The Chemistry of Pet Odors
Urine is composed of water, excess proteins, hormones, inorganic salts, urea, uric acid, urochrome (a natural pigment), etc.
Urine can be classified into three categories
First Stage
Newly applied.
Second Stage
Stagnant, bacteria split proteins and cause offensive odor.
Third Stage
Residual alkaline salt. This stage is the result of total evaporation of water. Urine salts are hygroscopic (moisture loving) and attract atmospheric moisture which causes odor to be released. Urine salts are not readily water soluble.
Urine, as encountered during decontamination work is normally alkaline. Thus, to remove urine we must clean the urine damaged areas on the acid side.
There are two primary options for dealing with urine contamination, encapsulation and bio-enzymatic digestion.
Option 1: Encapsulation
Solvent base odor counteractants should be utilized for urine odor control work because they are stronger and more effective. Properly formulated solvent based odor counteractants contain ingredients which dry to a crystalline form. When properly applied and used these odor counteractant crystals will surround and encapsulate the contaminated area rendering it odorless.
Option 2: Bio-Enzymatic Digestion
A bio-enzymatic digester is a product which contain living organisms which digest matter during the deodorization process. Scientists, chemists, and microbiologists have utilized nature to solve odor problems for many years. Modern sewage treatment facilities rely heavily on naturally occurring bacteria to digest waste. Early attempts at utilizing this technology for pet odor removal were often unsuccessful. Early digesters were delicate and sensitive to PH and temperature. Disinfectants and anti-microbials utilized for pet odor removal work often proved lethal to digesters. new strains of bio-enzymatic digesters have been developed through genetic engineering. digesters can be utilized in a variety of cleaning and odor control operations including; addition to household laundry detergents to remove food stains from clothing, removing grease build-up from plumbing traps and in urine and fecal decontamination and to resolve odor problems caused by spilled foods.