You walk into the house after a long day away. The fresh air still lingers in your nose when it hits you. The strong odor of urine. Maybe your dog had an accident on the carpet. Or, perhaps your cat’s litter box is shouting to you that it’s time for a good clean.
If you’re like most pet parents, you’ve probably experienced that sensation – when the smell of urine hits your nose – at least one time. But, the good news is you don’t have to live with that lingering scent. You can, in fact, refresh your carpet, the cat’s litterbox, or even your furniture with a little bit of vinegar and/or baking soda.
Here’s how vinegar and baking soda can help you keep your home fresh and clean:
Removes harsh odors and cleans set in stains
No one wants to be greeted by the smell of urine or a dirty litterbox. Vinegar helps remove odors from the carpet and litterbox and can also help remove light and set in stains. You can use the vinegar on its own, particularly if you have a light stain.
However, if you want to combat a heavier stain, try mixing equal parts vinegar and baking soda into a spray bottle or into a bowl and spray onto the stain. Use an old cloth to rub the concoction into the carpet.
The same concoction also sanitizes litterboxes.
Add a fresh scent to your home
Maybe you don’t like the smell of the vinegar you used to clean stains. Or, you just want to get the smell of pet out of your carpet. Concentration on one room at a time and have all pets and people leave the room while you sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Allow the baking soda to sit for approximately 15 minutes then vacuum the floor. Voila! You will have fresh smelling carpet.
Sanitizes food and water bowls
Your pet’s bowls can become very dirty very quickly. Removing that harmful bacteria is necessary to ensuring your pet’s good health. Next time you wash your dog’s bowls – whether they are plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel – forgo the normal soap and water. Instead, mix baking soda with some warm water and salt. Use any amount you want but make sure each ingredient – baking soda, salt, and warm water – is the same so you can create a thick paste. Put the paste on a washcloth or a sponge and wash the dishes thoroughly before rinsing the paste off with water.
