Thermal Fogging: The Art Of Odor Control

Thermal fogging technology is yet another tool that can be used to restore your home or business after a fire, or to remediate odors from indoor tobacco use, pets, mold, fireplaces, meth lab cleanup and more. Thermal fogging is a unique process that is able to remove lingering odors, while also reducing the potential health risks involved with occupying a space that has been contaminated with various odor-causing agents.

Fires create noxious, and sometimes carcinogenic smoke that can infiltrate the smallest nooks, pores, and cracks of an indoor space. These places are often so small that not even a toothbrush can reach. After cleaning affected surfaces, sandblasting or soda blasting with the odor killing and cleaning power of baking soda should be done to fully rid the area of odor-causing residue. After this important step, restoration teams will then vacuum up the remnants with a hepa-vac. Next, the thermal fogging ‘mist’ is released in each room to totally neutralize any remaining odors or chemicals from the fire. The effectiveness of this fog is that the odor-killing particles closely resemble the size and makeup of the smoke that damaged the home in the first place.

ODOROX ™ Hydroxyl ozone technology can be employed to aid in your disaster clean-up by creating the naturally-occurring hydroxyl radicals that eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, on surfaces, and embedded into items such as furniture, wood, or carpets.

Sealing or encapsulating surfaces is the final, and perhaps most important step when trying to remove smoke, mold, chemical, or other odor. Professional teams use a variety of different products to fully seal surfaces against odor. Shellac, alcohol, or oil-based primers work best for this task, as they create a barrier that will protect against bleeding, staining, and later odor (if any remains).

All closets, drawers, and cabinets should be left open during the procedure so that no odors are left behind. No open flames or sparks should be used during any odor-removing process, and all members involved should be wearing protective gear and clothing.