Question: Why does my carpeting have a foul smell? Can it be fixed?
Answer: The foul odors associated with carpeting are typically caused by bacteria in the same manner that odor causing bacteria cause bad breath. The solution to bad breath requires rinsing your mouth with anti-septic mouth wash designed to kill the germs (bacteria) which cause bad breath. Bacteria can grow in your mouth because there is a food source, the climate is ideal, and your mouth is of course nice and moist. The bacteria within our mouths are: eating, dividing (division by binary fission can allow a
population to double in under 30 minutes), dying, and of course excreting, which means that they are using your mouth as their personal bathroom. The foul odor is caused by the release of multiple byproducts resulting from digestive processes the bacteria use to break down organic matter as they “feed”, and then excrete. Bacteria can secrete digestive enzymes that break down matter outside their membranes. The end result of this process is the production of volatile sulfur compounds, short chain fatty acids, ammonia, and other byproducts depending upon the type of bacteria. This process occurs in nearly every aspect of our life.
[For example: Dirty Astronaut Underwear… Living on the International Space Station creates a number of problems. In the late 1990s, Russian scientists created a cocktail of bacteria to degrade the underwear of astronauts to cut down on waste, with the hopes of harnessing the resulting methane gas to use as fuel. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are only allowed to change their underwear every three days due to waste disposal issues. ~ from i09.com/10 surprising things that bacteria like to eat]
population to double in under 30 minutes), dying, and of course excreting, which means that they are using your mouth as their personal bathroom. The foul odor is caused by the release of multiple byproducts resulting from digestive processes the bacteria use to break down organic matter as they “feed”, and then excrete. Bacteria can secrete digestive enzymes that break down matter outside their membranes. The end result of this process is the production of volatile sulfur compounds, short chain fatty acids, ammonia, and other byproducts depending upon the type of bacteria. This process occurs in nearly every aspect of our life.
[For example: Dirty Astronaut Underwear… Living on the International Space Station creates a number of problems. In the late 1990s, Russian scientists created a cocktail of bacteria to degrade the underwear of astronauts to cut down on waste, with the hopes of harnessing the resulting methane gas to use as fuel. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are only allowed to change their underwear every three days due to waste disposal issues. ~ from i09.com/10 surprising things that bacteria like to eat]
How does all of this relate to foul odors within carpeting you might ask? Quite simply, bacteria and other biological contaminates exist practically anywhere there’s a food source. Bacteria and mold do not grow on carpeting as some may believe, as carpeting is a synthetic and does not support biological growth. They can only grow because there is a food source such as dead skin cells, dust mites, dust mite excrement, and other organic matter residing upon the carpeting. To properly and effectively remove odors from carpeting, it is necessary to remove the organic matter and biological contaminates. The vast majority of carpet cleaners offer deodorizing services to mask odors, however, the result will always be temporary because the original organic matter is still present. In fact, most carpet cleaners are unable to address the source of the odor problem because they lack the knowledge and expertise. Instead, their service offerings are focused on cosmetic improvement. At Enviroclean of Illinois, Inc. we have perfected a method for carpet cleaning with the objective of removing the biological contaminates that carpeting has trapped. We hear from our clients frequently explaining how thrilled they are that their homes smell so much better after we’ve cleaned their carpeting.
Alternative odor removal methodologies can include ozone (O3) saturation, or Hydroxyl (OH-) saturation, but neither removes the source of the odor, rather they rely on a process known as oxidation.A musty smell is typically caused by mold which can be the result of varying issues. We must first eliminate potential chronic issues which can be addressed through alternative mechanical measures. For example, if the carpeting is located in an area of the country with above typical humidity levels such as Florida, or in a basement, or the ventilation system is not sufficient, or perhaps there may be an unknown water leak present, then we must first locate and repair any leaks or deficiencies in the ventilation system so that we can insure that the indoor climate is properly maintained at ideal levels. Once the climate is controlled, we then need to address the removal of the source of the foul odors. I performed a quick internet search of the recommended procedures to remove foul odors from carpeting, and most of them suggested a masking agent or temporary deodorizer such as baking soda or a spray on type of air freshener. Once again, as with any biological contaminate, the source of the issue must be eradicated, and then appropriate preventative procedures should be implemented.
How to Remove Bad Odors From Carpet
by George Heuvelman of Enviroclean of Illinois, Inc.
Technical Contribution provided within the first paragraph by Alexandra Heuvelman BS Molecular Biology.
by George Heuvelman of Enviroclean of Illinois, Inc.
Technical Contribution provided within the first paragraph by Alexandra Heuvelman BS Molecular Biology.