That darn cat! Well, accidents happen. Pet urine is one of the most pervasive odors most homeowners encounter. Don't get rid of your pet! Get rid of the smell!
Pet Odor
Pet odor is a very common problem. From minor problems to major headaches you can find the right solution that works best for you.
In many cases normal cleaning process is all that is needed to correct minor pet problems.
The problem with pet odor is that it can be much deeper than it first appears at first. Pet urine can easily soak through the backing of the carpet into the padding underneath. In more severe cases the urine can penetrate into the sub-floor beneath the padding. This creates a problem that is multi-layered.
The urine also provides for the growth of bacteria. This in turn contributes to a worsening of the odor problem and can contribute to permanent color loss of the carpet fiber.
Treatment
To eliminate this problem the urine must be removed or neutralized from each of the layers effected. If the contamination is limited to only the face yarn of the carpet then the cleaning itself may effectively remove the odor. In more severe cases a urine neutralizer may be applied.
In the most severe cases, replacement of the carpet padding, treatment of the under-side of the carpet and the sub-floor may be required. Even replacement of the carpet, however, can not guarantee complete removal of the odor.
Left untreated over a period of time pet odor can become absorbed into many of the porous materials in your home. Draperies, sheet rock, upholstered furniture, base-boards, even the concrete foundation are just a few of the materials that can absorb these odors.
There are a range of solutions to help you with your pet odor problems. In the long run, however, it may be more a matter of proper maintenance instead of total elimination. After all, we love our pets and want to keep them a part of our family. Pet ownership adds to the challenge of maintaining a clean and healthy home.
Urine Control
Please note that when cleaning urine spots, there is a difference between cleaning the urine soiling and treating for odor. Cleaning existing urine spots MAY NOT remove any associated odor. In fact, it could increase the odor in the air space for a temporary period of time.
Pet urine can cause permanent damage to your floors and fabrics. It can also create an unhealthy indoor environment. When urine is first deposited onto a floor or fabric, it is in an almost "neutral" state which means it is easier to remove when it is fresh. Once it dries, it turns "alkaline" and becomes more difficult to remove. If left for days or weeks, depending on the fabric or floor type, it will permanently change the dye structure, therefore causing permanent staining. Even if the soluble deposits are removed, the damage to the dye structure may already be done.
This means that no one can guarantee complete removal of all urine spots.
To prevent permanent staining in the future, clean urine spots immediately by blotting with a white terry cloth towel or plain white paper towels until no moisture is transferred. To clean the spot, mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and massage (don't rub) into the spot with a white terry cloth. Once you have "flushed" as much of the urine out as possible, blot with dry cloths until dry to the touch. If you have a small extraction machine, flush with fresh water until spot is removed. Do not use over the counter, general spotters or extraction detergent.
