Important Aspects Of Urine Contamination.

The problem can range from a one-time accident of an animal, over-spray around the toilet (if you have children of the male persuasion, you understand) or a Great Dame who believes the living room carpet is his own special sandbox. A dog or cat that weighs less than 5 pounds will produce more than 10 gallons of urine a year. If the animal concentrates most of that into an area of less than 100 square feet, which many of them do, the problem can be quite extensive. Urine leaves the body (man or animal) in an acid state, with a pH of about 5 to 6. It is rather pure and generally contains no harmful bacteria, pathogens or microorganisms. However, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for those things as soon as it leaves the body. The main ingredient in urine is uric acid. It also contains yellow pigment, urea, cholesterol, enzymes, and small amounts of other chemicals. The uric acid begins to change immediately upon leaving the body. The warm acid state of the urine offers a friendly environment for bacteria, which begin to flourish almost immediately. In this original acid state, the urine begins to oxidize and react with the carpet to create a color change, which may become permanent if the urine is not removed from the carpet. As urine begins to dry, it changes its hydrogen content and forms crystalline salts, which take on an alkaline pH. Then the smell begins!

When dried urine is remoistened, it gives off an ammonia gas. This is one way to identify a problem area, by the odor. Odors associated with urine come from two sources. The first source is bacteria that grow abundantly in dark warm places with a never ending food source (the dog feeds the bacteria daily!). This bacteria growth and breakdown of the urine creates amino acids. These complex organic compounds work deep into carpet fivers until they're nearly part of the fiber. This can present a challenging situation. The waste materials and gases from the decomposing urine create an unpleasant odor. The second source of odor is chemical odor that remains even when the bacteria have been killed. This explains the reason more than disinfecting is necessary to neutralize odors from urine. Urine also presents additional odor problems when the relative humidity is high. The salts and crystals that are formed are hydrophilic and draw water to them. As the salts are reactivated by moisture, they give off a greater proportion of odorous gases.

Before Urine Can Be Treated, It Must Be Found.

We Use 4 Tools For Urine Identification.

Nothing is more frustrating than searching for the source of urine odor. Each spot must be identified and properly treated.

1. Our Nose- As explained above urine contamination will smell. Our nose will often lead us to the source of the problem.		Watch a carpet inspection locating pet urine using a black light and moisture probe. Amazing! It's like carpet cleaning CSI
2. Our Eyes- Usually urine stains are visible to the eye. However you will learn that the damage may be more severe than meets the eye.

3. A Black Light- A black light becomes a valuable tool in locating the exact areas in need of treatment because it makes use of special ultra-violet rays which are on the same wavelength as pet urine, thus turning a tedious task into a breeze. The crystalline structure of dried urine causes it to fluoresce a dull yellow color under ultraviolet or "black" light. Urine is not the only substance that will fluoresce. Some soaps and detergents have components that fluoresce, even after rinsing thoroughly, as well as some fabrics and lint. These will usually fluoresce a bright white or even bluish hue, not the dull yellow of urine. However even after the areas have been decontaminated the affected areas may continue to fluoresce. Watch the above video of a carpet inspection locating pet urine with a black light.

4. A Moisture Detector- When bacteria attacks uric acid, the bacterium leave behind a crystalline waste which is 'hygroscopic; meaning that it constantly draws moisture from the environment. Although the contamination may appear to dry to the touch, the moisture detector will 'ping' when it comes into contact with urine because of the minute traces of water molecules found in the bacteria waste crystals. Watch the above video of a carpet inspection locating pet urine with a moisture probe.

Urine Contamination May Be Much More Severe Than You Realize.

Urine usually enters the carpet or upholstery from the topside. As the urine is emitted, it tends to spread downward and outward to a larger size in the padding and subsurface. Many times a small urine spot that is detected from the topside is double or triple in size by the time it reaches the padding and subsurface. If total decontamination is expected each layer of contamination needs to be treated, a area larger than the visible spot on the surface will usually have to be decontaminated or replaced.

Your 3 Options For Pet Stain And Odor Removal Depends On The Severity.

