DIY Odor Fighting and Stain Removing Hack

Here’s a DIY odor fighting and stain removing hack.

People in the Clearwater, Florida area (from St Pete to Tarpon Springs) have asked us for an inexpensive way to handle pet odors and stains. Well, we have just the thing for you. (Aside from our Mr Steam Stain Remover that is )

A combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap is often used as a homemade solution to handle pet smells from carpet and furniture and even grout. Each component plays a specific role in the mixture, contributing to its effectiveness in eliminating odors. Let’s break down the reasons behind the use of these ingredients:

• Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2):
  • Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Hydrogen peroxide is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps to kill bacteria and fungi that may be causing unpleasant odors.
  • Bleaching Agent: Hydrogen peroxide also acts as a mild bleaching agent, which can help remove stains caused by pet accidents.
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate – NaHCO3):
  • Odor Absorption: Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. It can help neutralize and eliminate unpleasant smells by absorbing and trapping odorous molecules.
  • Gentle Abrasive: Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, which can assist in loosening and lifting dirt and stains from surfaces.
• Dawn Dish Soap:
  • Degreasing Agent: Dawn dish soap is known for its degreasing properties. It helps break down and remove oils and fats often found in pet stains.
  • Cleansing Power: The dish soap acts as a surfactant, helping to lift and remove dirt and stains from the carpet or furniture fibers.
• Water:
  • Dilution: Water is often added to the mixture to dilute the other ingredients, making it safe for use on carpets and furniture. It also helps to spread the solution evenly.

Instructions for Use:

• Mix 1 qt of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap, and water (as needed) to create a paste or solution.
• Put in a spray bottle
• Spray affected area, ensuring it reaches the carpet or furniture fibers.
• Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
• Blot or scrub the area with a clean cloth or sponge.
• Rinse the treated area thoroughly with water and blot dry.

Caution:

• Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
• Avoid using the mixture on delicate fabrics or surfaces that may be sensitive to hydrogen peroxide.

In summary, the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap mixture works synergistically to combat pet odors by disinfecting, deodorizing, and lifting stains from carpets and furniture. The combined properties of these ingredients make it a popular and effective DIY solution for pet owners dealing with unwanted smells in their homes.

To make a paste for grout:

Prepare the Mixture: Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 cup of baking soda, tablespoon of Dawn dish soap, and water as needed to create a paste or solution.

Application for grout:

• Apply the mixture to the grout lines, ensuring even coverage.
• Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the grout.
• Scrub the grout lines with a brush to lift stains and odors.
• Rinse the treated grout thoroughly with water.

If you live in Pinellas county and would like professional help, give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.