Probably half of our customers have pet related problems with their
carpets. Depending on the circumstances, the proper method of taking care of these spots and odors varies greatly.
The following is a sample of the questions that we are most frequently asked concerning pet spots and odor.
Spots and Stains
What's the first thing I should do when I discover the pet accident?
Try to get as much of the substance off the carpet with very little agitation. For urine, try to blot as much of it
onto a dry white towel. Never scrub!! Scrubbing the carpet causes friction and the heat can unravel the carpet
fibers causing the carpet to look fuzzy and damaged.
Let's talk urine.
Urine is a very thin fluid that quickly flows past the yarns of the carpet
to the backing. pad and sub-floor. The first level of cleaning cleans the yarns of the carpet - and does not reach
the back of the carpet, the pad or the sub-floor. With only an occasional accident this cleaning process is usually
sufficient. In more serious situations an advanced level of containment is required. We will carefully review
with you the severity of the conditions and recommend a successful plan of action.
Are there health concerns related to my pet accidents?
If there is enough urine or fecal volume, the only way to really go after
the potential breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminents is to have the carpet thoroughly cleaned with appropriate
cleaning solutions.
Is the spot from my pet permanent?
Dealing with pet stains is one of the greatest challenges for carpet
technicians today. The variables that exist in each individual pet problem are countless. Each pet has a unique
chemistry. Each pet food has different compounds and colorings. Urine contains a waste product called urea
which also can determine the difficulty in removing a urine spot. If the chemistry is such that the spot from the pet
has changed the color of the carpet we move out of the realm of spots and into the arena of stains. Spots: special attention
must be made in getting animal spots out. We use several different cleaning solutions that vary from situation to situation.
Stains: we use a product called Urine Stain Remover that includes an oxygenating agent which attacks the stain and works to
draw out the unwanted color. This product is not a solution for all pet stains. Because it is an aggressive approach
to fixing a stain problem it does carry the warning that color loss is possible. We have not experienced a color loss
problem but are careful to give you the necessary information before considering its use.
Odors
My pet odors seem to come and go? Why is this and can we fix it?
Dormant pet problems are often activated with humidity and poorly ventilated
areas. This is why pet odors in dark basements often stand out much more than that spot in the living room under the
picture window. We use odor-neutralizing chemicals that destroy or control micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi).
The success of these odor neutralizers depends on the level of urine saturation. We may be able to neutralize a large
portion of the odor to make the smells minimal, if not obsolete. However, urine can spread down to the abacking of the
carpet, the pad, and the sub flooring. If this is the case, it may be necessary to get under the carpet and take care
of the source. This may require removing the pad and clening the back of the carpet and sub floor. Most of the
time we are able to treat the problem areas and get the best possible result short of doing carpet repair work.
Call now for a free evaluation of your cleaning needs.
