Everyone loves to bring a new puppy or kitten into the family. But while fun and cuddly, it’s important to remember that until an animal is housebroken, accidents inside the home are a common occurrence.

Damage from pet stains can vary, depending on the makeup of the pet’s diet, age, health, sex and reproductive cycles. If left unattended, pet urine can damage carpet. The moisture can weaken the carpet’s layers and result in separation of the backing material. Seam areas are particularly vulnerable to pet urine and can separate.

Many, but not all, pet stains can be treated. Here are some tips for treating pet urine spots around the home:

¢ Blot damp areas as soon as the urine is detected, with plain white paper toweling.

¢ Apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin) with one cup of lukewarm water. Do not use automatic dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.

¢ Absorb the moisture with paper towel, rinse with warm water and repeat the application of detergent. Continue rinsing and blotting with the detergent solution and water as long as there is a transfer to the toweling or improvement in the spot.

¢ Follow the detergent application with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two cups water, and blot dry.

¢ Apply a half-inch layer of paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy, non-fading object. Continue to change paper towels until completely dry