon or knife and dispose of it.
Try to remove as much of the physical mess as possible before moving on to cleaning solutions.
Work swiftly but gently to prevent rubbing the stain deeper into the carpet. Don’t rub aggressively but rather dab or lightly blot the area.
Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading the mess. Dispose of soiled paper towels or rags in a sealed plastic bag.
Remove Solid Matter
If any solid stools remain matted on the carpet, mix a solution of warm water and gentle dish soap like Blue Dawn in a spray bottle.
Choose a clear, odorless soap that won’t leave a residue. Mix up a mild solution, about 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap per cup of warm water. Lightly spritz the area and let it sit for a minute.
Gently blot the spot with paper towels or a clean cloth to lift the solid matter, as the soapy solution helps loosen the stain.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can further push the stain into the carpet fibers. Just dab gently and lift. Dispose of soiled paper towels properly.
Repeat this process until you have removed all visible solid residues. It may take several rounds of applying the soapy solution; nevertheless, allow it to soak in and gently blot. Take your time with this step to fully lift all physical traces before moving on to disinfecting solutions.
Read: How To Clean Cat Urine On Carpet
Clean with Vinegar Water
Once all physical traces have been removed, it’s time to sanitize and deodorize the area. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. White distilled vinegar works best as it is the most acidic.
Choose a spray bottle that produces a fine mist. Thoroughly saturate the affected area with the vinegar solution. Let the vinegar solution sit for 5-10 minutes.
This dwell time allows the vinegar to work its magic, helping kill bacteria, break down stains, and neutralize odors.
After it has had time to work, blot up excess moisture with clean paper towels. Press down firmly but avoid any rubbing or scrubbing motions.
The vinegar smell tends to dissipate as it dries. You can sprinkle some baking soda after drying to help counteract the vinegar odor.
The baking soda also absorbs lingering moisture and odors. Let the baking soda sit for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming up.
Use Enzyme Cleaner
For best results, use an enzymatic cleaner formulated for pet stains and odors after pretreating with the vinegar solution.
These specialized cleaners break down the organic matter, bacteria, and residue in stains and smell. The enzymes literally digest the compounds, helping lift them from the carpet.
Thoroughly spray the area with the enzymatic cleaner and allow it to soak in for at least 5 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal dwell time.
Gently blot with paper towels until completely dry. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing. The enzymes will continue working to eliminate odors and lift stains even once dry.
Enzyme cleaners may need to sit for 24 hours or more before vacuuming up residues.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another great disinfectant that can help remove traces of diarrhea stains and odors after pretreating with dish soap and vinegar.
Spritz the affected area thoroughly with 3% household hydrogen peroxide. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes, allowing the oxygenation action to lift and purge the stain. Then dab dry with paper towels.
Hydrogen peroxide is fizzy and reactive, which helps break down stubborn stains and odors. However, it can potentially lighten or discolor some fabrics, so first spot test the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous area. Make sure not to leave it on too long before blotting it up.
Call Professional Carpet Cleaners
For tough, set-in stains or lingering odors, it may be best to call in a professional carpet cleaner after trying the at-home remedies.
Professional carpet cleaners have access to more powerful cleaning agents and machinery that can deep clean carpets down to the base and tackle stubborn stains.
For severe cases, cleaning alone may not do the trick. In these scenarios, carpet removal and replacement may be necessary. Professionals can advise if your carpets need replacement based on the severity of the contamination.
Tips to Avoid Future Accidents
The best way to handle diarrhea stains is to avoid them completely! Here are some handy tips to help keep your carpets pristine:
- Potty train pets and stick to a schedule for taking them out or walking them
- Clean up pet accidents ASAP to avoid stains setting
- Keep a close eye on pets and small children and get them outside if you suspect they are ill
- Feed pets a balanced, high-quality diet to promote good digestive health
- Use carpet runners or rugs in high-traffic areas and under pet dishes
- Scotch guard and routinely shampoo carpets to protect from stains
- Restrict pets from carpeted rooms if they have a history of accidents
- Cover the carpet with washable runners or moisture-resistant pads
Conclusion
While unpleasant, diarrhea stains don’t have to become permanent fixtures in your carpets. With some quick action, the right cleaning solutions, and a professional touch for tough stains, you can get your carpets fresh and pristine again.
So, stay proactive with pet care and carpet protection to avoid repeats in the future.