Urine decontamination often requires more than just a top cleaning of the carpet.  There are many surfaces and layers that can be affected.  Please note that when cleaning urine spots, there is a difference between cleaning the visible urine stain and treating for urine odor. Cleaning existing urine spots MAY NOT remove the associated odor. In fact, it could INCREASE the odor in the air space for a temporary period of time. Here are some options depending on the severity.  Not all treatments can be guaranteed to completely remove the odor. Let us explain your choices for removal and your expectations of what the results will be.

1- Moderate Contamination- Sub Surface Extraction 75%-90% Successful

The pet has repeatedly contaminated the same spot. The carpet and pad are contaminated with urine. Although this treatment is a valiant attempt, it is NOT guaranteed to eliminate the odor, but it is often successful therefore avoiding the inconvenience of pulling the carpet up and the cost of replacement.

1. First, the affected spots must be identified as explained above.
2. Next, from the topside of the carpet we saturate a special cleaning solution on the urine stains penetrating the carpet and padding to reach the source of the odor. We allow the solution to dwell for 30 minutes.
3. Then, we use special deep extraction tools. The water claw & Hydro Xtreme Extracor remove the cleaning solution and urine deposits from the carpet and padding. 
4. Finally, we thoroughly clean, rinse and extract the urine and soil with our powerful truck mounted cleaning equipment.

2- Heavy Contamination- Almost Guaranteed Odor Removal.  99.9% Successful

1. First, the affected spots must be identified as explained above.
2. The carpet is pulled back from the contaminated area.
3. The affected carpet cushion / pad is removed.
4. The sub floor is swept and cleaned to remove contamination.
5. Apply an odor barrier/sealer to the sub floor, tackless strip and wall if needed.
6. Saturate the contaminated carpet with a special cleaning solution.
7. Extract the cleaning solution from the carpet with our powerful truck mounted cleaning equipment.
8. Install new carpet cushion / pad.
9. Reinstall the carpet.
10. Finally, allow the carpet to dry before replacing furniture.

3- Replacement-  Guaranteed 100% Successful

Depending on the age & condition of the carpet and the severity of the urine contamination it may be wise to consider replacement of carpet and pad. The sub floor and any affected walls or baseboards must still be properly cleaned and sealed and then new pad and carpet can be installed.

8 Primary Odor Control Mechanisms.

Most odor control formulations will utilize one as the primary component with other mechanisms blended in to broaden the scope of the product. Due to the complexity of the formulation and the costs of active ingredients you will find significant differences in the performance of products offered in the market place. Depending on the situation Referral will choose the proper product to control odors. Here is a brief description of the primary odor control chemistries in use today.

• Biological agents, often referred to as an enzyme, eliminate odors by metabolizing (eating) the odorous material.
• Pairing agents eliminate odors by bonding to the odor molecule. Thereby altering the shape of the odorous molecule so the olfactory senses no longer recognize the odor.
• Molecular encapsulation utilizes multiple bonding mechanisms to pull the odorous molecule into the active molecule and thereby absorb the odor much like a sponge absorbing moisture.
• Physical encapsulation occurs when a film-forming agent engulfs the odorous substance and physically prevents the release of odor.
• Molecular cleaving (oxidation): Reactions that chemically change (break apart) the odorous molecule and combine with it to form different substances.
• Odor modification is based on the Zwaardemaker Conjugates theory where two different odors will cancel each other out. In odor control, fragrances are formulated that cancel out the most common odors encountered such as urine, feces, and mold.
• Emulsification: Acid based products designed to dissolve urine salts and neutralize ammonia and suspend the contamination so it can be rinsed away.
• Masking agents simply provide a pleasant fragrance that mutes the malodor so as to make it more tolerable.
  
  

  

  Vet’s Trust Pet Odor Removal 16 oz. $9.95 + tax

  Choose Vet’s Trust for Odor Removal from urine, feces, vomit and other embarrassing odors.  Infused with environmentally-friendly, enzyme-producing bacteria that effectively digests organic waste matter, Vets Trust targets odor at the source. This formulation withstands high pH and high temperatures without losing effectiveness.  It is non-toxic and biodegradable.   Unlike competitive, wimpy products that cannot begin to eradicate pet odors, Vets Trust works to get the job done once and for all. Click here for 'Vet's Trust' Material Safety Data Sheet Purchase Vet's Trust at Referral's Office at 2901 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, In 46805
  

A Helpful Product To Prevent Damage From Pet Urine In The Future.

