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

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.

  • University of Illinois Moves Forward with College Sports’ Largest Digital Scoreboard

    The University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill., recently announced a series of upgrades to Gies Memorial Stadium that will include the largest scoreboard in college sports, according to a news release.