Smell and Odour Removal
From DetailingWiki
Contents |
Smell and Odour Reoval
Smoke
Its molecules are microscopic and they exhibit a very strong adhesive quality; plus they don't conform to normal cleaning standards. A solvent will not break there bond; a detergent will not suspend them for extraction. More than any other dour problem smoke removal is a process. You cannot eliminate odors by shampooing the interior, and/or spraying a deodorizer. Many odours are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mold, and mildew. Shampooing does not eradicate odours; it spreads them over a much wider area. You eliminate dour-causing organisms with very specialized chemicals. Technically, an odour is an invisible gas, so it can permeate any material or crevice. Look for stains. If there are no stains, narrow the playing field.
The process of elimination is very effective when searching for the source of an odor; floor or seats, mats or carpet? If the vehicle has velour upholstery, a spill can penetrate on contact. If it is vinyl or leather, it will run to the deepest seam. The most important aspect of removing (as opposed to using a product that will cover it, only for the dour to return later on) or at the very least mitigating an offensive door is that you must find and remove its origin. If you thoroughly clean the interior and it still smells you have not removed the material which is generating the smell. You can use an ozone machine, steam / extractor, scrub, and vacuum etc but if you do not remove the origin the smell will remain. Always check the following; cabin air filter, ac condensate pan and drain pipe smells and odors:
If the interior has a lingering odor from French fries, spilled milk, or misplaced baby diapers or wet pets, use a product that chemically alters the proteins that odor-causing microbes feed on (Auto Internationals Odor Terminator (Valuguard) most odors will be eliminated (http://www.autoint.com) that is non-toxic, non-allergenic, fast acting, without a cover up scent or an offensive perfume smell. Removal of smoke, pet odors, virtually any organically caused mal-odour in carpet, seats, headliners, upholstery and heating and air conditioning ducts. As with all smell and odour removal check the cabin air filter, change as necessary
For odor from the air conditioning unit
(1Z Klima-Cleaner) is an effective means for removing odor-causing bacteria, fungi and other germs. Spray into the interior A/C vents and allow product to work for 30 minutes. It creates a healthier and fresh smelling environment for the interior of your car, change cabin air filter Tip- turn off the AC but leave the fan running for the last minute or two before turning off the ignition to help dry the condenser and surrounding area. Also check the cabin air filter, change as necessary
===A/C Evaporator Core Treatment===Is the odor from your vehicles a/c system emitting a fouls smelling odor? This evaporator treatment is designed to deodorize / sanitize your auto a/c system; unit is fitted with a multi directional spray novel that will guarantee complete coverage of the evaporator core. A/C Evaporator Core Cleaner
Ozone Generators
Used to eliminate foul odors that have accumulated in vehicles interiors, mildew, pet odors, urine, vomit and smoke, benefits of Ozone Cleaning- it doesn't have as strong or over–powering odor like Fluorine or Chlorine, yet it is so powerful, it actually eliminates those odors. “Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers’ claims” (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners | Publications | Indoor Air | Air | US EPA) As a result the particle will no longer be toxic, nor will it be able to reproduce, if it is biological. In other words, the toxic particle becomes completely harmless once ozone air cleaners do their job. When the single oxygen molecule oxidizes the particle, it too is destroyed. The smell dissipates rapidly once doors and windows are opened. When running (usually 10-15 minutes) an ozone machine, close all windows and doors and ensure that the AC controls are set to the recirculation setting, thus ensuring the AC unit will also be treated. Once the ozone treatment is completed thoroughly ventilate the vehicle interior Use in conjunction with Auto Internationals Odor Terminatormost odors will be eliminated - (http://www.autoint.com)
Information resource
- “Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist"– by Jon Miller
© All original material in this article is copyright, unless otherwise stated, and may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only as long as the source of the material is stated and a reference to © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved, is included
