Pet Urine Carpet Damage

By Terry Weinheimer 7 Comments

Pet urine carpet damage is a concern that inspectors such as the Weinheimer Group see too often. Carpet inspectors are called to investigate a failing carpet and it is actually pet urine carpet damage, not necessarily a pet related problem but a pet owner problem. The animal may be peeing on the carpet but the animal owner is allowing it to occur.

Pet Urine Carpet Damage Prevention or Carpet Failure

Pet Urine Carpet Damaged Dye

Pet urine carpet will damage dyes used in carpet. The carpet may not be damaged every time an animal wets on it. Often though pet urine will leave a permanent stain. Success in removal of pet urine in carpet is dependent upon the content of the urine, the carpet dyes and finishes, how long the urine has been on the carpet. Unfortunately, there may be times when an accident goes unnoticed and weeks or months later a pet urine carpet discoloration starts showing up on your wall-to-wall carpet. The oily residue in the urine may be attracting soil or the pet urine in carpet may be eroding the carpet dye.

In beige carpet, blue dyes are attacked by pet urine, leaving behind the red and yellow dyes with a resulting stain appearing red, yellow, or orange. If you observe a change in color of the carpet you may want to try the following treatment, it is not always successful though it often is successful at restoring pet urine carpet color change and reducing odor. Following are methods you may want to try:

Lightly sponge the area with a solution of two tablespoons of a clear, non-sudsy ammonia in one cup of water. Blot the area with white cloth or paper towels.
Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and two big tablespoons of baking soda and mix well. Using a spray bottle, spray onto the spot, wait t 5 to 10 minutes and blot (don’t rub) the area with a white cloth or paper towels.
Hydrogen Peroxide. This is another good old home remedy for urine. This can be helpful I stain removal. The brown bottle at the drugstore is usually 3% and this is what you will want to use. Put it into a spray bottle, dampen the spot and allow to dwell on the spot for 10-15 minutes before blotting up.

Delamination of Carpet Backing from Pet Urine Carpet Damage

Moisture can weaken the primary and secondary backing layers. When these backs are weakened, they will often separate. A carpet seam is often the first place this is usually seen. The seam opens and you think you have a carpet manufacturing or installation problem. Unfortunately for you it is a site related problem from pet urine in carpet that has destroyed the bond between the carpets primary and secondary back.

Odor from Pet Urine Carpet Damage

With cats, even more so than dogs, odor can become a serious pet urine in carpet concern. Unless the cat urine can be completely removed and complete odor removal is unlikely, you will have a lingering odor. This can be a very unpleasant pet urine carpet odor.

You may not notice the odor until you are away from the house for a couple of days. You go on a weekend vacation, return and the pet urine carpet odor hits you hard. This is the smell you became oblivious to but everyone else that visited you smelled it from the time they entered your house.

If you want to treat the carpet yourself there are a number of enzymes and other cleaning products that can be purchased at the pet store, veterinary office or janitorial supply house.

Prevention is you best step for pet urine carpet damage. Correction is your ongoing step and perhaps your last attempt to correct pet urine carpet before replacing both the pet and the carpet.

For more on pet urine carpet download information guide from the Carpet and Rug Institute.

Pet Urine in Carpet Care

By Terry Weinheimer 2 Comments

Pet urine in carpet. We can all recognize pet urine as a potential source of odor that we would prefer to avoid. Pet urine in carpet – dog, cat, rabbit, gerbil other pet or even human urine can severely stain a carpet. Pet urine in carpet can also damage the face and back of a carpet and even the floors below the carpet and pad.

Pet Urine in Carpet What Can We Do?

Our dogs and cats are often like our family. We wouldn’t allow our children to pee on our carpet and we shouldn’t allow our pets to pee on it either. If we are unwilling to make sure that our pets are either litter box trained or that we let them out of the house frequently to answer those calls of nature, we should have concrete or tile flooring and not wall to wall carpet. On the other hand and according to this review, majority of pet owners place a litter box or at least a container with sand and pebbles for their pet to relieve themselves, instead of watching their pet search frantically for a spot to excrete.
With dogs that are house pets you might want to consider a doggy door so that Fido can make his own way in-and-out of the house. A bit of convenience for the pet is a prevention step that will help to prevent pet urine in carpet.

