A Complete Guide to Odor Removal with an Ozone Generator

A Complete Guide to Odor Removal with an Ozone Generator

The Powerful Sense of Smell

The human sense of smell is incredibly powerful. According to a TED-Ed lesson, adults can distinguish up to 10,000 different smells. After all, it is the first sense used when we’re born. This is all made possible by the olfactory epithelium, located in the back of the nose, which detect smells with millions of neurons. With the strength of the human nose, lingering smells can be detected long after the source is gone. Below, we’ll provide you with a complete guide to odor removal, offering step-by-step instructions on how to eliminate even the most stubborn, lingering odors from your home

Basic Types of Smells

Humans typically sense 10 basic types of smells. They are:

• Fragrant (e.g. florals and perfumes)
• Fruity (all non-citrus fruits)
• Citrus (e.g. lemon, lime, orange)
• Woody and resinous (e.g. pine or fresh cut grass)
• Chemical (e.g. ammonia, bleach)
• Sweet (e.g. chocolate, vanilla, caramel)
• Minty and peppermint (e.g. eucalyptus and camphor)
• Toasted and nutty (e.g popcorn, peanut butter, almonds)
• Pungent (e.g. blue cheese, cigar smoke)
• Decayed (e.g. rotting meat, sour milk)

While smell may vary for people based on their own personal experiences, we can all agree some smells are intrinsically bad. Odors that fall into the “pungent” or “decayed” categories can wreak havoc on our nasal passages, but are increasingly difficult to eliminate completely. Many methods simply mask the odor instead of eradicating it. When introduced to an environment at the right levels, ozone will oxidize bacteria, mold odors or any other organic material.

Pet Odors

We love our pets. We let our animals cuddle on the couch or even snuggle up in bed with us. Over time, many pet owners may not realize the lingering animal odor in their home. Whether it’s caused by cat urine, dog urine, or just a general smell, ozone can destroy the odor. Follow this guide to remove those pesky pet odors from your home.

Ozonating Smaller Objects

• If you are trying to ozonate a smaller object you would need to get a plastic tote and cut a hole for the exhaust of the unit to fit in and another for excess gas to escape. 
• Then run the unit for 30 minutes or less.  We recommend the Air-3500 of the MP-3000 for this application.
• For smaller objects, we recommend ozonating either outside or in a well-ventilated room, such as the garage.

A Guide For Odor Removal- Fire/ Smoke

To remove the smell, it is important to use a tactic that will work to kill the particles that are deeply embedded in household objects and the air. Additionally, smoke particles could be stuck in the ducts and ventilation of the air conditioning system. Ozone is an effective way to do this, and is even used by many professional services. The A7K Ozone Generator is the most effective for this application due to its 2 ozone plates and repeat function.

• First, treat the individual room that has the worst odor or smoke damage

• Before turning the ozone generator on, remove all people, plants, and/or pets from the room so they do not come into direct contact with ozone

• Second, determine the severity of the smell, which will dictate the amount of time needed for cleaning

• For example, heavy smoke smells will require longer treatment times (4 hours or more), while pet smells could be solved in a shorter amount of time (4 hours or less)

• Next, place the ozone generator into the severely impacted room and turn the unit on while selecting the appropriate time setting on the unit

• Be sure to leave the room immediately after the ozonator begins producing ozone

• Use the A/C system to freshen the entire home if the odor is still present

• This will push ozone through the vents with the A/C fan

• Determine where the air return vent is on the heating and cooling system

• Remove the filter and turn the AC fan ON

• Place the ozonator in front of or near the return vent and be sure the heating and cooling system’s fan is to the always on position

• Turn the ozone generator on for a 4-hour cycle and immediately exit the building

• It will be safe to return to the building at a minimum of 12 to 24 hours later

Water Damage Odors

Water damage leaves an unpleasant smell behind in the home. Whether it’s a ruptured pipe or water damage from a flood, use ozone. Follow these steps to remove odors caused by water damage: 

