Odor Removal

Bad smells are part of everyday life. Sometimes they’re a little more than we can handle.

Crystal Carpet Care & Restoration offers odor control services to the greater Grand Rapids area, Kalamazoo and the Lakeshore areas.  We have an assortment of Ozone Generators that, when properly set up and run, will eliminate even the worst of odors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ozone work?

While ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life-cycle. When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In doing so, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left…no odor…no bacteria…no extra atom, only oxygen. Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.

How is ozone produced?

There are basically two methods of producing ozone…ultra-violet and corona discharge. Corona discharge creates ozone by applying high voltage to a metal grid sandwiched between two dielectrics. The high voltage jumps through the dielectric to a grounded screen and in the process, creates ozone from oxygen present in the chamber. Ultra-violet (UV) light creates ozone when a wavelength at 254 nm (nanometers) hits an oxygen atom. The molecule (O2) splits into two atoms (O), which combine with another oxygen molecule (O2) to form ozone (O3).

How long does ozone last?

As soon as ozone is formed in the generator and dispersed in a room, some of it reverts back into oxygen. This step occurs by several processes including the following: Oxidation reaction with an organic material such as odors or smoke. Reactions with bacteria etc., which again consumes ozone by oxidation reactions. Additionally ozone itself has a half life which means that “residual” ozone created (extra ozone) will return to oxygen usually within 30 minutes, in amounts equal to half its level. What this means is that after each subsequent 30 minute period there would be half as much residual ozone left at the end of the period as was present at the beginning of the period. This is similar to a geometric progression of 16;8;4;2;1. In practice the half life is usually less than 30 minutes due to temperature, dust, and other contaminants in the air. Therefore, ozone, while very powerful, doesn’t last long. It does its job and then disappears.

Will the odor come back?

No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, in the case of mildew the odor will return if you are unable to get rid of the moisture that is the source of the mildew.

How does ozone handle tobacco smoke?

It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one’s eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.

Will ozone remove nicotine stains and build up?

No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.

Will ozone affect computers, fabrics or paintings?

No, ozone will not affect personal computers, fabrics or paintings. The concentrations are not high enough even during shock treatments for long periods (> 30 days) of time.

Is ozone harmful and are there any lasting effects?

Ozone was discovered almost a century ago, so a great deal is known about it. Several regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have stipulated that the safe allowable level of residual is 0.10-ppm (parts per million). Note that this permissible level is for continuous exposure throughout an entire 8 hour day for 5 days a week. The temporary affects of such a low exposure would range from headaches, to sore throats, irritation in the eyes, and nose. No long term effects have ever been documented from ozone exposure.