Even owners of the best trained pets will occasionally encounter the remains of
urine in inconspicuous areas of their carpet. Often, pet owners realize a
problem exists only when the carpet has been removed for replacement.
The type of carpet damage attributed to pet urine can vary widely, depending on
the makeup of the urine. Urine removes body waste from animals. Urine content
will change over time, depending upon diet, medications, age, health, sex, and
reproductive cycles of the pet. Because of these variations, not all urine
stains can be removed and possible damage cannot be anticipated.
Pet urine, left unattended, can damage carpet in several ways. Moisture from
urine can weaken adhesives, allowing separation (delamination) of the backing
material. Many pets are often attracted to seam areas, where the most severe
damage can occur. After repeated exposures to urine, seam adhesives and other
bonding materials can weaken to the point of seam separation. Unfortunately,
separation of the seams by pet urine is among the most common complaints by pet
owners.
Urine also can affect the dyes used in carpet, although not all occurrences will
result in a permanent stain. The degree of removal of pet stains is dependent
upon the content of the urine, the dyes and finish used on the carpet, and the
time that has elapsed since the urine was deposited. Some urine stains may be
immediately noticeable, while with others, it may take weeks or months for
reactions to develop. Often, dyes change color immediately after contact with
urine. When immediate color loss is experienced, color sometimes can be restored
by treating the area with a solution of two tablespoons of a clear, non-sudsy
ammonia to one cup of water. While this treatment is not always successful in
restoring color, the ammonia can be effective in removing urine content and
reducing objectionable odors.
Over time the dyes and carpet fibers may be permanently damaged. Often this
damage is hidden until the carpet is cleaned, which may reveal the reaction by
allowing the dyes to bleed. In beige carpet, for instance, blue dyes are often
attacked by pet urine, leaving behind the red and yellow dyes. The resulting
stain may appear red, yellow, or orange.
To treat urine-damaged areas, blot damp areas with plain white paper towels as
soon as the urine is detected. Apply a solution of one teaspoon of a liquid
dishwashing detergent, that does not contain bleach or lanolin mixed with one
cup of lukewarm water. Do not use automatic dishwashing detergent or laundry
detergent that may contain bleaches or optical brighteners. Absorb solution
with paper towels, rinse with warm water, and repeat the application of
detergent. Continue rinsing and blotting with the detergent solution and water
as long as there is a transfer to the paper towels or improvement in the stain.
Follow the detergent application with a solution of two tablespoons of ammonia
mixed with one cup of water. Rinse with warm water, repeat, and then blot dry.
Using paper towels, blot the area with a solution of one cup white vinegar to
two cups water, and blot dry. Apply a half-inch layer of paper towels to the
affected area, and weigh down with a flat heavy object. Continue to change
paper towels until completely dry.
Another problem associated with pet urine, specifically cat urine, is odor.
With cat urine, unless the urine can be completely removed, there will be little
chance of completely removing the odor. A number of products have been marketed
for the removal of pet urine odor, but, in many cases, these deodorants simply
"mask" the odor until the deodorant has exhausted itself. In times of high
humidity, urine odor may reappear despite the effectiveness of deodorant
solutions. If urine odor problems cannot be resolved, consideration should be
given to removing the damaged area of carpet and reinserting a portion of carpet
from scrap reserve. If replacement of carpet is necessary, replacement of
cushion and even subflooring material may also be necessary.
Recently, enzymes have been developed that assist in removing many pet stains.
Enzymes are available at many pet stores, but they are more effectively used in
the hands of a carpet cleaning professional. Before using any enzyme or other
cleaning substance, ensure that the substance is approved by the carpet
manufacturer and that its use will not void any warranties. When working with
urine stains always consider contacting a carpet cleaning professional for
assistance.
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