How To Clean Old Cat Poop From Carpet

Pick up any of the solid substances the cat may have left behind and discard it.

If the poop is still wet, scoop up as much as you can. Be careful not to grind it into the carpet fibers. Once you have picked up as much as you can, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over it (at least a 1/4″ thick pile). Allow the baking soda to sit on the poop for at least 20 minutes. It may take several hours or longer to fully absorb all of the moisture. Once it has fully dried, you can vacuum up the powder and any dried poop that remains.

If the poop is already dry and some remains stuck to the carpet after you pick it up, you can carefully “comb” out the dried stuff with a hard, flat plastic tool, like a teaspoon or you can try a hair comb to “lift” the carpet weave. Be careful not to pull at the carpet or scrape too hard as you will end up disturbing the weave of the carpet and that area will look fuzzy.

You can also lay a wet paper towel over the area to dampen it, then pull the pieces between your fingertips with the paper towel.

Using a soft, white towel, clean the area with a mild laundry soap and water; a mixture of Woolite and water works nicely. Blot, don’t rub, or you may damage the fibers in the carpet.

If the carpet is light and still remains discolored follow with a treatment of OxiClean Carpet; follow manufactures guidelines:

1. Spray directly onto soiled area.
2. Allow to penetrate for 3-5 minutes.
3. Blot with clean white towel or sponge.
4. If some stains remain, blot with the white towel or sponge until gone.
5. For best results, vacuum when dry.

If a carpet cleaner is available it may be easier to use. Use the same cleaning solution as mentioned above or one formulated for pet stains, such as Simple Solution. Use hot water. Spray and then suck up the excess water and mess with the vacuum portion of the cleaner. When you are done you may want to clean any brush parts of the cleaner and the “dirty water” receptacle with bleach/water to reduce the chances of transferring the odor to the next place you clean.

Rinse thoroughly with plain water and blot completely dry.

If the area is large or it is a frequent area the cat chooses you may want to consider pulling up the carpet in that area and cleaning the pad and the floor beneath it. Clean with equal parts bleach and water and let dry completely before laying the carpet down.

Any pet, cat or dog, will return to the area if it is not cleaned properly because the odor will remain. This can create havoc on your carpet and after awhile the smell will be impossible to get out. So you want to follow your cleaning efforts with a neutralizing product. (As always, be sure to test any cleaner on a small hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction.)

1. Enzymatic cleaners work well for this. They can be found in the pet aisle of most supermarkets and at major pet stores. Some examples are Kids ‘N’ Pets and Nature’s Miracle. They are specifically designed for cat odors and stain removal.
2. Another option is to use white vinegar, which kills 99% of bacteria and is an excellent natural deodorizer. To do that, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and spray or blot it onto the area with a cloth, then let the area dry.
3. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used for this purpose; spray or blot it onto the area to disinfect and deodorize.

Make sure you are providing your cats with a clean area to relieve themselves. Make sure the litter box is cleaned daily. If you have recently changed kitty litter brands, try changing back as the cat might be picky or not like the new litter.

If accidents persist, speak with your vet for further assistance.