How to clean pet accidents on carpet

Blot, don't rub

Lift as much as you can first. Rubbing spreads it and works it deeper into the pile.

Treat with an enzyme cleaner

Saturate the spot (and the padding beneath) with an enzyme cleaner and let it dwell so it breaks down the source.

Extract the rest

For larger messes, extract with a portable carpet cleaner after the enzyme has done its work.

Frequently asked questions

Do enzyme cleaners really stop re-marking?

They break down the odor compounds pets smell, which removes the cue to re-mark — but only if you saturate the area and let it dwell as directed.