So, you’ve adopted a furry friend and love his “puppy smell.” Widely known by dog lovers, puppies have a certain scent, like human babies, that make them irresistible. However, there is another smell that comes with a puppy, and this one, you’re not going to like.

For the first few months of puppy parenthood, your carpets, drapes, towels, mats, blankets, mattresses, and any other fabrics will be put to the ultimate test. Do they have what it takes to survive potty training?

As fellow puppy parents, we’ve been through everything you are about to experience. Here are two step-by-step procedures on how to save your home from puppy terrorism.

How to Save Your Mattress

As a puppy parent, one of the worst things you can witness is the defamation of your beloved mattress. If you love your bed as much as we do, you’ll understand the heartbreaking moment when you realize that your mattress might not be salvageable. Before you give up all hope, there are some things you can try to do to save your bed.

If your mattress has recently suffered from a puppy accident, vinegar and baking soda are about to become your new best friends.

1. Using an old towel or rag, press firmly on the mattress until most of the liquid has been soaked up.

2. Rinse out a spray bottle – or water gun, if you are desperate – and fill it with 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Too much vinegar can be harmful to the fabric, or result in another unwanted smell. So, be sure to make the ratio 2:1.

3. Spray the area until the fabric is damp, and let the liquid sit until relatively dry. This may take a while.

4. After the vinegar has had time to settle, cover the area in baking soda. The powder should absorb the rest of the vinegar.

5. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for roughly half an hour, and vacuum.

Unfortunately, your mattress may never look the same, as vinegar and baking soda can’t remove stains, but you can rest easy knowing the smell will no longer be a problem.

For the “Thicker” Messes (Yuck!)

Everyone poops. Especially puppies! Follow these steps to save your carpet from the horrors of an upset stomach.

First, the accident must be disposed of before the cleaning process can begin. This may mean grabbing a gardening shovel or a wooden spoon to “scrape it up.” If the mess is more liquid than solid, we suggest using old rags or towels. Avoid the wiping motion, as you may cause the liquid to spread. Now, you are ready to begin life saving procedures on your carpet.

For most of these accidents, soap and water just won’t do. Fortunately, there are a few products out there that can beat any mess! Stain and odor control spray will not only erases stains, but will also soak through multiple levels of fabric to eliminate the smell.

1. Using a bowl of hot water and a sponge, dab the affected area of the carpet until it is damp.

2. Take a rag and press firmly on the spot repeatedly. Continue this action until the bulk of the mess has been absorbed.

3. Spray the stain and odor control over the area, leaving the carpet damp. Let the liquid sit for a few minutes.

4. If you have access to a carpet cleaner, use the machine to finish the job. If not, continue the soaking and dabbing process, alternating between stain spray and hot water, until the mess is gone.

Viola! Your carpet should look good as new!

With these tips and tricks, you can relax knowing you and your fabrics will survive potty training the new family member. Check back for other DIY cleaning tips, and recipes!

References

1. Tegan Owens 2. Clean Mama 3. iStock