Restoration
Restoration Odor Removal for Professionals
Restoration professionals often encounter challenging odors—from smoke and chemical fumes to new carpet, paint, and renovation odors, as well as flood- or water-related odors. These odors can penetrate carpets, walls, furniture, and other materials, making them difficult to eliminate with standard cleaning alone. Ozone and hydroxyl generator technologies provide a reliable, eco-friendly solution to neutralize even the most persistent odors and improve indoor air quality.
Flood and Water Damage Odors
Flooded or water-damaged areas often produce odors caused by microbial growth, bacteria, and hazardous contaminants. Water damage is classified into three categories:
- Category 1 (Clean Water): Sanitary sources such as broken supply lines or rainwater.
- Category 2 (Gray Water): Contaminated water that may cause illness, such as dishwasher leaks or washing machine overflows.
- Category 3 (Black Water): Highly unsanitary water, including sewage backups, overflowing toilets, and floodwater containing bacteria, chemicals, and toxins.
Floodwater can transport contaminants and organic matter into homes and businesses, creating persistent odors. Standing water over 48 hours can become Category 3 due to microbial growth. Ozone and hydroxyl generators help eliminate odors, reduce mold and mildew, and purify the air, supporting a safer, fresher environment for clients.
Smoke Odors
Smoke from fire and fire damage introduces complex compounds that embed deeply into fabrics, carpets, furniture, and building materials. Conventional cleaning often fails to fully remove these odors.
Technical highlights of ozone/hydroxyl treatment for smoke:
- Oxidizes smoke molecules, neutralizing their chemical structure.
- Removes odor from air, textiles, and porous materials.
- Reduces the risk of lingering smoke affecting clients or tenants.
- Supports faster restoration timelines and fewer reworks.
Chemical, Carpet, Paint, and Renovation Odors
Restoration projects also encounter chemical odors from cleaning agents, adhesives, paints, and renovation materials.
- New Carpet Odors: Generated from adhesives, latex, and underlay materials. These VOCs can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
- Paint Odors: VOCs from paints and finishes may cause headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.
- Renovation Odors: Include dust, solvents, adhesives, and other airborne irritants released during remodeling or construction.
- General Chemical Odors: From cleaning agents, disinfectants, or other restoration-related chemicals.
Key benefits of ozone and hydroxyl technology for these odors:
- Neutralizes VOCs and chemical odor molecules at the source.
- Purifies air and surfaces, oxidizing contaminants and microorganisms.
- Leaves no masking chemicals or residue; odors are eliminated permanently.
- Hydroxyl generators are safe for occupied spaces; ozone is ideal for unoccupied deep treatments.
Restoration ROI and Xactimate Codes
Professionals can optimize efficiency and billing with ozone and hydroxyl generators:
- Xactimate Codes:
- E205: Ozone Treatment
- E206: Hydroxyl Generator Treatment
- Average Rental Rates:
- Ozone Generators: ~$150/day
- Hydroxyl Generators: ~$225/day
ROI Benefits:
- Reduces rework and callbacks due to persistent odors.
- Shortens project timelines.
- Increases client satisfaction by delivering fresher, safer spaces.
- Decreases dependence on masking agents or repeated cleaning.
Technical Notes for Professionals
- Treatment Occupancy: Use ozone in unoccupied areas for deep odor remediation; hydroxyl generators are safe for occupied spaces.
- Treatment Duration: Depends on room size, odor severity, and generator output. Treatments range from a few hours to overnight for heavily contaminated areas.
- Permanent Neutralization: Ozone and hydroxyl radicals destroy odor molecules rather than temporarily masking them.
- Air Quality Improvement: Reduces mold spores, bacteria, and airborne toxins, creating healthier indoor environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of odors can ozone and hydroxyl generators remove?
They neutralize smoke, mold, mildew, VOCs, chemical odors, paint and carpet off-gassing, renovation dust and fumes, and flood-related odors.
Are these treatments safe?
Yes. Ozone is safe in unoccupied spaces and naturally reverts to oxygen. Hydroxyl generators operate safely in occupied areas.
How long do treatments take?
Treatment times vary based on space size, odor type, and generator output. Small rooms may require a few hours; larger areas may need overnight treatment.
Will odors return after treatment?
No. Ozone and hydroxyl generators neutralize odor molecules at the source. Future exposure to new contaminants may require additional treatment.
Can restoration services be billed through insurance?
Yes. Professionals can use Xactimate codes E205 and E206 for billing odor control services.
Ozone and hydroxyl technologies provide restoration professionals with effective, safe, and eco-friendly solutions for a broad range of odors. From smoke and chemical fumes to paint, new carpet, renovation, and flood-related odors, these devices neutralize contaminants at the source, improving indoor air quality and client satisfaction.