Does your home experience a reoccurring pet smell that seems to come and go with the changes in the weather? No matter what you try the foul and embarrassing scent returns. Humidity may be a factor and with summer coming soon it will only get worse. Odors that seem to come and go, or change in intensity are an indication that bacteria and other contaminants are present.
Three ways to control a pet related odor are
- Completely remove the source
- Seal in the source
- Masking over the foul smell with a more pleasant scent
Masking should only be considered as a temporary fix because the source still remains and can pose health problems. It can also cause further damage to your carpet or sub floor. Never place a liquid or deodorizing scent somewhere it can’t easily be removed.
Sealing in the source of an odor should be considered where the contaminated surface is highly porous and previous attempts to remove the contamination are proving ineffective. This may require peeling back the carpet to expose the carpet padding and sub-floor. Before sealing make sure the area is thoroughly washed, dry and able to be painted. Most hardware stores carry sealing products for a variety of odor and surface applications and that can be painted on with a brush or in a spray.
Completely removing the source of an unpleasant odor can also require peeling back the carpet to expose the carpet padding and sub-floor. Other times flushing the area with the proper odor counteractant and a water claw might be effective. Sometimes a syringe can be used to inject an enzymatic digester behind the carpet’s face. Your professional IICRC certified carpet cleaner can help you choose the best plan of attack.
It also important to note that odors can saturate porous surfaces such as curtains, ceiling tiles, fabrics and unfinished wood. You may eliminate the source of an odor however residual smells absorbed by other surfaces may remain. Residual odors may dissipate but most likely an ozone machine or fogger may need to be employed.