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How to Make a Homemade Pet Odor Remover for Carpet Cleaner Machines

How to make a homemade pet odor remover for carpet cleaner machines? A question every pet owner is concerned about. Pet accidents on carpets are inevitable, but you don’t need expensive commercial cleaners to tackle the mess. As a proud owner of a 3-year-old Birman cat and a 5-year-old American Eskimo dog, I’ve experimented with various homemade solutions and found a highly effective method that removes stains and neutralizes odors. 

Whether you use it manually or with a carpet cleaner machine, this homemade pet odor remover for carpet cleaner can tackle stains and odors effectively while keeping your home chemical-free. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at the results!

Homemade Pet Odor Remover for Carpet Cleaner

Here’s how you can create your DIY pet odor remover.  

how to make homemade pet odor remover for carpet cleaning machine

Ingredients and Quantities

  • 16 ounces (2 cups) of hydrogen peroxide (3%) – Breaks down stains and kills bacteria.  
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda – Neutralizes odors and acts as a mild abrasive.  
  • 1 teaspoon of dish soap – Helps lift stains and dirt. 
baking soda  and hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

Prepare the Solution

  • In a plastic container (avoid metal, as hydrogen peroxide can react with it), combine the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.  
  • Add the dish soap and stir gently until the baking soda dissolves. Avoid shaking the mixture vigorously, as it can create excess foam. 

Apply to the Stain

  • Blot the stained area with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.  
  • Pour or spray the solution onto the stain, ensuring it saturates the affected area. For carpet cleaner machines, add the mixture to the solution tank according to the machine’s instructions.
hands scrubbing the pet urine stain on a carpet with a homemade pet odor remover

Let It Sit

Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to break down the stain and neutralize odors.  

Clean the Area

  • If using a carpet cleaner machine, run it over the stained area according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  
  • For manual cleaning, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the solution. 

Dry and Vacuum

  • Let the carpet air dry completely. Avoid walking on the area until it’s dry to prevent re-soiling.  
  • Once dry, vacuum the area to fluff up the carpet fibers and remove any residual baking soda.

Important Safety Tips

  • Do not store the solution. Hydrogen peroxide can break down and release oxygen, which may cause containers to burst. Always mix and use the solution immediately.  
  • Test on a small area first. Some carpets may be sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, so spot-test in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain.  
  • Keep pets away during cleaning. While the ingredients are non-toxic, it’s best to keep pets away until the carpet is completely dry.

Why This Method Works

The combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap creates a powerful cleaning solution. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a disinfectant and stain remover, while baking soda neutralizes odors preventing pets from remarking the same spot. Dish soap helps break down grease and organic matter, making it easier to lift stains from carpet fibers. This mixture is particularly effective for pet urine, vomit, and other organic stains.  

This DIY pet odor remover is cost-effective, easy to make, and highly effective for both fresh and old stains. Unlike commercial cleaners, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, making it safer for your family, cats and dogs alike.

Billie Kelley