If you are concerned about spills or pet accidents, you may want to install Stainmasters Carpet Cushion with odor barrier when you replace your carpet. The STAINMASTER® carpet cushion breathable moisture barrier minimizes objectionable odors by preventing liquids from soaking into the cushion. Spills such as milk and pet accidents, if absorbed into your carpet cushion, will linger and cause odors for years. This won’t happen with properly installed STAINMASTER® carpet cushion because the moisture barrier prevents liquids from soaking into the cushion. These spills remain on top of the cushion where they can be treated and removed during cleaning.To learn more click here.

What Are Other Fort Wayne Pet And Animal Owners Saying About Referral Carpet Cleaning?

Referral Carpet Cleaning is the BEST carpet cleaning company I have ever used. They are diligent, knowledgeable, and do the best job possible without pushing you to buy a bunch of their products afterwards. I have 4 pets and I love them, but I also love my home and want it to stay clean and odor free. They do an excellent job at making my carpet look like new each time they come out! I also appreciate the free bottle of spot cleaner I get with every cleaning. I used to use another company to clean my carpets and it looked fine until the next day or two after when the pet stains reappeared and the odor was still there. They did not spend near as much time spot treating problem areas or just on carpet cleaning in general. - Ms. Coleman, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

You are a little more expensive but good!  The technicians are very nice and worked hard.  The pet odor smell was gone.  We appreciate you coming out to help us.  – Mrs. Reimscheser, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

You did a super job removing the pet stains.  Very conscientious about doing a great job of cleaning our carpet.  It dried quickly.  It was a pleasure doing business with Referral.  Thank You.  -  Mr. Schroff, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

Thorough cleaning even getting spots from red wine, pet stains and food spills.  They are trustworthy.  They dry the carpet using fans.  The carpet smells clean and fresh, not wet.  They called before arriving and were punctual.  They are neat and careful when moving items.  They talked to me and let me know the concerns they had about the job as they encountered stains.  They protected all corners and blocked the door to prevent the wind from entering.  Referral actually works at removing problem areas.  They know carpet and how it reacts and what to use on it.  They listen to concerns and answer questions I had about how to better keep the carpet clean.  They care about what they do and aren’t just in a hurry to get out and on their way to the next job.  -  Ms. Clabaugh, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

Referral did an excellent job removing the stains in the carpet other companies could not remove.  Referral did the job I asked them to do.  They even removed my dogs mistakes and saved my carpet!  -  Mrs. Keefer, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

Recently one of my dogs had a virus that unfortunately gave him diarrhea.  The dog had several accidents through the house.  I called a major carpet cleaning chain in town and they sent someone over.  All they did was deodorize and clean the area.  I was left with a large mustard colored stain in the center of my living room with cream colored carpeting.  I could not sleep that night. I did not know what to do, the carpet was only 2 years old.  In desperation I called Beaulieu, the carpet manufacturer and CR Carpet where I purchased the carpeting.  They said to try Referral because they are successful at stain removal.  I called Referral immediately and he was very reassuring that they could take care of the stain problems and somebody would be at my house the next day.  Referral treated the spots and in what I consider to be a miracle, the mustard color stain COMPLETELY DISAPPEARED!  Interestingly, a supervisor at Beaulieu carpet contacted me after Referral had already done their magic and told me to try and contact a company who used a specific brand of products and it so happened that this is exactly what Referral used!  I am a very satisfied and relieved customer.  Referral Carpet Cleaning was professional, very prompt and got the job done.  I now have them on my cell phone’s speed dial.  Thank You.  -  Mr. & Mrs. Shields, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

You saved our wool carpet from a very bad pet accident. You came late at night, were concerned and very pleasant. You also re-cleaned another room and restored it to its original look, doing what another carpet cleaner couldn't. Thank you so very much! - Mrs. Thomas, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

A job well done!  For over one year we had the odor of cats in our son’s room but now it is all gone!  Mr. Jordan, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

I am extremely pleased with Referral Carpet Cleaning's service. I recently took in a rescue dog that had many health problems and that always had accidents on the carpet. My house had a VERY unpleasant odor due to two months of daily pet accidents and stains, but when Referral was done, my carpet looked and smelled like new! No more odor, no more stains. I felt that they did a better and more thorough job than other companies I have paid to clean my carpets. I'm not embarrassed to have company over anymore. I would definitely recommend this company to others, especially pet lovers!‎ - Fort Wayne Pet Lover

I had a cat and a puppy that made a mess on my carpet.  I thought it was ruined and would need replaced.  First I tried cleaning and the odor is gone and it looks like new!  I am very pleased!  -  Mrs. Stolte, Fort Wayne Pet Lover.

