Pet Spot & Odor Treatment
We consider ourselves to be pet stain experts. If you have urine contamination or other issues from your pets (and, yes sometimes people accidents too) our technicians have the experience and knowledge to remove the problem from your carpet safely, discretely, and effectively. We strive to make it look and smell like it never happened!
The Science Behind The Spot
Besides creating an unpleasant and unhealthy environment, urine contamination can cause permanent damage to the surfaces with which it comes in contact. Bacteria and pH level combine to become a two-fold problem. When the pet first “goes” on the surface, the deposit is in slightly acidic pH state (pH 5-6). In this state, it is fairly easy to treat. The acidic environment is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and bacteria production is almost instantaneous. As the urine dries and as the bacteria produces waste, the area becomes an alkaline with a pH level of around 11. In this state it becomes much more difficult to remove; proper chemistry must be applied to effectively remove the source of the bacteria and odor. A regular carpet cleaning will not effectively remove the alkaline causing the staining and odor. When a urine deposit is not properly treated, the likelihood of permanent damage to the appearance of the carpet is increased. Urine deposits will dye the fibers and staining is generally difficult to remove when urine contamination is heavy or treatment is delayed.
As it dries and crystallizes, the urine will oxidize and begin to react with the carpet dye to create a color change – producing the familiar yellow spot. If the urine is not removed quickly it will create a permanent stain by changing the dye structure of the carpet. This color change is also partly due to the ammonia off-gassing present as the bacteria reproduce and die. Long term exposure will also chemically change the fiber and sometimes erode the backing of the carpet causing delamination. Even though the alkaline salts can be removed at this point, the stain and the damage may already be done.
Why Does It Smell So Bad?
Urine odor comes both from the urine itself and from the bacteria that uses it as a food source. With repeated contamination the bacteria receives a regular food supply and can thrive in the warm, wet, acidic climate. This bacteria dies and breaks down and off-gasses producing an ammonia smell as it goes through the complex organic change.
The salts that accumulate after the organic change and drying of the urine act as a desiccant to attract moisture. This is why odors that have seemed to have gone away reappear on humid or rainy days when a deposit is not properly treated. This is also why we recommend treating the urine before carpet cleaning, as the water will activate the odor. As the moisture that is introduced to the salts evaporates, it will produce the familiar ammonia smell as the off-gassing continues.
Do you have a 100% Guarantee on Pet Odors
We will do everything possible to help eliminate any odors in your home. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely guarantee odor removal of any type. The reason is that the odor may not only be in the carpet. It may be under the padding, on the cement, or in the wood beneath the carpet. It may also be on the baseboards, drapes, walls, etc. While every attempt is made to fix the problem, there are times when multiple treatments or more extensive treatments are needed. Urine stain and odor removal cannot be fully guaranteed. If we perform a LEVEL 2 or LEVEL 3 urine remediation, we will return within 14 days at no charge to retreat any areas where existing odors have not been completely removed.
Our Specialized Pet Spot and Odor Treaments
Urine Contamination Analysis
When urine is suspected we will utilize black lights and special probes to identify locations and mark them. We may inspect the backing and pad and in some cases, the sub-floor below the carpet. Depending on the extent of the damage, we will build a quote for proper restoration process. Please note that in many cases, the Level 1 Topical Treatment may be all that is required and will be included in our Fully Involved Carpet Cleaning Process at no additional charge.
LEVEL 1 – Topical Treatment
-We treat the alkaline salt deposits using a special blend of urine pre-treatments.
-We then apply enzymes that will consume the bacteria causing the odor.
-We then clean the whole carpet as normal using an odor eliminator in the rinse.
LEVEL 2 – Sub-Surface Treatment
-We treat the alkaline salt deposits using a special blend of urine pre-treatments.
-We then treat the area using an oxidizing urine stain and odor treatment.
-We perform a sub-surface extraction that rinses the pad and carpet backing.
-We apply enzymes that will consume the bacteria causing the odor.
-We then clean the whole carpet as normal using an odor eliminator in the rinse.
LEVEL 3 – Sub-Floor Treatment
-The carpet is pulled up and the pad is removed and discarded.
-The sub floor cleaned and sealed.
-We then perform all steps in a Level 2 and then reinstall the carpet with new padding.