Many carpet products on the market today offer a fresh, clean scent for your home. They seem very convenient – merely spray or sprinkle a mixture onto your carpet and any foul odors disappear. When you go to the store, you’ll notice that these products are extensive and varied. Many of them have persuasive commercials indicating that family and guests will be overwhelmed by the improvement. But are these products the best option for your carpet?
Details on the Process
In many instances, carpet deodorizers simply mask the scent for a certain amount of time. They are not designed to remove the odor completely. If you have a spill, stain, or other accident on your carpet producing a bad smell, carpet deodorizers capture the ambient particles creating the odor. Most deodorizers offer a pleasant scent to help counter the foul one. The deodorizer does this for a few hours or so until its ingredients are no longer active. When you vacuum up the deodorizer, it takes those collected particles away.
However, the source of those particles might still be present. Gradually that source generates more particles of foul odor, causing you to repeat the cycle of sprinkling or spraying, waiting, and then vacuuming – usually many times over. Many homeowners eventually consider this as part of their weekly vacuuming routine, sprinkling or spraying first and then vacuuming.
Now, no matter what vacuum you have, it cannot get 100% of the powder deodorizer or liquid freshener you’ve applied. That means every cycle of applying and vacuuming it up leaves a little more behind in your carpet. Powder deodorizers often have granules that act abrasively on your carpet, breaking down the fibers. Liquid fresheners often have chemical solvents that also deteriorate your pile.
Since carpet deodorizers and fresheners are typically designed to mask the issue temporarily, the only true fix for carpet odors is to remove the source of the odor.
Use Carpet Deodorizers Strategically
Moderation is key. Using those powders or sprays periodically when you really need to freshen things up is acceptable but if you start using it regularly, beware – doing so might indicate an underlying issue that needs your attention. These are temporary patches, not cleaning agents. If you have a spill or stain generating these odors, use the carpet deodorizer to address it temporarily until you remove the source, or schedule a time for us to remove it for you.
Preferred Carpet Care has vast experience in removing odors and their sources. We even have our own deodorizing products designed with the life of your carpet in mind, so they don’t wear down your fibers. What’s more, we also know a few methods in how to cope with different sources when they can’t be removed entirely. Would you like to know more? Give us a call or schedule an appointment online.