Pet Urine & Odor Removal

The primary source of odor associated with urine comes from bacteria festering in the urine patch. Bacteria growth, combined with the breakdown of urine, creates complex organic compounds called amino acids. These compounds often work deep into the fibers until they actually become a part of them, which make the odors much more difficult to remove. The waste materials and gases from the decomposing urine create an unpleasant odor, but when remoistened can become even worse. Urine odor, if dormant, will sometimes “come alive” on days of high humidity. The salts that are left behind as the urine dries are hydrophilic, which causes water to be drawn to them, reactivating the smell. This is why cleaning existing urine stains may not completely remove any associated odor. In fact, it could increase the odor in the environment temporarily.