Well trained pets and carpet mix. Untrained pets and carpet do not mix. We get a new puppy and one of the first things we experience is pet urine in carpet. Puppies need to be housebroken and the quicker we can do it the sooner we prevent them from breaking the house. According to a detailed guide on this subject, during this housebreaking period there is likely to be a few accidents. For that reason it is a good idea to have some type of protection over a carpet during this period of time.

Fail to protect will mean pet urine in carpet. Fail to cleanup accidents immediately means that pet urine in carpet is now pet urine in the back of carpet. With repeated accidents in the same area it will be pet urine in carpet, pad and floor.

As with puppies, older animals also have accidents. One remains safe in a single case only, basically – if keeping smaller animal, and keeping it in cage. Because, like us humans, as animals age they are often unable to hold their bladder as long as when they were a bit younger. Some animals are on medication and may be on a special diet. Pet urine will also go through changes as changes in reproductive cycles take place. Dyes are found in medication and animal foods and these too can stain a carpet.

If you have a dog that lifts his (or her) leg on anything and everything, you know what a frustrating and disgusting habit this can be! While it may be perfectly normal dog behavior, it’s not acceptable for dogs to choose to mark inside homes and public places. So it is up to the humans to try to explain that rule to the dog in a way he or she can understand.

Understanding the causes may help you pinpoint the best method for stopping the behavior. If your dog is young, you may notice he has recently started lifting his leg to eliminate. He is trying to be a “big dog” and leave his mark higher than other dogs might. Some small dogs will even walk backwards up a vertical surface in an attempt to mark higher! It’s not just the boys. Females may also mark and some get it just as high as the boys! It is often done in response to the sight or smell of another dog. Your dog may be trying to cover the scent left by another dog or be trying to send the message that “hey buddy, this tree is MINE!” or “I’ve been here”. While this may be acceptable outdoors, the problem starts when the dog doesn’t realize that leaving those little p-mail messages inside is NOT OK.

Pet Urine in Carpet Quick Cleanup

Quick cleanup of pet urine in carpet is important. The sooner you get to it the greater opportunity you will have of preventing damage. For a quick pet urine accident do the following:

Blot the area with a cloth or white paper towel as soon as you notice the spot. Absorb as much of the residue as you are able to.
Blot the area with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin) with one cup of lukewarm water. (Do not use automatic dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent. ) Absorb the moisture with a cloth or white paper towel.
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 towel and as long as the spot continues to improve.
Follow the detergent application with a solution of two tablespoons of ammonia with one cup of water.
Rinse with warm water and repeat and blot dry.
Blot the area with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two cups water and blot dry.
Apply a half-inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area. Weigh the towels down with a flat, heavy, non-fading object or with books with a layer of foil or wax paper between them and the towels. Continue to change paper towels until completely dry.

For professional assistance with pet urine in carpet visit IICRC

Carpet Shading, Footprints, Pooling

By Terry Weinheimer 58 Comments

Why is My New Carpet Turning Different Shades?

There are many types of carpet shading complaints. Carpet shading is a localized alteration in the orientation of the pile. Shading occurs as the result of randomness in pile lay direction. Shading will be seen on both wall to wall carpets and rugs. The physical cause of shading is due to the difference between light reflection from the greater surface area of the side of the bent fibers, which appear lighter in color, compared to the greater light absorption and darker appearance of the more vertically oriented fibers.

As a result of this change in light reflection a carpet will often take on an appearance as if a portion of the carpet has changed in hue. When inspection lighting is applied over the shaded area, no actual change will be seen. Carpet shading can occur as temporary carpet shading, tracking, or pile reversal defined as follows:

Carpet Shading

Carpet shading is a normal characteristic of cut pile carpets, especially those with a smooth pile such as velvets and saxony plush. Carpet shading is considered an aesthetic quality of fine carpet and is not considered a defect. Shading is caused by light reflecting differently off of tufts that bend differently from footprints, vacuuming, etc.

