If you live with a dog or a cat, you understand that accidents happen. Perhaps Fluffy ate something that did not agree with her, or Fido couldn’t take it any longer. In any case, there is a wet spot on your carpet that needs to be addressed right away to prevent more damage.Instead of going to the store to buy carpet cleaner or another fancy product, try one of these basic treatments using stuff you already have on hand.

These natural treatments will remove pet stains as well as odors, making it a win-win situation! New stains. Begin by soaking up as much pee or vomit from the carpet while it is still wet. Remember to blot, not rub. Next, use pressure by standing on the paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Finally, rinse the dirty area with cool water and pat dry.Old stains.

While it is ideal to respond quickly before the stain settles, this is not always achievable. A carpet cleaner might suffice, but so would this simple homemade approach. If the carpet or rug is dark and you’re having trouble locating the stain, a black light can help. You’ll need: White Vinegar. Scrubbing Brush, Baking soda, Paper towels. Vacuum

Step 1: Douse the discoloration with vinegar. Mix 50% white vinegar and 50% water and apply on the stain. If the stain is large or old, just use pure vinegar. Make sure to thoroughly soak the stained area. Step 2: liberally apply baking soda. Shake, shake, shake. Pour baking soda over the stain, then add a little vinegar for a quick foaming reaction.

Step 3: Scrub. Grab your scrubbing brush and scrub like there’s no tomorrow. Make sure the baking soda gets deep down into the carpet fibers, so it can work its magic. Step 4: Wait. Let’s be honest, this is probably the hardest step. Sit back and let the products do the work. Make sure the area is completely dry, which can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.

Step 5: Vacuum. Once the carpet has completely dried, vacuum the area to remove any access baking soda. Then step back and admire your stain-free carpet. Make sure to keep your pets away from the area until it is clean. Some cleaning professionals and pet owners claim that cheap vodka can work in place of vinegar in the above solution.

Vodka also helps eliminate odors with a little spritz. “Yes, vodka will remove the dog smells when it evaporates. I do this three times a week,” said cleaning expert, Leslie Reichert.