If you own a pet, then the simple fact is you have some form of pet odor in your home. It can be as simple as a “wet dog” smell you notice when it is foggy or it rains. It can be as bad as an ammonia odor that burns the nose and tears the eyes. In extreme cases it can literally drive the occupants out of a home until it is corrected. Rest assured however no matter how bad the problem is, weather its from your own pets or you have purchased a structure with an existing problem it can be corrected. I do warn you however that for the worst cases the financial cost and disruption to your home life can be a little overwhelming.
I am a firm believer in doing it yourself. In the case of pet odor removal however, I would strongly recommend that you at least consult with a professional. As someone who has spent over two decades in floor covering maintenance and restoration, structural restoration and indoor air quality management I can assure you that the last person you wish to seek help from on these issues is your local hardware store expert. The second to last place you want to get your answers from is the back of a chemical bottle you picked up at the local pet or grocery store.
For the minor problems like wet dog smell or a slight urine odor the answer will usually be a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the affected areas. For major urine problems this will usually not work because you are not able to remove the source of the smell. Allow me to explain why.
In its liquid form urine will soak through carpet and padding to the sub-floor where it will soak in. It will saturate wood floors and improperly sealed stone floors. It will flow through any crack crevice or seam to the concrete or wood below. It can also soak into the lower portions of the sheet rock in your walls, and affect the framing material behind them. Once these areas are affected you can still have lingering pet odors even if you replace your carpet, wood or stone floors. After the urine crystals have formed you can have lingering pet odors for years after any pet has been in the home.
I found the use of enzymes most effective in treating all areas, however many homeowners use commercial enzyme products with little to no effect. The reason for this is simple. Enzymes, though an affective treatment are very sensitive. They will die off if it is to hot or cold. They also have a limited shelf life. So when you go to the pet store to buy a bottle of enzyme treatment you have no idea how effective it will be. Professionals use powdered enzymes that they mix on location, in water at a certain temperature and they use it within hours of mixing . Hence the results are much more effective.
Over the years I have seen homeowners spend thousands of dollars in the attempt to remove pet odors from a home, and in the end still be forced to spend thousands more for proper restoration. In the long run you are better off seeking a restoration specialist for an estimate or consultation before you take any steps on your own.
Article by Guest Blogger Brian L. Vaubel
Brian has 20+ years experience in carpet and furniture care and founded Eco-Clean in California. He works with environmentally friendly products and consults on Indoor Air Quality issues, and specializes in maintaining homes for those who are chemically sensitive.
