How to Easily Get Rid of Dog Diarrhea Stains from Carpet?

Dogs are loyal, loving, and full of personality. But let’s be real, every dog owner eventually faces that dreaded moment: diarrhea on the carpet.

It’s gross. It’s smelly. And if you're staring at the mess wondering whether to clean it or just torch the rug, you're not alone.

Take a breath — you’ve got this.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of dog diarrhea from your carpet using things you probably already have at home. No panic. No lingering stains.

What You’ll Need?

You have to act fast in these situations. Here’s a quick grab list you can follow:

Item	Why You Need It
Disposable gloves	Protects your hands from bacteria and mess.
Face masks	Reduces smell sensitivity to prevent gagging.
Paper towels / Rags / Wipes	For blotting up liquid without rubbing or spreading.
Plastic bag / Trash bin	For safe disposal of contaminated materials.
Dull knife / Spatula / Cardboard	Helps lift the mess gently without grinding it into the carpet.
Dish soap	Cuts through grease and helps loosen organic stains.
White vinegar or Enzyme cleaner	Breaks down organic material and removes odors.
Baking soda	Neutralizes odors after cleaning.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	Lightens stubborn stains when used safely.
Soft brush / Old toothbrush	Gently work the cleaner into the fibers.
Spray bottle (optional)	Makes application of homemade cleaner easier and more even.
Vacuum	Final cleanup to remove baking soda and restore carpet texture.

7 Steps to Get Dog Diarrhea Out of Your Carpet Quickly and Safely

Step 1: Prepare Yourself

Nobody wants to clean this up, but the sooner you start, the easier it is. Diarrhea spreads fast, so time matters.

• Slip on gloves. If smells trigger your gag reflex, wear a mask or tie a scarf over your nose. 

• Keep trash bags, towels, and cleaners within reach so you’re not running around mid-cleanup.

  
  

Step 2: Scoop As Much As You Can

Once you are ready, start like this:

• Use a dull knife, an old spatula, or even a stiff cardboard to gently lift the mess. 

• Start from the edges and move inward — don’t press or spread.

• Avoid rubbing — the goal is to remove, not grind it in.

• Once the bulk is removed, toss it all (including gloves and tools) into a sealed plastic bag.

Step 3: Blot the Remaining Mess

After removing the solid waste, blot up excess moisture with a clean cloth or towel. Here’s the process:

• Use dry paper towels or cloths to blot — not wipe — the leftover moisture. 

• Pat gently to soak up as much as possible without pushing it deeper into the carpet.

• Don’t rub. Just press and lift.

• Change towels often and keep blotting until there’s minimal moisture left.

• Discard used clothes into your trash bag right away.

  
  

Tip: Use white clothes so you can monitor how much of the stain is lifting.

Step 4: Apply Cleaner to Get Dog Diarrhea Out of Carpet

If you have an enzyme-based cleaner, now’s the time to use it. These are specially made to break down organic waste (like pet messes) and remove both stains and odors at the molecular level.

Here’s what to do:

• Spray or gently pour it over the stained area. 

• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then 

• Blot the area with a clean towel. 

• Repeat until the spot looks better and feels cleaner.

  
  

Make Your Cleaner: No enzyme cleaner? No problem. Mix up this quick DIY version:

• 1 cup warm water

• 1–2 teaspoons mild dish soap

• 1 cup white vinegar

  
  

After the cleaner is ready, do the same process as above to clean the area. Vinegar is a powerhouse in home cleaning. If you’re curious about where else it works wonders, check out Is Vinegar Good to Clean Windows? Revealing the Cold Truth for a surprising breakdown.

Step 5: For Stubborn Stains

Vinegar may not be enough to get rid of the stains you're dealing with. But don't worry, hydrogen peroxide can come to the rescue:

• Mix 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (3%) with 1 cup of water

• Test it on a hidden part of your carpet (for example, the back of it) just to make sure it doesn't discolour your rug.

• Dab (don’t pour) the solution onto the spot

• Let it sit for a few minutes.

• Blot and rinse with clean water.

  
  

Caution: Never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar directly — it can form a mild acid that may irritate skin or damage materials.

Step 6: Deodorize with Baking Soda

Even after the stain is gone, odors can linger around. To fix this, you can use baking soda as a safe solution to freshen up your carpet.

• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the cleaned area and leave it for several hours (or overnight if you can). 

• Inspect if it has absorbed the leftover smells.

• Vacuum it thoroughly to restore the carpet texture.

  
  

Step 7: Let It Dry and Recheck

Allow the area to air dry completely — open windows or turn on a fan if needed. Once dry, inspect for any lingering spots or smells. If anything remains, repeat the cleaning steps.

Preventive Measures

A clean carpet won’t stay clean if your pup keeps returning to the scene of the crime. But you can take some steps to stop the cycle:

• Use enzyme cleaners —  these eliminate scent markers dogs use to “reclaim” territory

• Block access temporarily — use a baby gate or furniture to prevent return visits.

• Check your dog’s health — frequent diarrhea could be a sign of illness or a diet issue.

• Re-establish potty habits — more frequent walks, outdoor time, or training reinforcement can help.

• Keep pet-safe enzyme cleaner on hand if your dog has stomach issues.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Cleaning up dog diarrhea isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but it is manageable. 

The key is to act quickly, use the right tools, and be patient.

With a little care and the right techniques, you can rescue your carpet and move on with your day.

And hey — give your pup a little grace. Accidents happen. What matters is that you’ve got their back (and your carpet’s too). Want to tackle another tough cleaning job after the carpet crisis? Try our guide on How to Clean a Gas Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide — it’s easier than you think.