Quick answer
To remove pet stains from carpet, act fast, blot the area, then deep clean with a BISSELL upright carpet cleaner using a free & clear formula that won't leave dyes or heavy fragrances behind.
Why a free & clear formula matters for pet households
Pets have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and heavy fragrances in many carpet cleaners can actually encourage them to re-mark the same spot. A formula without dyes or heavy fragrances, like the OXY Deep Clean Free & Clear Upright Carpet Formula, cleans thoroughly while keeping the scent neutral, so your pet is less likely to return to that area.
This formula is also hypoallergenic, which is a plus if anyone in your home has allergies or sensitive skin. The OXY ingredient helps break down organic stains and odors that come from pet accidents, giving you a deep clean without the overpowering perfume smell.
Fresh vs. set-in stains: adjust your approach
Fresh pet stains are much easier to remove than ones that have dried and set into the carpet fibers. For fresh accidents, you can often get away with a single deep-cleaning pass. For set-in stains, you may need to pretreat the area and repeat the cleaning process to fully lift the stain and neutralize the odor.
If the stain has dried, gently scrape off any crusty residue before you begin. Avoid rubbing, which can push the stain deeper into the carpet backing and make it harder to remove.
Step-by-step pet stain removal process
- Blot the fresh stain: Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot up as much liquid as possible. Press firmly and lift, repeating with fresh towels until no more moisture transfers. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain and push it deeper. Checkpoint: The carpet should feel damp, not wet, before you move to the next step.
- Pretreat set-in or stubborn stains: For dried or stubborn stains, apply a small amount of the OXY Deep Clean Free & Clear formula directly to the area and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps break down the organic matter before you machine-clean. Checkpoint: Don't let the pretreat dry completely; it should still be damp when you go over it with the cleaner.
- Deep clean with your BISSELL upright carpet cleaner: Fill the cleaner's tank with water and the recommended amount of the free & clear formula. Run the machine over the stained area slowly, making several passes to ensure the solution penetrates the fibers. Then, do a rinse pass with clean water only to remove any leftover residue. Checkpoint: Over-wetting can leave the carpet damp for days, so avoid saturating the same spot too many times.
Product facts
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OXY Deep Clean Free & Clear Upright Carpet Formula (60 oz.): This deep-cleaning formula includes OXY and does not contain dyes or heavy fragrances. It tackles organic pet stains and odors without leaving a strong scent that could tempt your pet to re-mark the same spot.
OXY Deep Clean Free & Clear Upright Carpet Formula (60 oz.)