9 top carpet care tips for pet owners

Our pets are a part of our family, and like any member of our family we want them to enjoy the comforts of the home. When that comes to your carpet however it can be a dog’s life taking care of your floor and letting your furry friends run free.

Whether you’re picking out a new carpet or making the most of the one your already have, we have got nine top tips to help you take top care of your floor for you and your fluffy family members.

1. What type of carpet is best for pets?

Carpets come in three pile types – loop pile, where fibres are looped through the backing for durability, twist pile, where individually cut and twisted fibres create a hard-wearing and comfortable carpet, and saxony pile, with long cut fibres to make the carpet sumptuously soft.

The best carpet for pets is a saxony cut, as it will be very soft for their paws and their claws won’t get caught in the fibres. Twist carpets are also good if you want a more hard-wearing option. Loop carpets are not a suitable choice for pets as their claws can get caught in the loops, hurting them and damaging your floor. We have more advice on picking the perfect pet-proof flooring to help you make the right choice.

2. Is wool carpet good for pets?

Generally, wool carpets are not a good choice for pets as they are typically made with a loop pile construction. Since your pet’s claws can easily get caught in the loops, hurting them and damaging your carpet, its best to avoid using this carpet in your home.

Wool mix carpets, unlike 100% wool carpets, can however come in twist pile construction which are suitable for pets. This is a great option if you want to enjoy the benefits of all-natural and hard-wearing wool and make a pet-friendly home.

3. How to get pet hair out of carpet

If running the hoover round isn’t enough to help you combat the menacing moulting of your pets, there are a couple of methods you can try to help save your carpet from a bad hair day.

First, you can try loosening the fur by applying a mixture of water and fabric softener and then leaving it to dry before vacuuming again. If that doesn’t do it for you, put on a pair of rubber gloves and lightly dampen them. Run them through the carpet to pull the pet hairs up and then rinse off the gloves when you’re finished. We have more advice on how to deal with pet hair and other common carpet stains if you need it.

4. How to get mud out of carpet

If your overly excited pup or sneaky kitty manage to trek muddy paw prints through your home, then its best to leave it to dry before cleaning. Vacuum up any excess and then, when the stain has dried, sponge it using a clean white cloth with a solution of washing up liquid and warm water. Keep blotting until the stain disappears, before cleaning the area up with a dabbing of cold water and blotting it dry.

5. How to stop cats scratching carpet

Scratching is perfectly natural for cats, and important for their health, so its important not to discourage them even if they’re sinking their claws into your new carpet. You should instead encourage them to use a scratching post or similar whenever they start scratching something in your home.

If your cat is ignoring the alternative options in favour of your carpet, try cleaning the carpet with some bicarbonate of soda to remove the pheromone scent they’re likely being attracted to. If this does not work, try a commercial scratching deterrent from your local pet supply shop.

6. How to stop cats from peeing on carpet

If you’re struggling to get your feline friend to go outside or in their litterbox, there could be a couple of reasons for that. Cats urinate as a way of marking their territory or if stressed and anxious and are sensitive to the smells of where they go. If their litterbox is scented, or near where they eat, then they might be put off using it. You can also try spraying your carpet with diluted peppermint oil to create a scent that will put them off that area.

7. How to get urine stain out of carpet

When you share your home with four-legged friends, accidents are bound to happen. If the stain is fresh, blot with kitchen roll from the outer edge towards the centre as this helps to prevent spreading the liquid further around the carpet. Carpets absorb liquid very quickly so the sooner you can deal with it, the better.

Neutralise the smell with vinegar and then sprinkle down some baking soda. The baking soda will react to the vinegar and a foam will start to develop. Cover the spot with a damp towel for 24 hours and then rinse with clean water, being careful not to soak the carpet. This tip also works for other odours.

8. How to get rid of urine smell on carpet

The worry of any pet owner as even if the stain is removed or disappears, the scent can encourage a repeat offence. Thankfully, all you need is some vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to get things smelling fresh again. Neutralise the smell with vinegar, then sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda where the smell is and leave overnight before vacuuming it up. This will eliminate the odour and should discourage any future incidents in that spot.

We have even more carpet cleaning hacks like this to help you keep your floor plush and perfect.

9. Are carpets bleach cleanable?

In the face of some stains, it can sometimes be easier to just scrub at the affected area with a little bit of bleach. However, if your carpet is not bleach cleanable this can damage it and ruin its appearance. You’ll find many carpets in our Home Choice range that are bleach cleanable, just be sure to check the manufacturers guidelines.

Now that you are feeling ready to make sure your pets and carpet get along, you might be interested to learn more about wool and polypropylene carpets.