How to Remove Pet Odor and Fix the Damage
Pet damage and odor are common issues. Addressing odor can be challenging due to its many potential sources. Pet damage, on the other hand, is usually visible, such as yellow spots or holes in your carpet. If you face pet damage, you might wonder about the next steps, including who to hire and the costs involved. Can a regular carpet cleaning company handle the odor? You probably have many questions.
Several factors influence the right solution for these issues. As a contractor and pet odor removal specialist, I can provide guidance, but I’m not a magician. In some cases, replacing the carpet might be the best recommendation.
Pet Odor Decontamination
Pet odor is particularly challenging because its source may not always be obvious. Finding the source is crucial; once identified, you’ve solved 60% of the problem. The remaining task is to eliminate the odor and clean the air.
When we conduct a pet odor inspection, we use a UV flashlight to detect hidden spots and urine in carpets, baseboards, couches, and cabinets. We also use a moisture meter to check if the spots are wet, affecting the padding or sub-floor. Padding is the foam layer between the carpet and the sub-floor.
If you own a cat, they might mark various areas around your home.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Carpet Due to Pet Damage
We address odor issues in different ways. If more than 80% of your flooring is damaged, replacing the carpet or refinishing the hardwood floor is recommended. If damage is less than 80%, we treat the spots with special solutions that react with the urine to eliminate the odor, mixed with a deodorizer for added freshness.
Even after replacing the carpet, bad odors may persist. Many of our calls are from homeowners who had a new carpet installed but still experience odor. To prevent this, apply a good sealer to the sub-floor to trap odors and prevent them from resurfacing.
Additionally, ensure that any contaminated baseboards are treated with a solution that reacts with the urine to stop the odor from returning. These treatments can be costly. Cleaning the air in your home is another important step, which we’ll discuss further.
If you have a male dog, pay attention to walls, baseboards, corners, and furniture legs, as they often mark these areas.
Finding the Source Without Professional Tools
Sometimes, you might not notice odors in your home if you’ve been living there for a long time with pets. It’s normal not to detect the smell immediately. A good way to identify odors is to ask a friend who will be honest with you. If they don’t have pets, they might be more sensitive to the smell. Friends with pets might not be able to detect the issue.
Alternatively, you can call us for an honest assessment. We don’t know you personally, so you’ll get an objective evaluation. Be sure to ask someone who does not have pet allergies for the best feedback.
Air Cleaning or Decontamination
Air decontamination is another important step. After odor removal, we recommend using an ozone machine to clean the air. This machine generates ozone (O3), which is highly reactive and bonds with contaminants like odors, bacteria, and viruses, reducing their smell. Continuous ozone generation will help eliminate the odor.
We advise against renting an ozone machine yourself due to the need for proper understanding and precautions. During ozone generation, no one, including pets and plants, should be present in the home.
Conclusion
If you have pet odor damage, hire a professional odor elimination company and avoid using baking soda or cheap chemicals, which can damage your flooring. Stay away from bleach as it can leave permanent stains and is more of a disinfectant than a cleaner.
If you prefer to address it yourself, find the source, treat all contaminated areas, and then ventilate your home by opening windows and doors. For consultation, call Rodriguez Cleaning & Restoration at 502-365-6779.
