Odor Removal: Why You Need Clean-Up Services, Not Air Fresheners
Spraying air fresheners or lighting candles are common tactics to remove unpleasant odors. The problem is that this is a temporary fix. A persistent, foul odor could be a sign of a much bigger, more serious problem, such as bacteria, mold, smoke damage, or even biohazards.
Effective odor removal involves finding the source and eliminating it. That’s why it is important to contact a professional clean-up services company, like The BioClean Team, that has the expertise and equipment necessary for permanent odor removal. Here’s a quick breakdown of why permanent odor removal can be so challenging.
ELIMINATING VS. MASKING ODORS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Air fresheners and fragrant candles can temporarily mask the odor. Even fresheners that claim to “eliminate” odors can’t completely eliminate the smell that stems from a more serious issue.
True odor removal means finding the source of the smell. A professional clean-up services company can locate the source and use industrial-grade cleaning agents and odor-neutralizing technology to permanently remove odor.
WHAT ARE POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ODOR?
There are several situations that can cause odor to be so persistent that it requires the help of a professional. These include:
Mold
If you notice a musty odor in certain parts of your home, it could be an indication of mold.
Some molds are toxic, and some can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and infections. It can be particularly harmful for people with underlying health conditions, infants, and the elderly. If not properly addressed, molds can spread and thrive in damp, humid conditions.
Aside from a musty odor, signs of a possible mold problem include dark spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, and increased allergy symptoms or respiratory issues among those in the home.
Urine and feces buildup
A buildup of urine and feces from pets or even rodents will result in a strong, persistent odor.
If this is the issue, do not attempt to manage the cleanup on your own. Feces from pets, rodents, and humans can pose serious health risks. There’s a long list of bacteria, viruses, and parasites—such as tapeworm and Giardia—you can catch from exposure.
Proper cleanup requires a professional cleanup services crew equipped with protective gear and powerful cleaning agents.
Biohazards
Biohazards, such as blood, bodily fluids, and decomposition, can cause an odor over time. If the environment was once the scene of a crime, traumatic accident, or unattended death and was not properly cleaned, biohazards may still remain.
For example, if the house was once the scene of a traumatic crime, a dime-sized spot on a carpet could indicate a two- to three-foot-diameter blood stain that seeped beneath the carpet pad and onto the subfloor or decking beneath.
Ultimately, the key is to identify the source, clean it, and disinfect it to ensure that the environment is safe and odor-free.
Smoke and fire damage
Wildfires definitely pose a risk to homes in California. If your home was damaged in a wildfire or any type of house fire, the odor could be the result of smoke damage.
Smoke leaves behind persistent odors and, more importantly, harmful toxins that can pose serious health risks. That’s why it is important to hire a professional cleaning crew to properly address the issue.
ODOR REMOVAL BY EXPERT CLEAN-UP SERVICES
In these instances, you need more than a spritz of air freshener. These odors can not be eliminated with standard, consumer-grade methods.
To remove the odor and ensure safety, you need to hire an expert clean-up services company. The trained technicians will find the source and use industrial-grade cleaning agents and odor-neutralizing technology.
For example, to address the strong odor associated with decomposition, a professional biohazard remediation crew may use ozone machines, hydroxyl generators, or other odor-neutralizing technologies to eliminate any lingering smells.
In addition, the technicians will wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, protective suits, and sometimes respirators, to stay safe. They will clean and disinfect using hospital-grade cleaning agents and use specialized tools and techniques to ensure that all biohazardous materials are removed.
WHY PROFESSIONAL CLEAN-UP SERVICES MATTER
Strong odors in the home are not just unpleasant; they may be caused by bacteria, biohazards, or mold spores that pose serious health risks.
Trained technicians can not only leave your home smelling fresh and clean, but they also restore peace of mind that the environment is safe.
If you are experiencing a strong, persistent odor in your home, it’s time to call in a professional. The BioClean Team is here to help.
