Odor removal professionals near you

Porous materials like activated charcoal, baking soda, and clay absorb odors by trapping smelly molecules on their large surface areas. While these are great for minor issues, professionals may use ozone or hydroxyl generators. These machines neutralize tough odors at a molecular level, ensuring they don’t return.

The best odor eliminator really depends on the smell's source. For simple surface odors, an enzymatic cleaner usually works well. However, for persistent smells from smoke, pets, or mold, you'll likely need a professional service that uses ozone treatments or thermal fogging to fully clear the air.

Before hiring an odor removal specialist, be sure to ask your pro these questions:

• What's your experience with this specific type of odor?

• What is your process for identifying the source of the smell?

• What cleaning and deodorizing methods do you use, and are they safe for my family and pets?

• Do you offer a guarantee, and what does it cover if the odor returns?

• How long should the treatment take, and how soon can I re-enter the space?

• Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?

• Will I need to remove any items, like furniture or old carpeting, beforehand? Some pros may coordinate with a junk removal service if needed.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Type of odor. The source of the smell matters. For example, removing smoke odor after a fire can be more complex and costly than dealing with a simple musty smell.

• Size of the affected area. It will naturally cost less to deodorize a single room or a car compared to an entire house that has been affected.

• Severity of the smell. A light, surface-level odor is typically easier to tackle than a strong smell that has deeply penetrated carpets, drywall, or subflooring.

• Affected surfaces and materials. Odors can be harder to remove from porous materials like upholstery, wood, and carpet than from non-porous surfaces like tile or metal.

• Treatment method. The techniques required can range from surface cleaning to more intensive methods like ozone treatments or thermal fogging, which can affect the final price.

Typically, it will take a few hours to several days for a professional to complete odor removal. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• Source of the odor: The type of smell, such as from smoke, pets, or mold, can require different and more intensive treatment methods.

• Size of the space: Treating a single room will naturally be much faster than deodorizing an entire home.

• Severity of the odor: Light, surface-level smells are quicker to fix than strong odors that have deeply penetrated materials over time.

• Affected materials: Porous surfaces like carpet, drywall, and upholstery absorb odors more stubbornly and may need more extensive work.

• Treatment method: A simple ozone treatment might only take a few hours, while a project requiring deep cleaning and sealing could take multiple days.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

During your pro’s visit, you may expect them to start with a thorough inspection to identify the source and extent of the odor. Once they’ve assessed the situation, they’ll explain their recommended treatment plan, which could involve deep cleaning, sanitizing surfaces, or using specialized equipment like ozone generators. The pro will then perform the service, and depending on the method used, you might need to be out of the house for a few hours for safety. They’ll let you know what to do to maintain the results and prevent the odor from coming back.

Common signs that indicate it’s time to address odor removal include:

• A persistent foul smell that doesn’t go away, even after you’ve cleaned the area thoroughly.

• Musty or damp odors that could point to hidden mold or mildew growth, often after a leak or flood.

• Lingering smoke smells from cigarettes, cigars, or a past fire that have seeped into walls, furniture, and carpets.

• Strong pet odors that have become embedded in flooring or upholstery and can’t be removed with standard cleaners.

• You’ve grown used to a smell in your home, but guests or family members comment on it when they visit.