A common problem is foul odors. This is especially so in the summer because the humidity and temperature increase to levels that are most conducive to bacteria growth.
Most deodorizers are “COVER UP.” All they do is cover up or mask the odor. But once the perfume has evaporated, the foul odor reappears. These so-called deodorizers are also called “masking agents” and “reodorants.”
These electrically operated machines eliminate organic odors such as tobacco, smoke, mildew, vomit, some pet odors, mustiness, and perspiration through the oxidizing gas ozone. Ozone (O3), an unstable form of oxygen (O2), is produced by lightning’s electrical discharge and is the fresh clean smell left in the air after a lightning storm. It is also the “electrical” odor you smell above the television, radio and monitor. Ozone machines use an internal electric arc to generate ozone. They then disperse the manufactured ozone that oxidizes the odor or bacteria in the air and absorbed into surfaces, thus frequently eliminating the air-borne odors permanently. This is the best way of ridding a room of skunk odor or of tobacco smoke.
Since long-term exposure to ozone is harmful, all pets, plants, fish and people must be kept out of the room being treated and the room must be sealed off. This is an extremely effective odor control method. It is best to clean the furniture after ozone treatment or allow the furniture to thoroughly dry before treating with ozone. Note that the permitted upper limit of ozone in the USA is 0.1 ppm for 8 hours and in Canada is 0.04 ppm.
Properly and safely used, ozone can eliminate airborne odors including:
- Bacteria, mold and mildew
- Smoke
- Garbage, fish, urine, feces and pet odors
- Tobacco
- Paint fumes
- Skunk odor
- Some pet odors
- Mustiness
- Perspiration
- Vomit
Application of deodorizing with ozone in a car or other vehicle:
If you opt for an ozone generator to mitigate a vehicle’s odor, use it in the vehicle for 1-2 hours, then air the car out overnight.
Personal safety when using ozone odor treatment:
Ozone can worsen respiratory symptoms and asthma, so wait 2-4 hours for it to settle before re-entering the room in which you used the generator.
Make sure pets and children do not have access to the space while the ozone generator is running.
Run the generator for only 2-3 hours in larger rooms and do not return to the house until later that day.
Safety to articles:
Remove any items that you don’t want to experience discoloration or potential damage from rooms in which you use an ozone generator.
To prevent damage to the plastic coating on electrical wires, trained technicians run an ozone generator for only two to four hours at a setting that is safe for wiring. Then they leave the house closed for two full days, allowing the ozone molecules to do their work. If you are using ozone, be sure to keep it far from electronic products and electrical outlets. These don’t play well with ozone. The ozone can damage your electronic equipment.
Keep plants out of the area.