Dogs will pee. And sometimes they will do it exactly in the places that you don’t want them to. If your carpet has become your dog’s unofficial bathroom, don’t panic (or cry). Skip the overpriced store bought cleaners that can barely scratch the surface of the problem and join the ranks of savvy pet parents who are making their own enzyme magic with household stuff (e.g., a banana peel and some sugar). These DIY solutions not only mask the smell, but they break it down at a molecular level so that the smell is completely eliminated. Plus, it’s nontoxic, eco friendly and budget friendly – a triple win in any pet loving household.
This article will tell you how to prepare an effective homemade enzyme cleaner right at home, using simple ingredients. You’ll understand how and why it works and get tips on proper application to tackle even the most stubborn stains. Whether you’re trying to deal with everyday pet accidents in a better manner or are looking to meet the high standards of a thorough End of lease cleaning Sydney, this natural approach will leave your house feeling cleaner, fresher and more pet friendly. Let’s dive in.
1. Why Enzyme Cleaners Work Better?
Traditional cleaning products, even the ones that are really expensive, tend to rely on chemicals that only end up masking the odour or just disinfecting at the surface level. They don’t take care of the root issue here. The problem with urine (especially dog urine) is that, it contains uric acid and other organic compounds, that tend to linger and attract pets back to the same spot when they need to pee.
Enzyme based cleaners work differently. They have naturally occurring bacteria in them that feed on the organic compounds in the pee stain/spot, helping break it down into odourless components like carbon dioxide and water. It’s a biological process that is safe, sustainable, and when done right, very effective.
2. Ingredients For Creating Your Enzyme Cleaner
You might be surprised to know that you already have most of the things you need to create one, right in your own pantry or kitchen. Here is your shopping/ scavenging list:
- 1 cup of citrus peels (lemon, orange, lime or a mix of them all).
- ½ cup of brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon of yeast (optional, but will help speed up fermentation).
- 4 cups of water.
- A large clean plastic bottle or jar with loose fitting lid.
These ingredients create the perfect environment for natural enzymes to grow and do their job. The sugar will feed the bacteria, the citrus will add natural cleaning power and a fresh scent, and the fermentation process is what brings it all to life.
3. Steps For Making the Enzyme Cleaner
The First Step is to prepare the peels. Chop your citrus peels into smaller pieces (the smaller they are, the faster they’ll break down). Avoid using mouldy fruit or anything that is rotten. The Second Step is to combine all your ingredients. In a bottle or jar, add the brown sugar, citrus peels, yeast if you’re using it) and water. Shake the entire thing gently until all the sugar dissolves.
The Third Step is to let it ferment. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place. Loosen the lid every day for the first week to let the gas escape (otherwise it could explode). After that, you can tighten it and leave it for 2 to 3 weeks. The Fourth Step is to strain and store it. Once the smell has become slightly sweet and fermented (not rotten!), strain out the solids and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
Congratulations. You have now made your own enzyme cleaner! Whether you’re planning ahead for rigorous End of Lease Cleaning Sydney needs or just tackling day to day messes, this solution is now ready to work its magic.
4. How to Use Your Homemade Enzyme Cleaner?
Blot up as much of the fresh urine as you possibly can with a paper towel or cloth before you go ahead and apply the enzyme cleaner. Then saturate the stained area with your DIY solution. Let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes or longer for older stains. Then, blot again and let it air dry.
For the carpets you may want to repeat the process a couple of times till you feel satisfied with the results. For hardwood or tiles, make sure you do a patch test in a hidden area before you go all out with the cleaning enzyme. This way, you can observe whether the solution is safe for your floor. The citrus element gives it a nice scent, but you can also add a couple drops of pet safe essential oils to enhance the scent further.
5. Tackling Old Stains with Your Enzyme Cleaner
Old dog urine stains can be stubborn to remove, but your homemade enzyme cleaner is up for the challenge. First, dampen the stain with a bit of warm water to “wake up” the residue. Then apply the enzyme cleaner generously on the area, cover it with a damp cloth and let it sit there undisturbed for the night. The longer the enzyme works, the better.
In the case of strong odours or visible residue, it might take a few treatments before you can get rid of it entirely. Be patient; the natural fermentation process gives this cleaner real staying power when it is used correctly. This is especially helpful if you are handling a full house refresh as part of the careful End of Lease Cleaning Sydney process, where lingering odours and stains could end up costing a part of your bond deposit.
6. Pro Tips To Maximise Enzyme Cleaner Effects
To get the best results from your enzyme cleaner, a few simple habits can go a long way. First, label your bottle properly. Since the mixture ferments over time, it can look (and smell) unusual, so having a clear label helps prevent confusion. Don’t mix your enzyme cleaner with bleach or commercial disinfectants, as these can kill the beneficial bacteria that make the cleaner effective in the first place. To increase its longevity, store it in a cool, dry place. Proper storage can keep it effective for up to 3 months.
Don’t limit its use to pet stains either. This versatile cleaner works wonders on food spills, garbage bins and even smelly shoes. It’s a great natural deodoriser that can be used on fabrics and upholstery as well. If you’re preparing for a move, this cleaner can be a secret weapon for ticking off some of the major cleaning tasks.
Making Your Own Enzyme Cleaner
Wrapping Up
Dog pee accidents are inevitable, but the way you clean them doesn’t need to involve overpriced sprays or chemical overload. With a bit of fruit peel, sugar and patience, you can brew your own enzyme rich cleaner that tackles pet stains the smart, natural way. Give this DIY cleaner a go – your nose and your carpet will thank you.