No doubt about it, the day you bring home a new puppy or kitten is one filled with joy and anticipation. There’s nothing like a new arrival to bond families and renew a sense of family. Of course, with pets comes the responsibility of cleaning up after them – if only dogs and cats could groom themselves like humans, one wouldn’t have to worry. That’s why it’s important to have the number of a good carpet cleaner on hand as you adjust to life with a pet.

If you adopt an indoor pet, naturally it will take free reign of the house. You may work on discplining a dog or cat to stay off certain furniture, but ultimately your carpets will pay the price of the added traffic and occasional accident. It’s frustrating at times to housebreak a pet, but once you do you will feel rewarded to know your dog or cat will not soil your home. In the instances it does happen, though, you’ll need more than a household vaccuum cleaner and a bottle of Febreze to take care of problem areas.

Why? Pet urine contains ammonia, which can damage the natural fibers of carpet if left. Urine will normally harden into crystals as it dries, and if left untreated the odor from the ammonia can be detected. It is possible for a dog or cat to wet your carpet without your knowledge, and you won’t always see tell-tale stains.

While vaccuuming the area with a carpet powder provides a temporary solution to the odor problem, don’t consider your carpet clean just yet. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner with a truck mounted water cleaning system offers you a better chance at a disinfected floor. Pro cleaners use hot water extraction with specialized chemical solutions that encapsulate the urine crystals and remove them from the fibers. The steam generated leaves the carpets looking and smelling fresh.

If you have pets, you need the number of a good carpet cleaner underneath that of the veterinarian. Three to four times a year, have a pro take care of your rugs and enjoy your pet in the safety of your home.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Aurora carpet cleaning and Naperville carpet cleaning.

Transition always means a change in your schedule. If you are planned to sell your home, and rent or buy another one, you know there are many plans to make. You must hire movers, arrange to have mail forwarded, and have cable and phone transferred. One thing you might not think about is the condition of your carpets as you leave one place for the next. Depending on the leases and contracts you sign, you might think carpet cleaning is handled by others. Not necessarily.

Moving Out: Get the Carpets Done Before You Go

If you have rented an apartment or home, as you vacate it is a good idea to have a professional cleaner work hot water extraction on your carpets and rugs. Depending on how long you have lived in the one place, there’s no telling how much grime and soil is embedded in the high traffic areas. Especially if you have pets or children, there is a good chance of deep urine stains and odor you didn’t realize was there. Simply running a vaccuum through the home with some spray cleaner may only make the surface of your carpet appear clean, but in truth you could be leaving behind rooted bacterias and stains.

If you expect to receive a deposit back, invest in the services of a professional carpet cleaner to take care of the home you leave. Pro cleaners are relatively inexpensive, and use hot water extraction with safe chemical solutions to ensure your rugs are fresh and spotless. You can expect wear over time, but a thorough cleaning will at least leave the house in good condition.

Moving In: Is Everything in Order?

It’s nice to have carpet cleaning provided as part of your lease/home purchase agreement, but you want to be mindful when you receive the keys and prepare to have furniture moved. Look at the carpet when you get there – does it appear to have been touched with an industrial cleaner? Do the rooms smell fresh? If you feel the job was not done right the first time, you may wish to negotiate with the landlord or seller for a pro cleaner of your choice so you know the job is complete.

Move out and move in with a fresh start – on the carpets!

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Aurora carpet cleaning and Naperville carpet cleaning.