Odor Removal

Why is pet odor removal so difficult? Primarily, it is the chemical makeup that causes the odor. Urine, for example, is rich in nitrogen and can have a strong ammonia smell. Other waste products contain foul-smelling bacteria. When you combine these strong odors with improper clean-up, you are stuck with a smell that won’t go away.

When accidents happen, the liquid doesn’t just sit on the surface. It seeps down into the fibrous material. That is where odor lives, and can be the most difficult place to reach. Homeowners get used to the smell and fail to realize it remains after they clean up.

Some pet problems will actually ruin the carpet unless treated properly.

• Urine – Urine is the worst offender because it not only produces a lingering smell but can also actually damage the dyes and fibers in the rug.
• Vomit – Stomach acid has the potential to harm any type of surface, including carpets.
• Fecal matter – Most damage from fecal matter comes due to improper cleanup. Rubbing the area embeds the waste into the carpet fibers and backing where it can cause permanent problems.

The majority of pet odor removal requires professional service. Over-the-counter products are stopgap measures at best. They claim to make the odor go away, however, what they actually do is cover it up. The combination of the fragrance and the family’s desensitization to the smell only works temporarily.

A professional service takes a more scientific approach to the problem. The goal is neutralization, not masking. Commercial removal products will counteract the smell instead of covering it up. They also provide a more thorough cleaning that includes carpet backing and the subfloor when necessary.