Before you even think about specialised chemistry, odour removal starts with removing the physical source of the smell.
In a proper hot water extraction clean, most of the organic material responsible for odour should be flushed out in the first full extraction pass. That includes urine residues, body fluids, food spills and all the microscopic gunk that bacteria love to feast on.
If a carpet still smells after that initial clean, that tells you something important: there is still organic matter trapped either deeper in the carpet fibres or, more commonly, in the backing of the carpet. Hot water extraction gets you most of the way there, but it can’t dissolve or break down every type of organic contamination. This is where targeted chemistry takes over.
Why Enzymes Are Needed for Complete Odour Removal
Organic contamination, such as urine, faeces, vomit, and decomposing residues, contains complex compounds such as proteins, urea crystals, and fatty acids. These materials bond strongly to carpet fibres and backing.
Why enzymes?
Enzymes step in where standard cleaning can’t. These are biological catalysts (tiny, specialised proteins that speed up chemical reactions) that break down the remaining organic matter into particles that no longer produce odour. They break down the components of urine residue, sweat, vomit, and other organic waste so bacteria can no longer feed on them and create malodours (bad smells).
This is a different technology from hot water extraction. Extraction removes; enzymes digest. Together, they give you complete odour control, not a temporary “it smells better for now.”
Deozyme uses a blend of these enzymes and surfactants that are designed to penetrate through the fibres and reach the backing. This is crucial because urine and biological soiling follow gravity and often sit below the surface. By breaking down the contamination at the source, enzymes stop odour production at the root.
Once enzymes assist in breaking down the organic matter, odour-neutralising agents take care of what’s left. These compounds bind to odour molecules and render them non-volatile (meaning they can’t evaporate into the air), which stops them from being detected.
Some products, like the Deozyme, also include hydrophobic agents (repels water) that help keep moisture away from the treated fibres so bacteria can’t reactivate and restart the odour cycle. This is especially important in areas where spills or accidents recur, like aged-care, childcare or hospitality settings.
Equipment
- Deozyme, diluted 1:16 (60ml/Lt)
- Pump-up or electric sprayer
- Soft agitation brush or carpet rake
- Wet extraction machine / HWE machine
- Air movers or adequate ventilation
- PPE as required for contaminated environments
The Process
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Preparation & Inspection
Identify affected areas using UV light where necessary, check fibre type, and assess sub-surface penetration. Pre-test Deozyme on delicate fibres to ensure colour stability.
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Initial Hot Water Extraction Clean
Complete a full carpet clean using the hot water extraction method. The goal is to remove as much of the physical contamination as possible before applying enzyme chemistry.
See ‘How to clean carpet from organic soils | Hot Water Extraction Method’ for more information. -
Apply Deozyme (1:16)
Apply generously using a sprayer. Ensure coverage reaches both fibres and backing on heavily contaminated zones.
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Agitate to Improve Penetration
Gently agitate using a soft brush or carpet rake. This assists the enzymes and odour-pairing agents to reach embedded contamination.
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Allow 30 Minutes Dwell Time
Keep the area damp with solution throughout dwell time.
This allows enzymes to digest organic material and begin odour neutralisation. -
Wet Extraction Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with clean water using your wet extraction unit.
A slow wet pass followed by multiple dry passes removes dissolved contamination and residual chemistry. -
Aerial & Surface Odour Control (Optional)
For persistent odours, apply a light 1:100 mist of Deozyme to hard surfaces or surrounding areas.
This provides continued enzyme activity and ongoing odour neutralisation. -
Drying
Increase airflow with air movers or ventilation. Fast drying reduces bacterial regrowth and prevents wick-back.
Further Notes
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Wool & Delicate Fibres
- Deozyme is suitable for wool when used at correct dilution.
- Always pre-test for dye stability.
- Avoid excessive heat, high pH, or aggressive agitation.
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Subfloor & Padding Issues
In severe contamination (urine saturation or decomposition), odours may originate below the carpet. Underlay removal or subfloor treatment may be required.
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Avoid Chemical Interference
- Hot water, bleach, or chlorinated products can deactivate the enzymes.
- Do not mix Deozyme with other chemicals, detergents or disinfectants.
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Importance of Full Source Removal
The most common reason odour returns is incomplete removal of the contamination. Always flush thoroughly and dry completely.
Important Note
Clients often believe an odour remains even when the contamination has been fully removed. This occurs because the olfactory system (sense of smell) can retain a memory of strong odours such as urine or waste, causing the brain to perceive them even when they are no longer present.
A final scent-reset step resolves this. Applying a light mist of Deostor Extreme or Deozyme introduces a clean, fresh fragrance. When the client re-enters the space, their olfactory sensors (sense-of-smell receptors) register the new scent, helping break the mental association with the previous odour and confirming that the carpet has been successfully restored.
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