A survey commissioned by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
indicates that 81 percent of U.S. homeowners agree that the health of their family is directly related to
the cleanliness of floors in the home. While a key component to improving air quality is eliminating
carpet and rug odors, which in many cases requires regularly cleaning these surfaces, only 15 percent
clean their carpet at least once a year.
According to the IICRC, the following four-step process is the best way to successfully remove odor from
your carpet:
1. Remove the source of the odor, as practical (absorb liquids, scoop solids).
2. Thoroughly clean odor-affected surfaces and materials. Cleaning is basic to deodorizing.
3. Treat the odor source with an appropriate odor counteractant (sanitizer, disinfectant,
enzyme).
4. Seal restorable surfaces, such as subflooring, if practical.
Many sources of odor, including pet urine and tobacco smoke, require specialized procedures and
techniques and are best addressed by a certified professional. For a certified professional trained in
dealing with carpet-related odor call Five Point Restoration.
(tips provided by the IICRC)