Pet stains are some of the worst, and most difficult stains to treat. Before we talk about how to treat pet urine and odors, we first must understand their properties. Urine in the beginning is slightly acidic, at a pH of around 5-6, and comprised mainly of uric acid. Urine begins to grow bacteria almost immediately after exiting the body, and transforms from an acidic state into a high alkaline state. Over time this alkaline mixture transforms into tiny alkaline salts which emit the offensive urine odor. High alkalinity will damage carpet fibers, and can also remove the dyes from your carpet, which may cause permanent damage. This type of damage if left for too long, cannot be corrected by carpet cleaning.
Standard steam cleaning alone, will actually compound the odor problem, as moister created by a steam clean will promote a chemical reaction that will re-activate the alkaline salts emission process. Urine contamination needs to be treated with specialty products before the cleaning process. There are two urine cleaning methods for two varying degrees of urine contamination. The first method is a (topical urine cleaning). This is best used if the urine is from a small dog, and has not drenched the carpet backing. The next method is a (carpet & pad urine cleaning). This is obviously for far more servera cases of urine contamination. This second method can be a little costly, though in most cases is a lot cheaper than replacing your carpet.
Topical Urine Cleaning
First, we apply a urine decontaminate that has a buffered PH. When first applied the PH is in an acidic state which neutralizes the alkaline urine salts, but by the time it dries it will be at a neutral PH state. We apply just enough of this product so that it just reaches the carpet backing and pad. This product has hydrocide in it – a powerful odor neutralizer. We let this product dwell for 10 minutes.
Second, we go over the area with a specialized tool called a water claw to suck up the majority of the urine and cleaning solution, and then steam clean it with hot water extraction. This process rinses deep down into the carpet fibers and extracts any remaining contamination.
Third, we apply a one last spray of “Urine Stain Remover” over the area. This product does not require any rinsing, and continues to work on, and remove any remaining stain (where possible).
Carpet & Pad Urine Cleaning
First, we apply an topological acid rinse over the carpet. This neutralize the alkalinity of the urine salts and brings it back into a PH neutral range.
Second, we inject an acid into the carpet backing and the pad. We will let this dwell for 10-15 minutes. Again this is to neutralize any alkaline salts that may have penetrated the pad and carpet backing.
Third, we perform a sub-surface extraction with a specialized tool called a water claw. This tool extracts the acid rinse, along with the urine. We also flush the urine with fresh, hot water.
Fourth, we then finally spray and inject the contaminated area with a special enzyme cleaning agent that is specifically designed to treat pet stains and counter act urine odor. The enzymes eat away any remaining urine along with it’s unpleasant odor.