Selecting the Correct Odor Control Product

There are eight primary odor control mechanisms. Most odor control formulations will utilize one as the primary component with other mechanisms blended in to broaden the scope of the product. Due to the complexity of the formulation and the costs of active ingredients you will find significant differences in the performance of products offered in the market place.

Here is a brief description of the primary odor control chemistries in use today.

  • Biological agents, often referred to as an enzyme, eliminate odors by metabolizing (eating) the odorous material.
  • Pairing agents eliminate odors by bonding to the odor molecule. Thereby altering the shape of the odorous molecule so the olfactory senses no longer recognize the odor.
  • Molecular encapsulation utilizes multiple bonding mechanisms to pull the odorous molecule into the active molecule and thereby absorb the odor much like a sponge absorbing moisture.
  • Physical encapsulation occurs when a film-forming agent engulfs the odorous substance and physically prevents the release of odor.
  • Molecular cleaving (oxidation): Reactions that chemically change (break apart) the odorous molecule and combine with it to form different substances.
  • Odor modification is based on the Zwaardemaker Conjugates theory where two different odors will cancel each other out. In odor control, fragrances are formulated that cancel out the most common odors encountered such as urine, feces, and mold.
  • Emulsification: Acid based products designed to dissolve urine salts and neutralize ammonia and suspend the contamination so it can be rinsed away.
  • Masking agents simply provide a pleasant fragrance that mutes the malodor so as to make it more tolerable.

Pro's Choice Products can be categorized as follows:

Molecular Modifier is based on biological agents supported by odor modification agents.

Choose this product when:

  1. Recontamination is a possibility because the product will go dormant when it has consumed the odor source and become reactivated (germinate) when new contamination is deposited.
  2. High humidity or moisture is likely because the metabolic process functions very well in this environment.

Professionals often choose this product to treat odorous areas prior to and lightly after cleaning because the product functions so well in the moist environment of cleaning.

OSR (Odor and Stain Remover) is based on molecular cleaving (oxidation) reaction supported by odor modification agents.

Choose this product when the contamination is extensive and the sub-floor is not susceptible to moisture damage. If the sub-floor is easily damaged by moisture you will choose Molecular Modifier as the preferred treatment.

This product is not only extremely effective when used properly, but also the most economical to use.

The cons to using this process are the labor involved and the dry time following the process.

X-Cide is based on molecular encapsulation supported by pairing agents and physical encapsulation.

Choose this product when:

  1. You are treating odor transfer to upholstery such as when a pet has encountered a skunk or rolled in some odorous substance and then rubs against upholstery.
  2. You will also find it to be a good and expedient treatment for pet bed areas to remove the body odors.

This is a good choice for carpets or other surfaces when the odor is in a well-defined source, small deposits that can be quickly and effectively treated.

Odor Eliminator is based on odor modification supported by pairing agents.

Choose this product to use as an additive to cleaning agents or as a general post-spray to control malodors. It is a more durable and effective odor control than can be found in general deodorizers.

Rug Restorer is based on emulsification and supported by odor modifiers.

Choose this product when dealing with wool area rugs. This has proven to be a more effective treatment then biological agents due to the density of some of the woven textiles and the incompatibility of oxidizers with natural fibers/dyes.

UPT+ is based on Emulsification.

Choose this product when dealing with multiple light contaminated areas throughout the dwelling. A good example of this would be a puppy that hasn't been potty trained.

Usually followed with Odor Eliminator being used as an additive during the cleaning process.

Air Fresh is based on Masking agents supported by pairing agents.

Choose this product as an additive to cleaning agents and as a general freshener to leave a pleasant fragrance following service.

Related Carpet and Rug Deodorizing and Odor Control Information:

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