Clean Informer Magazine New Years 2014 | Page 23

BUSINESS PET ODOR CORRECTION By Rob Allen Pet odors are one of the most difficult things to correct even for professional carpet cleaners. Why? Because urine is a sewage waste and is so invasive to carpeting and fine furnishing. When a pet urinates on a carpet it seeps quickly down through the carpet,through the backing and padding. Eventually it reaches the sub floor or concrete depending on which flooring type carpet is laid upon. Urine goes in as an acid but over time becomes an alkaline salt. When a home humidity level rises the salt deposits off gas reminding the homeowner of the accidents. The problem is the homeowner doesn’t know where the urine problem lies many times because the pet usually does his business away from the homeowners eyes. As professionals we use strong UV lights made specifically for locating urine. The result is often surprising and even scary to homeowners. However it is an invaluable tool to locate and properly treat urine contamination. By locating we can “duplicate” the urine deposit by depositing (spraying) directly a professional pet correction product. I prefer something with the ‘cide in the name. For example peroxide. A ‘cide style product “kills’ and odor. In order for or a ‘cide type product to work it must come into contact with the odor molecule. An encapsulation modified deodorizer smells good and works great too. What does that mean? Basically it envelopes the odor molecule and crushes it. At my company, Drynclean carpet cleaning we offer 3 levels of urine control to our clients. We take the time to explain each level and let the customer decide. But we still ascertain the clients expectations and recommend the level that fits best. However ultimately it is their decision,their comfort level with the contamination. We also let them know they can always “move up” a level the next time if they are not completely satisfied. This places the responsibility of the results where it belongs on the client instead of on the professional. Plus we remind the homeowner that if the pet is not trained then repeated cleanings will be necessary. Now to the levels we offer: Level 1 - Locate, Duplicate, Rinse, Clean Level 2 - Locate, Duplicate, Flush, Rinse, Clean Level 3 - Locate, Pad removal, Clean backing, Seal sub-floor/concrete, Flush, Rinse, Clean Professional prices vary some. At Drynclean Level 1 is usually 1/2 to whole price of cleaning depending on the severity of the problem. Level 2 is 1-1 1/2 times the price of cleaning again depending on severity. Level 3 is usually double price of cleaning and deodorizing. Another option is an odor neutralizing style unit left behind to attack severe odors on walls and in HVAC units. Understanding,educating and implementing proper procedures leads to pet odor success. UV high intensity urine lamp & usage; 23