Rug with pets: tips against hair, urine and stains

A rug with pets brings practical challenges. Think of hair nestling in the fibres, or stains from urine, vomit or faeces. But you don't need to say goodbye to your favourite rug just yet. In this blog you'll find out which rugs are most suitable for pets and how to keep them clean. Including tips on removing dog urine from your rug, getting rid of hair and treating stains.

Rug suitable for dogs and cats

As a pet owner, it's crucial to choose rugs that can withstand wear from claws, paws and the occasional accident. Go for a synthetic rug made from durable materials such as polypropylene or polyester. These materials are not only strong but also easy to clean, which is a blessing when you have a dog or cat that can sometimes be a bit unpredictable. Consider also an outdoor rug. Outdoor rugs are nowadays just as comfortable and stylish as an indoor rug and require less maintenance.

Because cats and dogs shed, it's advisable to choose a low-pile rug. Unlike a high-pile rug, pet hair has less room to cling to the fibres.

Which rug is pet-proof?

Wondering which rug is best to choose with a dog? A truly pet-proof rug is recognised by these characteristics:

• Tightly woven structure: prevents claws from catching and keeps the rug looking good longer.
• No fringes or loose threads: prevents your dog from pulling or chewing them.
• Sturdy backing and good grip: prevents sliding and curling up during play, running or turning.
• Mottled or light pattern: hides hair, paw prints and small stains better than a plain rug.
• Shape-retaining and wear-resistant: withstands intensive daily use without flattening quickly.
• Soft yet strong material: soft enough to lie on but strong enough to take a knock. Have a look at our clean collection of rugs. Soft, low-pile and easy to wash.

With this combination, you choose a rug that not only looks good but also fits perfectly with life with a dog.

Smart tips for rugs with pets

• Do the visible hairs from your pet bother you? Then choose a rug in the same shade as your dog or cat. Light hairs contrast more with a dark rug than with a light one and vice versa.
• Choose a rug with a mottled finish, pattern or motif to hide stains or other imperfections. Or go for a washable rug that's easy to clean when unexpected accidents happen.
• Combine your rug with an anti-slip underlay so the rug doesn't shift or slip during play.

Removing pet hair from your rug

Regular vacuuming is very important to get rid of pet hair. Use a special attachment for rugs and carpets. Another tool to remove pet hair from your rug is rubber. Yes, you read that right! Think of a rubber broom, squeegee, scraper, brush or even rubber cleaning gloves. Dampen the tool of your choice slightly and run it over your rug. You'll see the pet hair sticking to the rubber. You can also remove pet hair from a rug with a lint roller if needed.

Removing dog urine from rug (step by step)

Has your dog or cat had an accident? Don't panic. Here's how to remove dog or cat urine from your rug. With accidents, it's important to act quickly. Follow these steps to remove dog or cat urine from a rug:

1. Blot the urine as quickly as possible with kitchen paper or a white cloth. Tip: Don't use coloured towels, as these may bleed colour.
2. Rinse with cold water and blot again. Repeat this process until most of the dog urine is removed.
3. Make a cleaning solution or use rug cleaner. Mix a teaspoon of mild detergent with a cup of water. Tip: avoid products containing ammonia, as this can intensify the smell of urine.
4. Blot the stain again with a clean cloth. Work from outside to inside to prevent the stain from spreading.
5. Rinse again with cold water to remove soap residue.
6. Neutralise the smell with vinegar (1:1 with water). Let it soak for a few minutes and then blot dry with kitchen paper.
7. Let the rug dry completely before walking on it again.

Now you know exactly how to remove cat or dog urine from your rug without leaving stains.

Removing urine odour from rug

Does the smell of urine linger even after cleaning? The smell may have seeped deeper into the rug. Use a mixture of equal parts cleaning vinegar and water, or choose an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet odours. Apply generously to the spot and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then blot dry with kitchen paper and let the rug dry completely. Repeat if necessary. These products help break down odour molecules rather than just masking them.

Tip: If the urine smell persists, you may need to call professional cleaning services, especially if the urine has seeped deep into the rug.

Removing old urine stains from rug

Removing old urine stains from a rug requires a bit more patience than fresh ones. Start by lightly dampening the spot with lukewarm water so the dried residue loosens. Then use a special pet stain remover that breaks down urine rather than just masking it. Let this product work for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for stubborn stains. Then blot the spot dry with a clean cloth and rinse lightly with water to remove residue. Let the rug dry completely before assessing whether the stain has disappeared.

Getting faeces out of your rug

The first step to removing dog faeces from a rug: scoop the solid faeces off the rug with a dustpan or firm piece of cardboard. Then blot with a dry white cloth or kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture. Don't rub! After blotting, make a solution of Biotex and water and blot it onto the stain. Let it soak overnight and remove it the next day with a damp cloth. This should take care of the worst of it. The last trace of this accident is removed by making a mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar and blotting or treating the stain with rug cleaner. Then let dry thoroughly and enjoy your clean rug!

Getting cat faeces out of rug. Here's how!

Cat or dog faeces can cause stains and unpleasant smells in a rug. Act quickly to prevent lasting damage:

1. Carefully remove solid cat faeces residue with a piece of cardboard or spoon.
2. Blot the area with kitchen paper to absorb moisture, remember: don't rub.
3. Mix a solution of lukewarm water and a little mild all-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid.
4. Blot this mixture onto the spot with a clean cloth. Work from outside to inside.
5. Rinse with cold water and blot again.
6. Treat the spot if needed with a vinegar solution (1:1 with water) to neutralise odours.
7. Let the rug dry well.

Rug and pet? Perfect combination!

You really don't need to say goodbye to your favourite rug if you have a pet. With the right choice of materials, smart maintenance and a few handy tricks, your rug stays fresh and clean. And with accidents, you now know exactly how to remove dog urine or cat faeces from your rug.

Whether you're looking for a rug that's easy to clean or one that stands up to paws and hair, there's always a rug that fits your home style.