Pets and Your Carpet
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.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.