The day you see a mouse dropping on your sofa, it’s best not to waste time mulling over whether it’s an isolated incident or do you have an infestation at hand.
It’s most probably the latter. And the sooner you pull up your sleeves (literally!) and take action to address the issue, the better.
Mouse droppings can be a serious issue as mice are known to spread many life-threatening diseases worldwide.
If you have seen a mouse dropping on your sofa and want to know the safest way to get rid of it, then read on for a perfect solution.
Mouse-dropping is rarely an isolated incident. If you spot one mouse dropping in your house, you already have a mouse problem.
Here is a list of steps to safely and effectively remove mouse droppings from your sofa:
- Take necessary precautions by wearing gloves and a mask before removing and treating the area.
- Use a damp cloth ( disposable ) to pick as much dropping off the sofa without smudging.
- Use warm water mixed with dish soap to clean the spot on the sofa.
- Sanitize by spraying the area using a water and vinegar mixture.
- Let the sofa dry off completely before initiating to use it again.
Looking for ways to further prevent the problem from reoccurring is always recommended.
If the task seems overwhelming, get a professional to treat the infestation.
This article gives detailed step-by-step instructions on how to safely get rid of mouse dropping from your upholstery and restore it to its hygiene level.
Why Eliminate Mice Infestation?
Mice do not only damage your property, but they also pose a serious risk of contaminating your food and spreading life-threatening diseases. It is important to get rid of mice to maintain a clean and safe environment to live in.
Mouse dropping found on the sofa can be the most cringing sight to see as the sofa is usually the most used piece of furniture in your home.
Many times it is also a place where you consume your meal. So, removing the dropping safely from the sofa and restoring its hygiene level for future usage is important.
Steps To Clean Mouse Dropping From Sofa
Breathing air that is contaminated with mice dropping can pose serious health issues.
Therefore it is important not only to remove the dropping immediately but also to remove it safely and effectively to prevent any further hazards.
Here is the step-by-step instruction on how to remove mouse dropping from your sofa:
1. Precaution
Before you begin the process, you must ensure you are safe from inhaling or being contaminated by accidentally coming in direct contact with the dropping.
For that purpose, wear rubber gloves and a mask before treating the area to remove mouse dropping.
2. Removal
After wearing the mask and gloves, take a damp disposable cloth or a paper towel.
Pick up as much of it from the sofa as possible.
Make sure not to press too much on it while scooping it off.
It’s alright if you notice a mark left on the sofa at this point.
3. Cleaning
Make a solution using warm water and dishwashing liquid. Take a sponge and dip it into the solution.
Rub the sponge in a circular motion over the mark you noticed was left behind when you removed the dropping.
Carefully scrutinize the sofa to detect any other area where you notice a stain or discoloration.
Treat those other areas the same way by gently rubbing the sponge until the stain is removed.
4. Sanitizing
While the visible mark may be gone, you still need to treat the area to sanitize it for future use.
You can buy sanitizing sprays from the market or make one at home.
You can easily make one at home by making a spray bottle using 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.
Shake well and spray over the major areas of the sofa, especially over the areas you just treated with soap and water mix. You may go densely over those specially treated areas.
Do not use bleach while sanitizing any upholstery, as it may cause permanent discoloration to the fabric.
5. Drying
You can move the sofa to another room till it dries off completely or keeps it at its current location if you can ensure no one accidentally sits on it.
Do not worry about the vinegar smell, as it evaporates after a little while.
Prevention
Once you have removed and sanitized your sofa, the final step is to tackle the root cause to prevent future mouse infestation.
There are several things you need to look into that are listed below:
- Locate and remove existing rodents.
- Examine the walls of your house and seal all potential entry points.
- Do periodic cleaning of outdoor space, especially the backyard.
- Make sure the garbage is properly disposed of.
- Keep the inside space clean and sanitized frequently.
Drop a mothball or two within the gaps of the sofa. It will keep moths from damaging your upholstered furniture and keep mice away as their sensitive nose can’t stand its pungent smell.
Conclusion
Mouse dropping poses a serious health risk and should not be taken lightly.
Dropping on the sofa means the mouse has nestled in your house, and you must take measures to remove the infestation.
Lastly, use repellents around the house to make sure mice stay away.
After you have made the efforts to remove mouse infestation but the signs keep reoccurring, it is best to call in a professional to address the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Lemon To Sanitize the Sofa?
Although lemons have anti-bacterial properties, they are also a natural alternative to bleach. Fabric on the sofa can be harmed and permanently discolored. It is recommended to avoid using lemon to clean stains off a sofa.
How Long Does Mouse Dropping Stay Toxic?
Mouse dropping can stay toxic for as long as a week.
What Does a Mouse Dropping Look Like?
Mouse dropping is slight and pointed at both ends. The typical size of a mouse dropping is about a quarter of an inch.
