Step 1: Don’t let the stain sit for too long!
Try to take care of, er, business, sooner rather than later. The longer the stain sits, the harder it’ll be to get out.
Step 2: Wear protective gloves.
Your #1 goal is probably to avoid any skin-to-poo contact, so slip on your gloves, make sure they are on there tight, and get to work.
Step 3: Scrape off excess poop with a baby wipe.
Remove the poo in question with a baby wipe or a thick, barely damp paper towel. Then scrape off any excess with a fresh wipe or paper towel. Pinch the carpet fibers to pick up as much of the poop as possible.
Step 4: Prepare your DIY cleaning solution.
Combine the following in a bowl:
- 2 cups cool water
- 1 tablespoon non-bleach dish soap
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Grove tip: Double check that your dish soap doesn’t contain bleach — bleach mixed with acids (like vinegar) result in toxic fumes.
Step 5: Spray, blot, repeat.
Spray or pour a little solution onto the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot — don’t rub! — until the stain is no longer visible. This could take a few rounds, depending on how big your dog’s business was, so don’t get discouraged if the stain doesn’t disappear immediately. Take it slow and remember — no rubbing. Only blotting.
Step 6: Rinse.
After the stain is gone, pour some cold water over the area, then blot it up with a cloth or paper towel to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
Step 7: Deodorize.
Sprinkle baking soda over the previously stained area to get rid of any lingering odor. Allow it to sit anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight to ensure the smell is completely gone.
Step 8: Vacuum your carpet.
After the baking soda has absorbed the poop’s nefarious aromas, vacuum it up.
