Do you need to get rid of home odor quickly? Here are some tips from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Odor in homes and buildings arises from many sources that may include pet urine, disaster contaminates, moisture problems or just plain soil. Routine cleaning automatically removes the sources of general soiling odors.
Pet urine decontamination normally requires more specialized deodorizing techniques. To remove musty odor associated with moisture, ultimately it’s important to identify and correct the moisture (high humidity) intrusion problem. Odor associated with disaster contaminates (smoke, trauma events) requires highly specialized procedures and techniques.
Odor removal involves four general principles:
- Removing the source as possible
- Cleaning affected surfaces and materials
- Recreating the conditions of penetration with appropriate counteractants
- Sealing restorable surfaces as necessary
Certified carpet cleaning professionals are trained and experienced in dealing with carpet-related odor. They have the detection tools, the specialized agents, the equipment and the experience necessary to deal with odors of all types and kinds.
According to the IICRC, the following four-step process is the best way to successfully remove odor from your carpet:
- Remove the source of the odor, as practical (absorb liquids, scoop solids)
- Thoroughly clean odor-affected surfaces and materials. Cleaning is basic to deodorizing
- Treat the odor source with an appropriate odor counteractant (sanitizer, disinfectant, enzyme)
- Seal restorable surfaces, such as subflooring, if practical
Many sources of odor, including pet urine and tobacco smoke, require specialized procedures and techniques and are best addressed by a certified professional.