What Cleaning Contractors Should Know About Ozone Generators

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

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • Rethinking K-12 Schools as a Continuous Learning Experience

    Most students move through three or more separate facilities during their K-12 journey, yet the built environments they encounter at each stage have traditionally been designed in isolation, with little continuity in spatial language, learning philosophy, or physical resources. Each new school is a reset with different layouts, learning models, expectations, and ways of moving through a building. The next generation of school design is making the case that the first day of kindergarten and the last day of high school can and should feel connected through common support systems and infrastructure in the physical environment.

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.

  • ed tech conference calendar

    Upcoming Awards, Events & Webinars