Oh my gosh! You won't believe them until you see them! Words almost can't explain it! Our dog TOTALLY TRASHED our carpet and it looks like brand new! It's money well spent. - Mr. & Mrs. Beck

Referral did an excellent cleaning job! This is the cleanest I have ever seen my carpet. Their team was professional & knowledgeable. I had a pet urine problem which is now completely gone! My dogs do not sniff in that area at all. Referral is the only company that can truly solve a pet urine problem. Ms. Schriver

Dear Referral Carpet,  I didn't think it would take this long to get a simple letter of appreciation to you for the exceptional carpet cleaning job you did for us last year.  Just to jog your memory - my name is Linda Wright and we called Referral Carpet to come into the home of my in-laws to clean the carpeting right before the 4th of July weekend. You remember us, the home of the ladies who owned the 5 cats.  It was a very tumultuous time for us - my father in-law had passed away on Easter Sunday 2009 and my mother-in-law just 5 weeks later.  We were both mentally and physically drained from the demands of getting the estate in order and the house ready for auction.  We had a big challenge on our hands and especially needed help with 2 areas of the house, the carpeting and the carpeting at the front door area due to cat urine and spraying. We actually removed the carpeting in front of the door and replaced the door itself.  The cat's damage had actually started to rust the front door and the bottom of the door where it meet the jam had holes eaten through the metal. Luck for us, the house is on a slab, otherwise I am sure we would have had to replace the subflooring. We believe the damage to these areas started in 2007 when my father-in-law became ill and was put into a local nursing home.  Cats are funny about change, and especially the kind of change that upsets their internal system of living. My father-in-law's absence was enough to start them into action.  At first the spraying was confined to the front door - literally they sprayed the front door, which then leaked onto the carpeted area below.  My mother-in-law did her best to clean these "accidents" but sometimes once it starts, it gets worse.  During our visits, we would notice that the cats had other "accidents", like missing the litter box, has the cat gone blind?  How could he mistake the wall as the litter box?  It got worse during 2008-2009 and even though my mother-in-law had someone cleaning the house each week, new spots showed up daily.  We didn't realize how many areas had been affected or just how extensive the damage was until Referral came in to clean.  
Referral’s technicians were great!  If you have never been into a house where a cat has sprayed (you are lucky!),let alone multiple cats spraying, you can't really appreciate how impossible it is to get rid of the smell. Referral spent extra time applying a special treatment to these areas and used a special piece of equipment which literally sucked the offensive smelling cat urine out of the carpeting.  This piece of equipment was like a giant square suction pad.   I couldn't believe how much extra time Referral took to "seek out and destroy" the areas in the house that had been hit the worst by the cats.  Your technician is a true professional and I really do hope what he said is true - that he didn't smell how bad the odor was as he was extracting the stench from the house.  I felt as if we not only got a cleaner carpet but that the house actually became healthier as he went room by room.
OK, I could go on and on about Referral but I don't want this email to bounce back because it exceeded the size limit :-)  Just know this - I wish Referral would move to Wisconsin so I could use your services.  I need to have my mother's carpet cleaned and I still haven't found anyone who comes close to the services I received from Referral.
Thanks for making our lives a little bit easier during a very stressful time.  And I am very sorry that it has taken me a year to get this to you.
Regards, Linda Wright, Kenosha, WI

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Other Pet & Animal Related Links

Click here for more tips from the Humane Society on how to remove pet stains and odors

Visit the Humane Society's Web Site, there is a TON of information about caring for your pet and a variety of cat and dog behavioral problems.

American Animal Hospital Association

American Veterinary Medical Association

How do you choose the right veterinary for your pet? Angie's List explains in this pet issue. Click here to read on.

House Break Your Dog Free Help from the Experts. How To Articles. Or, Ask a Behaviorist at PlanetUrine.com