If you're a pet owner, you know how quickly carpets can start smelling like your furry friends. You may be wondering: will professional carpet cleaning actually remove these tough pet odors?
The short answer is yes, professional carpet cleaning is very effective at eliminating pet odors from carpets when done correctly. A lot more goes into the process than your carpet cleaner from Amazon can pull off.
Let's dive into the details.
The Science Behind Smelly Pet Carpets
To understand how professional cleaning removes odors, we first need to look at what causes them. Pet urine is a common culprit. Bacteria in your pet’s pee can produce ammonia, which causes an unpleasant smell. You’ll need more than water and a basic cleaner to get rid of it.
How Professionals Tackle Pet Odor Removal
DIY carpet cleaning methods simply can't match the power and techniques used by professional carpet cleaning companies. Here's a look at their multi-step process:
- Pre-Treatment and Agitation
Pros apply an enzymatic pre-treatment solution designed to break down the odor-causing proteins in pet pee. They then use a specialized machine to agitate the solution deep into the carpet pile.
- Hot Water Extraction
A truck-mounted hot water extraction system flushes the pre-treatment solution and dissolved proteins out of the carpets at extremely high temperatures.
- Deodorizing Rinse
After extraction, pros apply a deodorizing rinse that leaves a light, pleasant fragrance while inhibiting future odors.
This intensive process removes existing odors and ensures that the odors don’t reappear quickly.
How Long Does It Last?
With proper professional cleaning, pet odors can be eliminated for months. However, if pets continue having accidents on the carpet, the odors will eventually return.
How To Minimize Pet Odors In-Between Professional Cleanings
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- Clean up accidents immediately using an enzymatic cleaner to break down pet urine proteins. Blot up as much as possible and follow product instructions.
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over affected areas and let it sit overnight before vacuuming up. Baking soda helps absorb odors.
- Use a pet odor removal product containing live enzyme cultures every few weeks to coeat carpets and upholstery.
- Groom pets regularly by brushing, bathing, and cleaning paws to reduce dander and dirt being tracked inside.
- Replace HVAC air filters every 2-3 months to remove pet hair and dander from circulating air.
- Use an air purifier designed for pet odors to help freshen the air.
- Consider having carpets professionally treated with an anti-microbial solution after cleaning to inhibit odor-causing bacteria growth.
- Vacuum high-traffic areas 2-3 times per week using a vacuum designed for pet hair.
Cost of Professional Pet Odor Removal
According to data from Angie's List, a residential carpet cleaning costs $180 on average. However, this will vary depending on the size of the area you need cleaned, the number of rooms that need treatment, and the kind of carpets you have.
For the hot water extraction method, the carpet cleaning cost will increase. The standard treatment is $400.
While more expensive than renting a cleaner, removing those harsh, lingering smells is well worth the investment.
The Difference Between DIY and Professional
DIY carpet cleaning simply can't match the heat, agitation, and specialized solutions used by the pros.
By understanding the science behind pet odors and the carpet cleaning process, you can see why professional services are so effective at eliminating even the worst smells. Don't let your home smell like pets any longer - invest in a quality carpet cleaning to make it truly fresh again.
If you live in Southern Indiana, consider Windell’s Carpet Care. Established in 1970, Windell’s is the best in the area, providing professional-grade carpet cleanings with state-of-the-art equipment.