[terrymaloy]

A customer has just rang me.
She hired a RD last weekend and cleaned her own carpets throughout the house.

She tells me there is an awful smell coming from the lounge carpet ( the other carpets are fine ).
The smell is similar to that of ammonia (or cat urine).

Does anyone know what could be the cause of this smell ?  (it is completely dry by the way)

I said I would quite happily come deodorise her carpets or even clean it again (professionally).
As long as it gets rid of the smell, she's not bothered !

I'm going tomorrow morning...should I bother cleaning it ?

[John Kelly]

The carpet will have been overwet. You say its dry but I bet the backing and even the underlay may still be damp. It is mildew and moulds which give off this ammonia smell.

[garry22]

Terry,

be careful.

Have a look at this thread (down the page from this one)

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=146522.0

[terrymaloy]

Thanks for that Gary and John...will inform her accordingly !

[Helen]

A customer has just rang me. She hired a RD last weekend and cleaned her own carpets throughout the house. She tells me there is an awful smell coming from the lounge carpet ( the other carpets are fine ). The smell is similar to that of ammonia (or cat urine). Does anyone know what could be the cause of this smell ?   (it is completely dry by the way) I said I would quite happily come deodorise her carpets or even clean it again (professionally). As long as it gets rid of the smell, she's not bothered ! I'm going tomorrow morning...should I bother cleaning it ?

 Yes it is worth cleaning it as you will show the customer how much dirt is still in there. The offending area should be lifted as underneath will be wet and you need to get that extracted and dried for the custie. Had one exactly the same as this last year. Custie stood by the van and could smell the amonia type smell  in the van instead of her house.......she also saw the mud like water that came out too and couldn't really believe it, turned into a put right the lounge job, to lounge, dining , hallway and stairs with bedrooms booked for a later date...... Thank you RD