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Dog Urine Smell in Carpets

15 years ago

I had read online that 20 Mule Team Borax would get urine smells out of carpets. Our dog is finally housebroken but before he was urinating in the kids bedrooms.

About 2 weeks ago, I sprinkled 20 Mule Team all over their carpets & let it sit for a long time before vacumming. I also used it as a laundry booster for mildew smells. Now Im reading that this product is dangerous to humans and pets. I used this all over my house & on our clothing because I thought it was safe. Can someone reassure me that the kids & pets will be ok - Im so worried now!! In fact Im panicked! Ok Im a tad OCD & worry-prone - but still I thought it was a safe household product! Should I vacuum daily for the next few days - Im sure its still sitting in the carpet padding. Thanks

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Comments (6)

pkguy
15 years ago
Personally I wouldn't worry about it. It's borax and any big threats are from ingesting it in more than negligible amounts that are left now that you've vacuumed a few times. If you are still overly concerned then I would suggest you have a carpet cleaning service come in and shampoo your carpets. Otherwise fuggedaboudit.

Next time use Natures Miracle or another one of the safe enzyme based pet stain/odor removers you can buy at most pet stores They work very well.
gabro14
15 years ago
Just an FYI while this topic is up. I used to use Nature's Miracle and the stuff is fantastic. But I found something that works just as well (or even better) but smells amazing. My vet sold it, but I bought more online. It's called "Eliminate" (there is regular and extra strength...I use extra strength since my dog has constant UTI's and leakage issues) and the company is "Vet's Choice". It's in a spray bottle...great stuff. Anyone else use it?

Ncgal, I hope everything works out and that you find some info that will help ease your concerns.
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spiritual_gardner
15 years ago
I don't know about the 20 Mule Team stuff, but.

Unless your dog has had no accidents for 9 months, aside from illness, it's not house trained.

SG
housefairy
15 years ago
Borax is probably more of a problem if you inhale the dust or actually get it next to your skin. Such as rolling around on the carpet, and then only if you are sensitive to various things.

I would still want to use a carpet extraction/cleaning machine. Whether you use your own, rent one, or pay someone to clean the carpet, I would still want the carpets cleaned. The borax probably just masks the odors. Doesn't really get the dog pee out of the carpet.

If you are cleaning your own, I would suggest checking out to see if you have a janitorial supply company. I buy an odor eliminator and carpet cleaning solution from a local company. It's concentrated and I find it doesn't leave the residue on the carpets like the stuff they sell in the grocery stores.
todancewithwolves
15 years ago
There should be a number you can call on the box. Or call The Poison Help hotline 1-800-222-1222.

Vinegar neutralizes dog urine odor. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the area the night before and
vacuum up the next day.

Good luck!
mazer415
15 years ago
You might want to have a handy man come in and pull up the carpets and pads so they can be inspected for residue. The stuff is hard to completely get up with your hoover and skin contact or inhalation by kids and pets on the carpet could be a problem if there is much residue trapped between the carpet and pad. Good luck

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