How to Get Rid of Dog Saliva From Furniture

A happy dog is often a drooling dog.

The key is to use a gentle cleaner that won't harm the fabric and to avoid rubbing, which usually grinds stains deeper rather than removing them. Getting saliva stains off wood and wicker parts of furniture is even easier.

1. Dab the saliva -- if it's still wet -- using a paper towel. Remove as much of it as you can. If the saliva has dried, do not rub it now; proceed to the next step.

2. Make a cleaning solution by mixing a teaspoon of dish detergent in a cup of warm water. Stir the soap into the water.

3. Dab the soap solution onto the saliva stain with a clean paper towel. Let the solution sit on the stain for 5 minutes, then dab it off with a clean cloth. Don't rub, just dab.

4. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain to remove any bad odors. Leave it there overnight or until it dries, then vacuum it off.

5. Clean stains off wicker or wood by rubbing them off with a baby wipe. Baby wipes contain a small amount of rubbing alcohol that loosens the stain and neutralizes the odor. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Tip

If you have a problem stain that doesn't come off easily, mix a quarter cup of vinegar with a teaspoon each of baking soda and dish soap. The mixture will fizz when you add baking soda, so do it slowly. Dabbing any saliva stain with this mixture should remove it.