Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

What Cleaning Contractors Should Know About Ozone Generators

  • 05/01/15

One of the most challenging issues cleaning contractors must deal with is malodor eradication. Often, even once the source of the odor has been removed, odors persist because they have penetrated carpets, wall coverings, furniture, etc.

One of the fastest, most effective, and safest ways to tackle persistent malodors is with an ozone generator. However, contractors must know that ozone can be hazardous to people, plants and pets. They should not be present when an ozone generator is in use. U.S. Products, a manufacturer of ozone generators, also believes cleaning contractors should know the following about ozone generators:

  • The source of the odor must first be removed for the ozone generator to be effective.
  • Ozone machines oxidize odor-producing particulates, leaving behind pure oxygen; in most cases this means the odor is completely eliminated.
  • Areas where an ozone machine is in use should be sealed off.
  • Ozone generators are most effective at removing tobacco and fire odors as well as odors caused by paint, garbage, mold or mildew.
  • Ozone machines are not effective at removing dust particulates from the air, filtering the air or removing smoke.
  • Ozone machines do not mask odors, they eliminate them.
  • Ozone generators can be used in schools, offices, and hospitals, boats, cars and recreational vehicles.
  • Select a machine with adjustable ozone output levels; some odors may require a higher ozone output than others.
  • For enhanced safety, the machine should have a programmable timer that turns the machine off at a specific time.
  • Usually ozone machines need at least 30 minutes to work effectively, however this can vary depending on the extent of the odor problem or the size of the area in which it is used.

“While contractors should use care when using ozone generators,” says Bob Abrams, carpet care expert and product manager for Nilfisk-Advance commercial business, “they should also know that used properly, ozone generators can be very effective at odor removal.”

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • 144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

    San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building; the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.