Every year, hundreds of thousands of homes in the U.S. are affected by structure fires, often leaving behind more than just visible damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking-related incidents are the leading cause of residential fires, with protein fires being especially notorious for leaving strong, lingering odors throughout the property.
Smoke odor can seep deep into porous materials like clothing, upholstery, wood, carpet, electronics, and even paper. Removing these stubborn smells is a critical step in the fire restoration process—and doing it right is essential to restoring a safe and livable environment.
At HTS Restoration, we utilize a variety of odor removal methods, but three stand out as the most common and effective: Thermal Fogging, Ozone Treatment, and Hydroxyl Generators. Each method serves a purpose, depending on the situation.
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- Thermal Fogging
Thermal fogging is a technique where a deodorizing solution is heated and dispersed into a fine fog. This fog penetrates into cracks, fabrics, and hidden areas, neutralizing smoke particles at the source.
Benefits:
- Reaches hard-to-access areas
- Neutralizes odors deep in materials
- Helps reduce respiratory risks from smoke residue
Cautions:
- Only trained professionals should perform fogging
- People and pets must be removed during the process
- Proper protective gear (respirators, goggles, gloves) is required
- The area must be ventilated for at least 30 minutes after fogging before it’s safe to reenter
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- Ozone Treatment
Ozone generators produce ozone gas (O₃), which reacts with odor-causing molecules by altering their chemical makeup. This approach is widely used in the restoration industry because it works quickly and efficiently.
Benefits:
- Can eliminate odors in a matter of hours
- Ideal for widespread or severe smoke damage
- Highly effective in unoccupied areas
Cautions:
- Unsafe for use around people, pets, and plants
- Requires full evacuation of the area during treatment
- Ventilation is critical after use to ensure ozone breaks down into breathable oxygen
Ozone treatment is best suited for severe cases where the property can be vacated during the process.
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- Hydroxyl Generators
Hydroxyl generators use ultraviolet light to create hydroxyl radicals—naturally occurring molecules that break down odors by converting them into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide and water. Unlike ozone or fogging, this method is safe to use around people and most materials.
Benefits:
- Safe for occupied spaces
- Leaves no chemical residue
- Can run continuously during cleanup and repairs
- Gentle on electronics, artwork, and other sensitive items
While the odor elimination process may take longer (often several days), the ability to work in the space without delay makes hydroxyl generators a favorite for many restoration professionals.
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Which Odor Removal Method is Best?
Each method has its strengths:
- Thermal fogging is great for deep penetration in hard-to-reach areas.
- Ozone is fast and powerful but must be used with caution.
- Hydroxyl generators are safe, versatile, and can operate alongside other restoration efforts.
In most cases, HTS Restoration tailors the approach to the unique needs of the property, sometimes combining multiple techniques for the best results.
Need Help with Fire Damage Restoration?
Our experienced team is ready to help restore your home and eliminate smoke odor safely and thoroughly. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
