How to Get Rid of Pet Odor for Good

As a professional cleaner, your goal is to leave spaces spotless, fresh, and safe for your clients. However, it's essential to understand that some common cleaning practices — especially when dealing with pet urine and certain chemicals — can be harmful. One such mistake is mixing pet urine with chlorine bleach, which can create hazardous reactions. In this post, we'll also explore the importance of using enzyme cleaners and discuss other dangerous cleaning product combinations you should always avoid.

The Dangers of Mixing Pet Urine and Chlorine

Pet urine contains ammonia, a compound that can be found in various household and cleaning products. Chlorine bleach, a widely used disinfectant, reacts with ammonia to create chloramine gases, which are extremely toxic.

What Happens When You Mix Ammonia and Chlorine?

• Toxic Gas Release: Chloramine vapors are released when ammonia and chlorine interact. These fumes can cause eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

• Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to chloramine gases can lead to serious respiratory issues like pneumonia and asthma attacks.

As cleaning professionals, you're exposed to chemicals daily. Knowing what not to mix is just as crucial as knowing the best products to use.

The Role of Enzyme Cleaners in Pet Odor and Stain Removal

When it comes to cleaning pet urine, enzyme cleaners are a game-changer. Unlike traditional cleaning products, which may mask odors and stains, enzyme cleaners break down the organic matter that causes the problem at its source, making them highly effective.

How Do Enzyme Cleaners Work?

Enzyme cleaners contain natural enzymes that specifically target and break down the proteins and bacteria found in pet urine, feces, vomit, and other organic stains. When you spray an enzyme cleaner on a stain, the enzymes go to work, breaking down the molecular structure of the stain, removing it at a deeper level and eliminating the odors caused by bacteria and waste.

Why Are Enzyme Cleaners Important?

Pet-Friendly Formula: Enzyme cleaners like our Pet Oops are non-toxic, biodegradable, and specially formulated to be safe around pets and children — perfect for homes with furry friends. You can trust Pet Oops by Speed Cleaning to eliminate messes without exposing your household to harsh chemicals.

Effective Odor Elimination: While conventional cleaners may just mask odors, Pet Oops goes to the source. Its powerful enzyme formula breaks down organic matter at the molecular level, eliminating the root of the odor and leaving your space truly fresh.

Long-Lasting Results: Because Pet Oops breaks down both stains and smells completely, you’re left with a deep clean that lasts. No more lingering pet odors — just a naturally clean home.

Why Traditional Cleaners Don’t Work as Well as Enzyme Cleaners

1. Masking Odors, Not Removing Them

Many traditional cleaners contain strong fragrances or chemicals designed to mask odors temporarily. These may make the area smell fresh for a short time, but they do not eliminate the odor at its source. For example, when pet urine dries, it leaves behind salts and proteins that continue to produce an unpleasant smell, even if the surface feels clean.

2. Surface Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Traditional cleaners like sprays and wipes often only clean the surface of the stain. They may remove dirt or discoloration, but they fail to address the underlying cause of the odor and stain. On the other hand, enzyme cleaners penetrate deeply into the fibers of the upholstery or carpet, breaking down the organic matter at the molecular level and leaving the area completely clean.

3. Bacterial Growth and Reoccurring Odors

When cleaning products only mask odors, they often leave behind traces of bacteria or organic compounds that can lead to the odor returning. Enzyme cleaners, however, break down the bacteria, preventing it from reactivating the smell and ensuring that odors don't return.

Dangerous Cleaning Product Combinations to Avoid ☠️

While understanding the right products to use is important, it's equally essential to know which combinations of cleaning chemicals can be dangerous. Here are a few common mixtures that should never be made:

1. Ammonia and Bleach

As we discussed earlier, mixing ammonia (found in pet urine and some cleaning products) with bleach can create toxic chloramine gases, which can lead to respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even chemical burns.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar both have great cleaning properties individually, but when mixed together, they form peracetic acid, a substance that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

3. Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol

When combined, bleach and rubbing alcohol produce chloroform, a highly toxic substance that can cause dizziness, headaches, and even unconsciousness in severe cases.

4. Bleach and Acidic Cleaners

Mixing bleach with any acidic cleaner (like those containing vinegar or lemon juice) creates a dangerous reaction that releases toxic chlorine gas.

5. Bleach and Ammonia-Based Cleaners

Ammonia, commonly found in many cleaning products and pet urine, should never be mixed with bleach. The result is the release of chloramine gases, as previously mentioned.

Prioritize Safety and Professionalism

As a cleaning professional, it's crucial to understand the risks of mixing certain chemicals and how to use them safely. Never mix pet urine with chlorine, and opt for enzyme cleaners to tackle pet odors and stains effectively. These natural solutions not only protect your health but also offer your clients a safer, more eco-friendly cleaning service.

By being aware of these potential dangers and taking extra precautions, you’ll not only protect your well-being but also build trust and credibility with your clients. Choose the right cleaning methods, and continue to deliver the exceptional service that sets your business apart.