As pet owners, we strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for our furry friends.
As professionals we want to explain to you the risks while reassuring you that when you book in for a professional, we have all bases covered, especially when it comes to life.
Let's dive in and discover if carpet cleaning is truly safe for our beloved companions!
Table of contents
Which carpet cleaning solutions are not safe for pets?
Most carpet cleaning methods are perfectly safe for pets, however, there are some products that can cause harm.
Cleaning products containing ammonia, bleach (even oxygen based bleach), and disinfectants containing benzalkonium are harmful to pets so it's best to avoid those when cleaning carpet and upholstery in a household with pets.
Thankfully, homeowners favourite DIY product vinegar is safe for pets and it won't bleach your carpet if you want to us it for a simple odour neutralizer.
All you need to do is inform your carpet cleaner before carrying out any cleaning and your pets will be safe.
Which carpet cleaner is safe for pets?
There are plenty of pet-friendly carpet cleaners on the market to avoid harming your furry friends, we personally prefer to use a prochem range of products and rinse the carpets thoroughly to ensure all of that chemical has been removed from the carpets when we have finished.
There are a few good domestic carpet cleaning solutions on offer too:
Both of these have been tested by thousands of people and all had great results while cleaning their carpets.
Is It Safe For Pets To Walk On Carpet After Carpet Cleaning?
Whether or not it is safe for pets to walk on a carpet after cleaning depends entirely on if the person doing the cleaning rinsed the carpet or not. If the carpet has been rinsed with either water or a rinsing agent, your pets will be fine to walk on the carpet, although they may dirty it!
If the carpet was not rinsed properly then there may still be cleaners inside the carpet that could potentially be toxic to your animals. Make sure you ask your professional carpet cleaner to rinse the carpets properly after a clean and everything will be fine.
What If My Dog Licks Carpets That Have Not Been Rinsed?
If a dog licks your carpets after an improper cleaning technique was performed then you should call your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Check what carpet cleaner you used on the carpets and let them know which chemicals are inside of it, the ones stated above are what you need to look out for.
This is why it is always important to hire a professional carpet cleaner, there is nothing worse than worrying for your pets safety so we do not recommend taking any risks.
How Long After Shampooing Until My Pets Can Come Out?
If for some reason the carpet hasn't been rinsed then your pets could be waiting a long time. The main reason for not rinsing a carpet is that you have used a rental carpet cleaner and if that's the case then it may not be safe for pets to come out for at least 24 hours, possibly even 48 hours.
Rental carpet cleaners are a nightmare for cleaning carpets properly and safely. It's impossible to rinse the carpets out properly because they simply don't have enough vacuum power to get the cleaning chemicals or water out of your carpets.
What's The Best & Safest Way To Clean Carpet When You Have A Dog?
If you have a dog then you will need a strong carpet cleaning method to remove the bad odours that come with it. Steam carpet cleaning is the best way to clean carpets which are frequently walked on by dogs because it is strong enough to remove the bad smells while drying times are lessened to around 6 hours. Great news for your furry little friend as they can return to normal in no time!
How Often Should You Clean Carpets If You Have Pets?
We highly recommend that you get a steam carpet cleaned once every 12 months and a pet-friendly dry carpet cleaning method to freshen up every 6 months or so. This will keep on top of that wet dog smell you can tend to get in your carpets as well as see to difficult to remove pet stains which inevitably come with having dogs and cats.
These Carpet Cleaning Methods Are Also Pet Friendly
There are various carpet cleaning methods available, and each has different implications for pet safety:
Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is a widely used carpet cleaning method. It involves using hot water and a cleaning solution to deep clean the carpet fibres. While steam cleaning itself is generally safe for pets, it's crucial to ensure that the carpets are thoroughly dried before allowing pets back into the area.
Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning methods, such as dry foam or encapsulation cleaning, use minimal moisture and specialized cleaning agents to remove dirt and stains. These methods are considered safe for pets as they involve less water and shorter drying times.
Eco-Friendly and Pet-Safe Products: Many carpet cleaning companies offer eco-friendly and pet-safe cleaning solutions. These products are formulated with non-toxic ingredients, reducing the potential risk of harmful chemicals to your pets.
Precautions and Considerations for Pet-Friendly Carpet Cleaning
While carpet cleaning itself can be safe for pets, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure their well-being during and after the cleaning process.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Keep Pets Away During Cleaning: It's best to keep pets in a separate area or remove them from the house during the carpet cleaning process. This prevents accidental exposure to cleaning solutions, equipment, or wet carpets, which could potentially cause slips or ingestible residue.
Ventilation and Drying: After carpet cleaning, ensure proper ventilation to help speed up the drying process. Open windows, use fans, or run air conditioning to facilitate air circulation. It's crucial to allow the carpets to dry completely before allowing pets back into the area to prevent slips and potential ingestion of cleaning solutions.
Pet-Friendly Cleaning Solutions: If you're concerned about the impact of cleaning solutions on your pets, opt for pet-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products. Discuss your concerns with professional carpet cleaners, and they can recommend suitable solutions that are safe for pets.
Consult Professional Carpet Cleaners: Hiring professional carpet cleaning services with experience in pet-friendly practices can provide peace of mind. These professionals understand the importance of pet safety and can use appropriate methods and products to minimize any potential risks.
Conclusion
When done correctly and with the right precautions, carpet cleaning can be safe for pets. Consider the cleaning method used, opt for pet-friendly cleaning solutions, and take necessary precautions such as keeping pets away during cleaning and ensuring thorough drying.
By following these guidelines and consulting professional carpet cleaners, you can maintain a clean and safe environment for both your pets and your carpets. Enjoy a fresh and pet-friendly home!
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