Are Pet Stains and Odor Removal services something you need for your carpets? Owners of even the best trained pets will occasionally encounter accidents. Often, the stain is not discovered until long after the accident. The types of damage from pet stains can be diverse and are dependent upon the makeup of the urine. Urine content will change over the pet’s life because of diet, medications, age, health, sex and reproductive cycles. Due to these variations, some pet stains and odor may not be removable.
To treat urine damaged areas:
- Blot damp area as soon as the spot is detected. Dampen and use the sponge provided in this kit or plain paper toweling.
- Apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin) with one cup of lukewarm water. Do not use automatic dishwashing or laundry detergent.
- Absorb the moisture with the sponge, rinse with warm water and repeat the application of detergent. Continue rinsing and blotting with the detergent solution and water as long as there is a transfer to the sponge or improvement in the spot.
- Follow the detergent application with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two cups water and blot dry.
- Apply a half inch layer of paper towels to the affected area and weigh down with a flat, heavy, non-fading object. Continue to change paper towels until completely dry.
Why You Should Treat Your Carpet For Pet Stains and Odor Removal
Urine can affect the dyes used in carpet, although not all occurrences will result in a permanent stain. Success is dependent upon the urine content, the dyes and finish of the carpet as well as the time elapsed after the deposit. The dyes may change color immediately after contact with urine while others may take weeks or months for a reaction. When reactions develop slowly the dyes and carpet fibers may be permanently damaged. In beige carpet, blue dies are attacked by pet urine leaving behind stains that appear red, yellow or orange.
Pet urine can damage carpet in several ways. Moisture can weaken the layers of the carpet allowing separation or delamination of the backing material. Seam areas can be particularly damaged as well as cushions and subfloors.
Another problem, especially with cats, is odor. Total pet stains and odor removal is unlikely unless the urine can be completely removed. While a number of products are available to combat pet odor, many simply mask the smell and odor may reappear in times of high humidity. Enzymes have been developed recently that are more effective, though they are most effective when used by a carpet cleaning professional. The damaged area of carpet can be replaced with a piece from reserved scrap if odor removal is not possible. In some situations, the replacement of cushion and subflooring may also be necessary.
Some carpet manufacturers have developed backings that resist spills and prevent liquid from penetrating the carpet into the cushion and subfloor. Check with your carpet dealer about these products.