That Nasty Poop Smell Ruining Your Carpet? Conquer It For Good With These Tips!

That wretched stench hits your nostrils as soon as you walk in the room. You glance down to see the awful evidence – your carpet has been hit by an unwelcome present! Dog doody, cat poo, even a toddler’s accident can leave behind a lingering poop smell that makes you want to retch. But don’t fret, friend. With a few simple tricks, you’ll have that reeking carpet smelling like a spring meadow again in no time.

First up, grab some gloves and start scooping. Removing all traces of the poop itself is step one. Next, set your sights on neutralizing that odor at its source. Whip up some DIY concoctions using stuff like vinegar, baking soda, and enzymatic cleaners to break down the smell. If the stench still lingers, call out the big guns – professional grade carpet cleaners. Follow these de-stinking steps and soon you’ll be breathing easy again, with no sign a poop ever passed there. Wave goodbye to that nasty smell and say hello to a poop-free home!

Step 1: Remove All Leftover Poop From Carpet

Before you can really tackle the smell, you need to remove all remaining poop from the carpet itself. Grab some gloves and get scooping! For more solid poops, use a plastic bag over your hand or a spoon to scrape it all up. For runnier accidents, use paper towels or a flat cardboard surface to lift the mess.

Take your time and make sure to remove all traces. Any leftover poop will just continue stinking! Try to avoid rubbing or pushing any deeper into the carpet fibers as you clean. Now the real deodorizing can begin!

Quick Tips for Removing All Poop:

  • Use plastic bag over hand to scoop
  • Scrape off solids carefully
  • Blot up diarrhea gently with paper towels
  • Don’t rub mess deeper into carpet pile
  • Remove all traces of poop for best odor removal

Step 2: Break Down Poop Smells with Vinegar

For fresh stains and smells, one of the best homemade solutions is good old white vinegar. The high acidity helps neutralize and destroy those volatile poop odors.

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the affected areas of the carpet and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The vinegar will work to break down the smell-causing compounds. Blot thoroughly with clean cloths until the liquid is removed.

Repeat as needed for stubborn smells. Vinegar is safe for most carpet types, but always test a small hidden area first. Let the carpet dry completely before assessing if the odor has diminished.

Step 3: Absorb Stinks with Baking Soda

For really persistent smells, break out the baking soda. The sodium bicarbonate is a powerful deodorizer and absorber of nasty odors.

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the affected carpet area. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes -longer if possible. The baking soda will pull and trap the smelly particles from the carpet. Finally, vacuum it all up. Run the vacuum over a few times to get up all the baking soda and deodorized poop smell.

Baking soda can be used as often as needed to fully erase those unpleasant poop whiffs. It’s a staple in any home for carpet stains and odors.

Step 4: Use Enzyme Cleaners on Old Stains

For set-in smells from older stains, reach for enzymatic cleaners specially designed for pet odors and stains. These utilize natural enzymes to literally digest and destroy the particles that make up unpleasant organic odors like poop.

Thoroughly spray the enzyme cleaner over the carpet. Let it soak in for at least 5-10 minutes or as long as overnight if the smell is especially stubborn. This gives the enzymes time to work. Finally, blot and rinse the carpet with clean water. The enzymes will continue working long after the cleaner is removed.

Repeat as needed until the smell has disappeared completely. Enzyme cleaners work wonders on old, set-in odors!

Top Poop-Busting Enzyme Cleaners

  • Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
  • Nature’s Miracle Advanced Pet Trigger Sprayer
  • Bubba’s Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner
  • Skout’s Honor Urine Destroyer

Step 5: DIY Odor Destroyer with OxiClean, Peroxide, and Soap

For a powerful homemade enzymatic cleaner, try this DIY combo of OxiClean, peroxide, and dish soap.

Mix together:

  • 1/2 cup OxiClean powder
  • 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
  • 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
  • 2 cups warm water

Spray the fizzy mixture onto affected areas. Let bubble and work for 5-10 minutes. The oxygenating peroxide will lift odors from the carpet to allow the OxiClean and soap to neutralize. Blot thoroughly and repeat as needed.

Step 6: Call in Professional Carpet Cleaners for Severe Smells

If you’ve tried all the DIY methods but that horrific poop smell still lingers, it may be time to call in the pros. Professional carpet cleaning services have industrial-strength cleaners, equipment, and techniques to deep clean carpets and eliminate the toughest odors.

Look for companies experienced in pet odor removal. Make sure to point out the source of the stain so they can treat it properly with enzymatic or oxidizing cleaners.

Though more expensive than DIY, professional carpet cleaning is highly effective at removing stubborn stains and deep-set smells when all else fails.

Keep Poop Smells Away with Proper Carpet Care

Once you’ve eliminated that awful poop smell, be sure to take steps to prevent it from returning again! Here are some tips for keeping carpets poop-smell-free:

  • Clean up all accidents immediately to prevent smells from setting in
  • Vacuum frequently to remove odors from deep in carpet fibers
  • Use carpet deodorizing powder during regular vacuuming
  • Spot clean any minor stains quickly to avoid lingering smells
  • Consider professional steam cleaning or shampooing every 6-12 months

Stay vigilant in caring for carpets to avoid poop particles accumulating. With frequent cleaning and immediate accident attention, you can keep undesirable odors away.

Breathe easy – you’ve got this! Follow these tips and soon you’ll have clean carpets free of any hint of unpleasant poop whiffs. Just be ready with your vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme spray in case of any future accidents! Never let that nasty poop smell take over your home again.