Before you even think about specialised chemistry, odour removal starts with removing the physical source of the smell…
When standard cleaning fails to remove carpet odour, it’s usually because organic matter is trapped in the backing. Using a professional bio-enzyme like Actichem Deozyme is the most effective way to digest these sources at a molecular level.
(Source: Carpet Cleaning Guide – Actichem Nov 25, 2025)
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.”
Read our Resource Library article: “Carpet Odour Removal NZ: Professional Cleaning & Restoration Guide”
Why Enzymes?
Enzymes digest whereas extraction only removes
Professional restoration requires Enzymatic Digesters or Molecular Encapsulators that break down the odour-causing molecules at a cellular level.
Actichem Deozyme – Odour remover and enzyme digester
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.
Required Equipment for Carpet Odour Removal
- Deozyme, diluted 1:16 (60ml/Lt)
- Pump-up or electric sprayer
- Soft agitation brush or carpet rake
- Wet extraction machine / HWE machine (truckmount, portable with inline heater)
- Air movers or adequate ventilation
- PPE as required for contaminated environments
The Step-by-Step Deozyme Application Process
- 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. - 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. - Apply Deozyme (1:16)
Apply generously using a sprayer. Ensure coverage reaches both fibres and backing on heavily contaminated zones. - 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. - 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.
Raise Your Standards: Training Opportunities
Mastering odour control is the difference between a one-off job and a lifelong customer. Join our courses to learn the science behind the smell.
Ascend Foundation Courses
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Carpet Cleaning to Industry Standard: Learn the fundamental TACT (Time, Action, Chemical, Temperature) principles and how to handle common residential carpet odours effectively and safely.
IICRC Professional Certification
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OCT (Odour Control Technician): The definitive course for those wanting to specialise in fire, trauma, and pet-related odour removal. Learn the chemistry of “pairing agents” and “molecular bonding.”
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CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician): The foundation for all carpet work. Learn how to identify fibres (Wool, Nylon, Polyester) and select the correct cleaning chemistry for the NZ market.
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WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician): Essential for understanding how to manage “damp” odours and Category 2/3 water contamination.
Don’t just mask the problem—eliminate it. Contact us today to secure your spot in our next intake.
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