GOOD Home is a biweekly column published in partnership with PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield about home safety, maintenance, weather preparedness, and damage prevention, with the goal of saving homeowners from the hassle and headaches of severe property damage. Located in south Wilton (24 Danbury Rd., Suite 204), PuroClean provides 24/7 water damage remediation, fire and smoke restoration, and mold and biohazard removal services to the Fairfield County community and across southwest CT and Northeastern Westchester County.
Foul-smelling odors are hard to live with. They can occur after a protein fire or water damage. The foremost solution to odor removal is getting rid of the source. But afterward, there can still be lingering smells in your Fairfield or Westchester County home or business that can be difficult to remove. To do so, many times professional assistance is required. PuroClean uses the following equipment to help accomplish that task.
Air Scrubbers
These machines use HEPA and carbon filtration to clean the air and remove particles, gasses, malodors, etc. Since they’re temporarily used during the disaster restoration process, they don’t need to be (and usually aren’t) quiet. They draw air from the surrounding area and pass it through filters to remove pollutants. These machines come in different sizes, depending on the extent of the problem and the type of contaminants that need to be removed.
Hydroxyl Generators
A hydroxyl generator uses UV-C radiation technology to duplicate what happens naturally when the sun’s ultraviolet rays break down water vapor. The mechanism generates hydroxyl radicals that disintegrate chemicals in the air, inactivating and destroying odors and other harmful microorganisms. But don’t let the description scare you. Many believe these machines are completely safe for people, pets, and even plants to be around, no matter how long they run.
Ozone Generators
Ozone (O3) naturally occurs in nature. It’s an activated form of oxygen (O2) with three atoms whereas regular oxygen has two. Ozone in the stratosphere filters out harmful rays from the sun without which all life on earth could not exist. At ground level, ozone is created by lightning in thunderstorms. You’ve probably experienced the freshness in the air after a storm.
Ozone jettisons its third atom onto any other organic element thus oxidizing it or altering it to another substance. With odors, it’ll change a foul-smelling substance into one with no smell naturally without using unhealthy chemicals. After it’s done its job, ozone changes back to oxygen. Ozone also neutralizes and destroys mold, mildew, viruses, and bacteria.
Ozone generators do have their pros and cons. The pros: they work very quickly and thoroughly. For example, what a hydroxyl generator might take five days to accomplish, an ozone generator would take only one. The cons: while running, it’s unsafe for people, pets, and plants to be around them. Once finished, the ozonated area must be thoroughly ventilated for at least an hour before being habitable again.
More Than Machines Are Used
Which of these machines are used will depend on each situation and will take into account safety factors. They’re combined with intensive cleaning provided by our IICRC-certified experts who will also wipe down and disinfect all affected surfaces. If you’re experiencing a serious odor problem in your Fairfield or Westchester County home or business, contact PuroClean immediately. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh, environment with no lingering odors.
For professional fire, water, odor and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield Office. We service Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. Look us up on Linkedin, Facebook, or Instagram, call us at 475.277.2400 or email us.
