How to Clean Dog Poop and Diarrhea Out of Carpet

This guide covers firm dog poop and loose stool (diarrhea) on carpet and rugs: lifting solids, blotting diarrhea without spreading it, treating the stain, rinsing and drying, using what the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the IICRC, University of Georgia Extension and the AKC say.

Act quickly

The CRI's Spot Solver entry for feces opens with: "Act Quickly! Delaying may cause the spill to become a permanent stain." If you cannot clean it straight away, the IICRC suggests:

"Place a damp white cotton towel over affected areas to keep the affected area from drying if the stain cannot be cleaned right away."

Sources: Carpet and Rug Institute, Spot Solver: Feces; IICRC Consumer Floor and Furnishings Care Information (PDF).

Before you start

University of Georgia Extension's carpet steps for feces list these cautions:

"Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness."

"Wear rubber gloves."

The CRI says the same about testing, and tells you what to look for:

"Pretest any spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area. If a change occurs, select another solution."

Sources: UGA Extension, Remove Stains From Feces/Manure; CRI, Spot Solver: Feces.

Step 1: Firm poop: lift it, do not press it in

The IICRC says: "Solid pet feces is easier to remove than urine. Compact deposits can be quickly removed with a plastic scraper or spatula." UGA Extension adds a warning:

"Scrape gently to remove the solids, being careful not to push the stain into the pile of the carpet."

Sources: IICRC tip sheet; UGA Extension.

Step 2: Diarrhea: blot, do not spread

Pick up as much as you can before any solution goes on. The IICRC says: "Loose/runny feces require the same clean-up procedure as described for fresh urine removal." Its care tip:

"Use a wet/dry vacuum for the initial pick-up of urine and loose feces and to extract spotting and rinsing agents."

Without one, blot. The CRI says: "Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or white paper towels." When you apply a solution later, it says to "work in gently" and to work "from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading." Its general spill advice adds:

"Warning: do not scrub or use a brush. Bristles and scrubbing can damage carpet. Fraying and texture change are the likely results."

Sources: IICRC tip sheet; CRI, Spot Solver: Feces; CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Step 3: Treat the stain

UGA Extension's carpet steps for feces start with a mild detergent:

"Sponge the area with a solution of 1 teaspoon mild, white dishwashing detergent and 1 pint lukewarm water. Blot the stain with an absorbent pad. Continue the sponging and blotting until no more stain is removed."

The IICRC's home steps for urine, vomit or feces stains are:

"Remove as much solid matter as possible."
"Blot the area (if still moist from the spill) with a dry absorbent cloth."
"Blot with a cloth dampened with clear water. Microfiber cloths are ideal for this purpose."
"If the stain remains, mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with a cup of water in a spray bottle and mist onto the area, and blot."
"Repeat until the stain disappears, making sure to blot between each application."

On patience, the CRI says: "Allow to remain on the spill a few minutes. Be patient. Blot." and "Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times."

Sources: UGA Extension; IICRC tip sheet; CRI, Spot Solver: Feces.

Step 4: Rinse and blot dry

The CRI says:

"When the spill is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry cloth until all moisture is removed."

"Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling."

To dry the spot, UGA Extension says: "Place an absorbent pad over the damp area and weight it down with books, etc. When no more liquid is absorbed, remove the pad and allow the area to thoroughly air dry." Then: "Rub fingers through the carpet to restore pile."

Sources: CRI, Spot Solver: Feces; UGA Extension.

Odor and leftover color

For pet messes, the CRI suggests you "Use CRI Certified Seal of Approval cleaning products that are specifically designed for pet stains and odors." The IICRC also says: "If your pets' food or treats contain coloring or dyes, discoloration may remain at the site of the accident."

If an older spot keeps smelling, see our guide on old, dried pet urine stains.

Sources: CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance; IICRC tip sheet.

What to avoid

Rubbing or brushing. See the CRI warning in Step 2.
Steam and heat. The CRI feces steps rinse with cold water. The CRI's steam warning is written for urine: "Don't use a steam cleaner when dealing with urine spots because the heat will set the stain and the smell."
Too much product. The CRI says: "Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than those recommended."

Sources: CRI, Spot Solver: Feces; CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Wool and delicate rugs

Check the rug's label first. For valuable rugs, the CRI says:

"Clean imported rugs according to the carpet manufacturer's specifications or use a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, hire professionals."

The IICRC's stain steps end with a hydrogen peroxide step for leftover color, which we leave out here. Its note on that step: "Not recommended for wool or other natural fibers without extensive testing for possible color loss." On rug dyes, the IICRC's area rug sheet says: "Pre-testing of suspicious colors and rapid drying before cleaning can help avoid potential rug damage."

For more on rugs, see our guide on how to get dog pee out of an area rug.

Sources: CRI, Basic Rug Care; IICRC tip sheet; IICRC area rug tip sheet (PDF).

When to call a professional

The IICRC says: "If these procedures do not work, call your IICRC Certified Professional Cleaner." The CRI explains: "Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills."

Sources: IICRC tip sheet; CRI, Spot Solver: Feces.

About your dog

This guide is about the carpet. On loose stool, the AKC says: "If it continues or worsens, consult your veterinarian."

Source: AKC, Dog Diarrhea.

Using P-Cleaner

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Our rinse-free, water-based formula tackles the toughest stains and odors from urine, feces, vomit, and other organic messes on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard surfaces." It also says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more.", "No scrubbing necessary" and "Odor-Free & Residue-Free". Test it on a hidden spot first, as the CRI and UGA Extension advise above. Follow the directions on the product label.

The full kit also includes Petzorbant Powder and disposable vinyl gloves. See the Professional Pet Stain & Odor Cleaning Kit.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.