Our industry has been very conscious that the consumer's perception of clean is "if it smells fresh and clean then it is." Carpet and textile  care is fast becoming a complex profession. With specialized cleaning solutions to address any problem, Chemspec is commited to providing proven chemistry to the industry through a solid research and development program.

Pre-Cleaning Inspection
The most important aspect of the pre-cleaning inspection with regard to malodors is the pre-qualification of the customer. Pre-qualification is the process of developing a clear understanding with the customer to establish realistic expectations. When performing the inspection, document all pre-existing conditions such as spots, stains and excessive wear. Also, look for signs of pet or water damage, food spills or any other type of contamination.

Deodorization Techniques
Remember, the first priority is to choose the right cleaning chemistry that is safe, that will not jeopardize the carpet warranty and that promotes a healthy environment.
In routine cleaning, mild odors resulting from soiling and spillage can be controlled with a general contact deodorizer as found in the Kill Odor line of products. Basic deodorization can be accomplished with the addition of as little as 1 oz. per 5 gallons of ready-to-use solution, or sprayed to the carpet at a 5:1 dilution prior to cleaning.
However when you encounter contamination such as cat urine or other severe malodors, choose Chemspec's Urine Contamination Treatment. These sites are usually accompanied by visible staining, physical deterioration of the textile's dyes and the potential for resulting health problems. As professionals, we must get to the source and either remove, modify or neutralize the odor causing conditions.
In dealing with cat urine, it is critical to first determine the location of the contamination. An ultra-violet lamp (black light) or a moisture detector will help to best accomplish this task. Next, saturate each contaminated area with Urine Contamination Treatment, which may be diluted 2:1 with water if the odor id not too severe.
Once the specific areas have been treated, the remainder of carpeted area in the room should be sprayed with a general deodorizer such as Advanced Generation Carpet Deodorizer which is anionic and approved for stain-resistant carpets. Allow for suficient dwell time, then complete the job by hot water extraction cleaning with Chemspec's Carpet Care Products. In areas of extreme contamination (i.e., corners), many times it is best to replace that area of carpet padding, deodorizing the floor and carpet.

Checklist for Identifying the Source of Odors
When attempting to restore an odor problem, it is crucial to first locate and then identify the source of the odor. The location often provides important clues as to the identity. The following checklist from Dr. Michael A. Berry's Protecting The Built Environment should be helpful.

• Has the property been occupied? For how long?
• In searching for the cause of odor, it's always useful to ask, "What does the odor remind me of?"
• Are there any unusual circumstances such as standing water, smoke or vandalism? Are animals present?
• Have drugs been used? Drugs often emit noxious odors.
• Are there any new spills? Find out what was spilled if a spill might have caused the odor.
• Are the hamsters missing? Are there pets? What kind? Size? Age? Where are they?
• Is there debris or discarded items in or around the property?
• Is the ventilation system operating properly?
• Is the odor sweet, sour, greasy, repulsive, moldy or stale?
• Is the odor mild, moderate or severe?
• Is it getting worse, better or is there no change?
• Is it bad enough to make the area uncomfortable?
• Does everyone at the site notice the problem?
• Does it cause symptoms such as eye, nose or throat irritation?