A person that finds carpet shading objectionable should select a carpet with a denser construction, lower pile height, textured yarn. Examples would be textured saxony, frieze, and berber.

Carpet Shading is identified by areas that appear lighter or darker depending upon the direction they are viewed from. Brushing the pile with the hand will result in a change of shade.

Temporary Carpet Shading

A reversible, localized change in orientation of a carpets pile. Temporary shading is often described as a normal characteristic of certain cut pile textile floor covering.

Carpet Tracking

A gradual change in appearance of a carpet from the edge to middle of a narrow band caused by repeated walking over the same area which may result in a localized change in pile orientation and may be irreversible

Carpet Footprints

These are shading marks left by humans and animals walking across the carpet. They may be noticeable for a few minutes or a few days depending upon the texture and resiliency of the fiber. Most deep-pile and smooth pile carpets will show footprints.

Vacuum Cleaner Marks

These are shading marks left by the brush and/or wheels of the vacuum cleaner. They may be noticeable for a few minutes or a few days depending upon the texture and resiliency of the fiber. Most deep-pile and smooth pile carpets will show vacuum cleaner marks

Pile Reversal

Pile Reversal (Watermarking, Pooling)

An irreversible, localized change in orientation of a carpets pile. The phenomenon has different names in different countries
Over time, areas of carpet may look as though someone has spilled water on various sections of the carpet, hence, “water marking.” Other names to describe the phenomenon include “pooling” and “highlighting.

Common Identifying Characteristics: Areas of carpet may look as though someone has spilled water on various sections of the carpet, hence the term water marking. Areas reverse in shade when viewed from opposite directions. Shade will appear to change when brushing with the hand. At the interfaces (edge of perceived change), the pile on either side will be strongly oriented in opposite directions. Conspicuous, irregularly shaped serpentine lines or “interfaces” will generally be located in or immediately adjacent to traffic paths. The traffic pattern may not precisely follow the flow of traffic, but will appear to waver randomly throughout the trafficked pile.

Type of Claim: While water marking may give a highly objectionable appearance it is considered a characteristic and not a defect. Replacing the carpet with a similar carpet of any fiber will likely develop in the same condition within a few months. The causes of this form of pile reversal have not been conclusively determined. Because it occurs almost exclusively in and immediately adjacent to trafficked areas, traffic appears to be a significant contributing factor; however, several environmental factors, e.g. static electricity, electromagnetic fields have also been advanced as possible contributing factors.
The Carpet and Rug Institute in its manual titled Pile Reversal (“Shading”, “Water Marking”), states……the only conclusion which can be drawn is that pile reversal may develop on the surface of some carpet after it is installed, and that pile reversal is not due to the materials which are used to produce the carpet, the manufacturing process, or any combination of these factors.

Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning

By Terry Weinheimer 3 Comments

Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning, is it for me?

Dry foam carpet cleaning is a very low moisture cleaning procedure consisting of about 90% air and 10% liquid.

The dry foam carpet cleaning machine is equipped with a pressure tank in which a mixture of water and shampoo is placed. A compressor on the machine converts the solution into foam which is then dispensed onto the carpet with a revolving cylindrical brush. The brush works bubble of uniformed size foam into the pile of the carpet so that each individual fiber of the carpet is cleaned. Once the foam has dried, the carpet needs to be thoroughly vacuumed to remove the dried crystals of dirt that have been left behind.

Dry Foam Cleaning Steps

Vacuum the carpet and spot clean to remove spots and stains.
Mix the dry foam solution following the directions of the manufacturer. Using too little or too much chemical can result in poor results so stick with the measurements stated in the directions.
Shampoo the carpet.
If the carpet is a cut pile or shag, groom the pile to speed the drying process and leave the pile running in the same direction.
Place aluminum foil or furniture blocks under the furniture legs to prevent wood stains or rust.
Once the carpet has dried thoroughly vacuum it.

