Does anyone know which store bought carpet cleaning machine works best and easiest on cat messes? I need to tackle my carpeting and the cats have been bad. I have CFS and need a simple, quick and effective method.
By Jazzmin Flower from Alta Loma, CA
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I have a Bissell Pro Heat. I don't recall the exact model, but it's an upright. They have one marketed for pet owners. I don't know why or what makes it better than the non-"pet" models.
Carpet cleaning is still no fun, but the upright is *much* easier than the old canister carpet cleaner my mom used to have. The weight of the machine does the work for you. It's like a big, heavy vacuum cleaner.
Since you're dealing with messes from your cats, also consider an enzymatic cleaner. It helps to break down the biological messes so that the cats don't come back to that same spot. Enzymatic cleaners can be found at pet supply stores, or even stores like Wal-Mart.
We have a Hoover upright, but the thing that really works on stains: pet, food, ink, coffee , blood, grease, cosmetics, rust, even wine, is a product called Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. My husband got it at Lowe's or Home Depot and it is great! You spray it on a stain and wait a few minutes, then blot by hand or go over the spot with your shampooer.
I have the Dirt Devil CE7900 Platinum Force Carpet Extractor/Shampoo Steamer. My sister had the same and so did my mom. All houses with pets. My sister's finally wore out (she kept lending it to other people) but mine is 8+ years old and I love it yet. With kids/grandchildren/dog in the house, this is the best I found. Anyway, make sure it is a hot water type of steam cleaner.
I always put Febreeze (about 1 TB) in the water tank to rinse the carpet as a final step after cleaning it. It keeps it nice smelling and fresh. Remember to vacuum daily when you have pets. This helps. Also make sure you change out the belts on these items often too, they don't have to break to be replaced. A tight belt makes the vacuum work and pick up better, making the carpet look better longer.
All good advice: I was thinking of trying one of the Hoovers at Target but I should study all these models mentioned here again on their websites. I have an old Big Green Clean Machine from Bissell but I don't think it can handle the toughest spots. They have these odd boxy red carpet cleaners to rent at Food 4 Less that seem to be entirely made of light weight plastic. I wish Stater Brothers still had their rental line as they were really sturdy. Anyone remember what brand manufacturer those were?
I am late to post this. :)
I just bought the Bissell ProHeat 2 brush upright model. It's better than the 1 brush model. The button for the heat keeps the water hot and carpets dry really fast...always best to vacuum about an hour after it dries to make carpets very fluffy. It has a "pet attachment" to extract those stubborn hairs, stains and it comes with 2 solutions: one is for heavy traffic stains and a cleaner which is their "Pet Stain and Odor" bottle (also comes with a 'pet stain eraser' attachment). (These solutions found at Walmart). I actually got my Bissell cleaner at Ollies on sale for $150 just this week (Walmart sells for $279)..so you might check there at Ollies if you have one, and do it right away! (Just went on sale Thurs Jan 13th). I believe Bissell might have coupons on their website. I have a long-haired big cat and this machine does a beautiful job and the carpets smell really great! I recommend buying the best model so you will always have it for years and years and can clean/refresh your carpets whenever you want.
On the box it says it has Scotchguard-it cleans and protects in one easy step, and the unit also has Microban anti-microbial product protection helps prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria, mold, and mildew in the unit. You can do your furniture as well....very worthwhile as compared to always having to call professional cleaners each and every time!
EDITING to add: the unit has choices for heavy traffic, normal clean, light clean or water rinse, and the ProHeat 2X will adjust the right amount of cleaning solution to mix with the heated water to fit your cleaning need. Also follow the instructions: move unit in a slow motion. People often have problems because they may not be following the directions carefully. This unit is like "self-propelled" and easy to use with my bad back and arthritis. Good luck! (Pets :D What we don't do for them.)
If kitty is messing et outside his litter box it maybe time to see your vet. If the litter is kept clean, perhaps there are health issues here? Does the cat cry when going to the bathroom? If a cat feels pain when going it may pee. Or poop in you bed as the association with pleasure, if it sleeps with you, helps ease the pain. Please check it out as kidney, or urinary track issues can be serious. Don't use an ammonia base or anything that smells like ammonia as it will attract the cat to mess there. Good luck to you.
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