Odor Removal

WAS

WAS

Driven
So, pros, what do you all use for odor removal ?



In doing searches both here and elsewhere, I've found basically the following options:



1) Odor bombs (Dakota, etc). Basically a spray can that throws fragrence and enzymes into the air to break down the foul odor.



2) Chlorine Dioxide (Auto Shocker, Air Scents, etc). Involves mixing liquids with powders to create a chemical reaction gas that disinfects the air and area.



3) Ozone. Usually involves buying an ozone generating machine to create a high ozone atmosphere in the vehicle which disinfects and neutralizes odors.



4) Odor Foggers. Involves using an electric fogger machine that releases specific chemicals based on what the odor is from (so different chemical for urine vs sour milk).



5) Extractor Add-ins. Basically a liquid added into a carpet extractor. Doesn't do much for the surrounding air, but as long as the area where the odor is coming from is fabric, you're supposed to be able to eliminate it.







So, for those of you pros who deal with odor problems, what do you use ? I've personally used odor bombs and extractor add-ins. IMO, extractor add-ins are a waste of time. I've had *some* luck with Dakota's odor bombs, but not always. I've been comtemplating trying chlorine dioxide or ozone generators, but not sure if they're the way to go either ?
 
I'm not a pro, but I've had to deal with various odor issues over the years.



Ozone machines can work, but when I used one (borrowed it from a shop owner I know) I had to run it for *days* until it finally did the trick.



Some of the "odor destroyer" sprays *can* work well if you get them on the source of the odor (literal, extended timeframe, saturation-style contact). I've used stuff from Griot's (haven't seen it there lately though) and from AutoInt/ValuGard, and they absolutely worked for me. The ValuGard product really saved the day when one of the dogs had a horrible episode, one so bad that I was initially thinking "new vehicle time".



A pal of mine recently had a protein drink spill in the carpte-lined trunk of his Audi, and the result was a real "death car" stench. I lent him some Protein Stain Remover powder from TOL which he mixed with the carpet stuff that came with his Bissell LGM ProHeat (which he bought for this job). It worked perfectly for him. Since that's so different from your experience, I suspect it's a matter of using just the right add-in. That TOL product has worked fine for me too, but I never had a situation as serious as what my friend was dealing with (he'd let it go for a while, with predictable results).
 
WAS said:
4) Odor Foggers. Involves using an electric fogger machine that releases specific chemicals based on what the odor is from (so different chemical for urine vs sour milk).
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That's what I use and the results are excellent. It has never justified purchasing an ozone generator for my business, though I've heard those work wonders as well. I have my Electrogen fogger with about 5 different chemicals used. I have floored a number of dealerships by turning around cigarette chimney trade ins into a sellable vehicle.
 
I have had mixed results with my ozone machine. In some situations it works great and other times not so much. If you go this route just be sure to not breathe in the "Ozone"...it is apparently bad for you. Also, it is best to have the machine outside the vehicle with a hose pumping the ozonated air into the car or have the machine in the car drawing fresh air from outside. It is bad to have the machine recirculating air that has already been ozoned.
 
You have to remove the source of the odor first. Otherwise you are just masking the scent. Foggers work great for removing cigarette and cigar smoke. Protein carpets spotters work great for removing protein based stains.



There isn't a one size fits all solution for odor removal. I've taken carpet cleaning and odor removal courses and received certifications for both. You'd be amazed at how easy or hard it is to remove some of this stuff.



Tim
 
XL Advantage said:
You have to remove the source of the odor first. Otherwise you are just masking the scent.
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Exactly!

I had a flood damaged vehicle that needed a complete restoration, which involved removing the seats, carpet, and interior plastics. After everything was cleaned and disinfected it was then sprayed with the fogger and eliminated the remaining smells. People often don't think it takes anymore than "just cleaning up the carpet" and one quote was almost $1200 for the amount of labor it involves. I told the person to contact their insurance agent because it would cost a lot because of the damage and they should probably make a claim.



Speak to Fermani... he knows what's going on when it comes to severe interior damage and flood damage.



I know you're not talking about doing that kind of work, but I just wanted to throw that out there. Otherwise, I find the fogger works great for smaller odors like the spilled milk, cigarette smoke, and mold. As long is it's cleaned properly first.
 
Thanks to everyone who's replied thus far. I assumed there wouldn't be a "one fit for all" solution out there, but the amount of mixes results with different methods definitely has me thinking that I want as many odor-killing options on-hand as possible. And yes, I completely agree, you have to neutralize the SOURCE of the odor first, otherwise the smell will always keep coming back.



That said, sometimes it can be quite difficult to get at the source. I remember once I had to deal with a vehicle where someone has smashed raw eggs down the air vents... :(
 
^^ Eww!



I had a customer once complain her car smelled like mold. She had another detail shop clean the interior, but the mold smell still remained. She was suffering from some major health issues because of the mold and she couldn't find why her car smelled so much. I 'followed my nose' and discovered a large mold infestation in the trunk, underneath the liner, underneath where her fuel filler cap was located. Water had been leaking from a bad seam in her fuel cap door and formed a puddle in a recess in her trunk, which bred the mold.
 
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