How To Clean Mouse Droppings From Carpet

Mama, I hate mice. Not quite as much as I hate spiders (I have a touch of arachnophobia), but mice are definitely one of those things that make my skin crawl. If you’re reading this, chances are you have an unwanted visitor in your house. Here’s how to get rid of the droppings they tend to leave on our carpets:

How to Clean Mouse Droppings From Carpet Step-by-Step

Put on rubber gloves (and possibly a mask and eye protection depending on how bad the area is).
Pick up any visible droppings with a paper towel and dispose of them in the trash.
Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove any remaining droppings or debris.
Apply a non-toxic cleaning solution to the affected area (such as vinegar, baking soda, enzyme cleaner, or essential oil cleaner).
Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the area clean.
Dispose of any contaminated cleaning materials, such as gloves or cleaning cloths, in a sealed trash bag.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Safety Precautions to Take When Cleaning Mouse Droppings From Carpet

The first thing to keep in mind when cleaning mouse droppings from your carpet is your safety. As a mom, I know that it can be tempting to just dive in and start cleaning right away, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential health hazards.

The first thing you’re going to want to do is put on some rubber gloves. Believe me, you do not want any of that nastiness on your bare hands.

Depending on how big of a mess there is, I highly recommend wearing a mask and eye protection. This will help protect you from any airborne particles that may be released during the cleaning process.

It’s also a good idea to keep your babies away from the area while you’re cleaning. Rodent droppings can carry bacteria and viruses that can be harmful, so it’s best to take extra precautions to ensure their safety.

Lastly, make sure to properly dispose of any cleaning materials, including gloves, masks, and cleaning cloths that have been in direct content with any of the mouse poop, urine, or nest materials. Use a trash bag to seal and dispose of any contaminated materials, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after you’re done.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

It’s frustrating to clean up a mess only to realize the cleaning products themselves are harmful. That’s why I wanted to share some non-toxic cleaning solutions with you. They will effectively clean the area and keep your little ones safe while they play nearby.

Vinegar solution:

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a cloth.

Baking soda solution:

Create a paste by mixing a quarter cup of baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming it up.

Enzyme cleaner:

This type of cleaner breaks down the proteins in the mouse droppings, making it easier to clean. Follow the instructions on the cleaner bottle and use it as directed.

Essential oil cleaner:

Create a solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar with a few drops of essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, or lemon in a spray bottle. Spray the entire area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a cloth. (I personally prefer lavender, but to each their own.)

IMPORTANT: To avoid any potential discoloration, make sure to dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio, and do not allow the solution to sit on the carpet for more than a few minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth. This should ensure that the vinegar solutions effectively clean the area without causing any damage or discoloration.

How to Safely Vacuum Up Mouse Droppings from Your Carpet

Vacuuming up mouse droppings is generally safe, but there are a few important things to keep in mind.

First, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a disinfectant spray or one of the non-toxic cleaning solutions I mentioned earlier to dampen the area before you start vacuuming. This helps prevent any dust or particles from being kicked up into the air.

When you’re ready to start vacuuming, make sure you’re using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which can trap even tiny particles like mouse droppings and prevent them from getting released back into the air.

After you’re done vacuuming, be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister and filter thoroughly, and wash your hands and any tools or surfaces that came into contact with the droppings.

Okay mama, I hope I’ve been able to help! Do you have any tips for cleaning up mouse droppings? If you do, please let us know in the comments below. Good luck!