Advantages of Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning

The process of dry foam cleaning is capable of covering a lot of area in a very short amount of time.
There is little danger of saturating the carpet simply because the moisture content is low. This will also help you to minimize the problems that are commonly associated with over wetting.
Dry foam is a good choice if you have older, more soiled carpet that you want to get as clean as possible.
You can rent a machine at many hardware or equipment rental stores.
They don’t cost that much to rent, which is great for those who just want to give it a shot and see what happens.
Dry foam carpet cleaning isn’t that hard to do, as you’ll be fine even if you have no experience with these types of machines.

Disadvantages of Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning

The dry foam carpet cleaning method is capable of removing average levels of soil.
There is the possibility of excessive residue and soil build up if the machine you are using has inadequate extraction capabilities.

Carpet Spot Removal Steps

By Terry Weinheimer Leave a Comment

Tips for Carpet Spot Removal

Again we’re faced with spot removal from our new carpet, one of those unexpected accidents of life! As aggravating as these accidents can be at times they are often easier to overcome than we would expect. This is especially true when it comes to spot removal of those dirty spots and spills on our carpet. Sure it is upsetting to install a new wall to wall carpet only to have your child or husband track in mud or spill a beverage. Now you are faced with spot removal to remove those spots that you should not have had in your newly carpeted room in the first place. The good news is that those disturbing spots from mud to milk or even blood are usually easier to clean from the carpet than you think. With only a small amount of effort at spot removal, even stubborn spots and spills can usually be removed. Here are several spot removal tips that will help you keep your carpet looking great. [Read more…]

Benefits of Carpet Installed Wall to Wall

By Terry Weinheimer 12 Comments

There are many benefits of carpet especially when installed wall to wall. Carpet is a practical, fashionable, and versatile choice of flooring and accounts for more than half of all flooring purchases that are made each and every year. Carpet has outsold every other type of flooring for more than 60 years. Carpet offers you several advantages that other flooring options can’t compete with the benefits of carpet such as the following:

Warmth – Carpet is the best choice you can make for your bedroom, family room, and other areas where you need warmth underfoot.
Insulation – Both carpet and carpet padding will provide an extra layer of much needed insulation between the floors of your home. Depending on the density and weight of the carpet, it contributes to the R-value of your home, which adds to the energy efficiency as well.
Safety – Carpet offers a slip resistant surface that will prevent accidents along with a natural cushion in the event of someone falling. For young children and the elderly, this is very important.
Reduction in sound – Carpet will also reduce noise better than any other type of flooring. Carpet works to dampen noise in three ways:

Reduces surface noise from foot traffic

Absorbs airborne sound

Blocks transmission of sound These qualities are valuable in apartments as well as semi-detached homes.

Surface – Adding carpet to a room can also disguise any existing damage to the floor and also hide any other problems such as warped floors. The thicker density the carpet is, the more problems it will be able to hide.
Easy to care for – The carpets of today are more stain resistant than they have ever been in the past, which makes cleaning even the worst possible spills easier than ever.
Clean air – Research has proven that carpet can indeed improve the quality of air by trapping allergy causing dust and allergens if it is properly cleaned and maintained.
Variety of use – Carpets aren’t only for floors anymore, which is a really great thing. You can easily add carpet to steps, stairs, walls, posts, and other non level surfaces, without having to worry about it slipping, lifting, or buckling.
Flexibility – Carpet is the primary foundation in almost any room. Because it is available in a variety of different colors and textures, it helps to create an unlimited number of possibilities for decorating. From the neutral tones to rich solids, carpet is the first step you can take to make your home look better than ever.
Low cost – Carpet doesn’t cost a lot of money, as it offers an economical alternative to the other types of expensive flooring. Even with professional installation, you won’t pay near as much as you would for hard surfaces. Unlike hard surfaces, carpet can keep you comfortable if you decide to lay down on it.
Life span – The carpets of today are very durable and can outlast most other types of flooring available on the market. All you have to do is select a type of carpet that has a life span of 5 – 30 years or more, which is very common now days.
Warranty – With most manufacturers, you can get great warranties with your carpet purchase. This way, you’ll be protected when you install your new carpet. Once installed, all you have to do is enjoy it – as the warranty will ensure that you are very well protected.

As you can see, wall to wall carpet offers many benefits often not found in other floor coverings. When you are in the market for a new floor review the benefits of carpet before you go shopping.