• First, treat each individual impacted room
• Before turning on your ozone generator, remove all people, plants, and/or pets from the room so they do not come into direct contact with ozone
• Next, determine the amount of time you will run the ozonator in the space
• More severe odors typically require a 4-hour treatment cycle, which we recommend for flood cleanup
• Turn the ozone machine on while selecting the appropriate time setting on your ozone machine
• Be sure to leave the room immediately after your ozone generator begins producing ozone
• Once you have individually treated each room, treat the whole house using your AC system
• To do this, determine where the air return vent is on your heating and cooling system
• Remove the filter and turn the AC fan on
• Place your ozone generator in front of or near the return vent and be sure turn the heating and cooling system’s fan is to the always on position
• Then turn the ozone generator on for a 4-hour cycle and immediately exit your house
• It will be safe to return home 12 to 24 hours late
• Keep in mind, the half-life of ozone is 30 minutes in air
• If the smell of ozone is still strong after this amount of time has passed, open windows to air out the building

If the smell lingers, repeat the process multiple times to remove the odor or mildew impacting the area. We recommend a 30 minute cool down for the unit after each run. The A7K, the premiere model in the Air Series, boasts a repeat timer and remote to easily restart the treatment process.

Tobacco Odor

Whether you’re a smoker or have a loved one that is, the lingering smell of cigarettes can be an annoyance. The odor can seep into clothing or furniture and feel like it is impossible to remove. Use this guide to remove those stuck-in smoke smells by ozonating the smelly substances found residing in secondhand smoke. Use the same procedure as that for smoke removal. 

Skunk Odor

Knowing how to get rid of the smell is important as skunk season approaches. If skunk odor has impacted your home, follow these steps to eliminate the odor with an ozone generator:

• First, treat the individual room that has the worst odor
• Before turning on your unit, remove all people, plants, and/or pets from the room so they do not come into direct contact with ozone
• Second, you will need to determine the severity of the smell, which will dictate the amount of time needed for cleaning
• Next, place the ozone generator into the severely impacted room
• Once you have treated each room individually, you can treat the whole house using the AC method
• To begin this method, determine where the air return vent is on your heating and cooling system
• Remove the filter and turn the AC fan ON
• Place your unit in front of or near the return vent and be sure the heating and cooling system’s fan is to the always on position
• You will then need to turn on your unit for the 4-hour cycle and immediately exit the building

The A7K Ozone Generator from A2Z Ozone is the most effective at completing this application.

Car Odors

Follow this complete guide to removing odors by performing an ozone treatment for any car. Ozone treatment will leave your vehicle smelling fresh and like new again.

• To treat your car with ozone you will need the A-3500 Ozone Generator and an extension cord
• Before beginning, place your car near a power outlet or have an extension cord that will reach the vehicle
• First, crack the passenger window far enough for the power cord to fit in
• Then, place your ozone generator from A2Z Ozone on the passenger front floorboard
• Next, turn your car A/C on with the recirculation turned on
• Turn on your unit for 15 minutes and allow the car to circulate the ozone through the cooling system to help oxidize smells stuck in the cooling vents
• After the ozonation process is complete, wait 30 minutes to an hour for the ozone to dissipate
• Your car will be smelling fresh now, but if you can still smell the odors you were trying to eliminate repeat the process.

Kitchen/ Bathroom Odors

For severe odors…

To effectively freshen up your kitchen and bathroom and eliminate persistent odors, we recommend using the Air-3500 ozone generator. Position the ozone generator in the room, and ensure proper ventilation by opening a window or activating the fan. Run the generator for 15-30 minutes, then leave the area for several hours to allow the ozone to fully dissipate. Upon returning, you will find a refreshed space with lingering odors effectively removed

Maximum Square Footage

Remember the 3 P’s when using an Air Ozone Generator. Remove People, Pets, and Plants.

The ozone generator needed can vary on application and square footage. Contact Us. 

Reference:

• How do we smell?: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-do-we-smell-rose-eveleth

• The human nose can sense 10 basic smells: https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-human-nose-can-sense-10-basic-smells-1355489504

• What Stuff Stinks: Secret Sniffed Out: https://www.livescience.com/4620-stuff-stinks-secret-sniffed.html
• Photo Credit: https://stocksnap.io/photo/XEOT0ES7GA

IMPORTANT:
When operating an ozone generator, please remember to remove people, pets, and plants from the area. Be sure to leave the area being treated immediately and only return once the ozone has dissipated. Under most conditions, the treated area should be safe to return to 12 to 24 hours after the ozone generator stops producing ozone. Treated spaces or buildings should be well-ventilated prior to re-entry