You’ve probably heard the word “hydroxyl” in restoration, but you might not know exactly what it is or how it helps. Here’s what hydroxyls do and why they’re an excellent tool for deodorizing smoke odors and improving air quality.

After a fire, smoke, and odors can make spaces unsafe and unpleasant. This is because the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the fire settle into soft goods and even penetrate drywall, wooden beams, and more. Restoring air quality is a big part of the job, but minimizing the amount of material replacement is also a priority. You need fast, effective tools that don’t slow down your work and can be used with occupants. That’s where hydroxyls come in. Unlike some methods that require everyone to leave the area, hydroxyl generators can run while you work. They break down pollutants and odors in the air and on surfaces, improving air quality without extra steps.

What Are Hydroxyls? Nature’s Air Cleaners Indoors

Hydroxyls are molecules that occur naturally outdoors. They’re created when sunlight reacts with water vapor in the air. These molecules help clean the air by breaking down pollutants and odors, keeping it fresh and clean.

Thanks to technological innovations, we can make hydroxyls indoors. Hydroxyl generators produce safe levels of these molecules, just like in nature. Restoration pros can use hydroxyls to clean the air and surfaces simultaneously.

How Hydroxyl Generators Work

Hydroxyl generators work by using either specific UV light wavelengths or an electrical field combined with a catalyst to produce hydroxyls and other oxidants. These react with airborne pollutants such as smoke chemicals, bacteria, mold, chemicals released from smoke-damaged materials, cleaning agents used in restoration, and off-gassing from new materials like carpet and paint. The hydroxyls break down these pollutants, neutralizing odors and purifying the air and the surfaces they come into contact with. The key differences between the two methods are discussed further below.

Hydroxyls don’t just get rid of smoke smells. They also kill mold spores and bacteria in the air and on surfaces, stopping them from spreading. And unlike chemicals like ozone or chlorine dioxide, hydroxyls leave no residue or smell. They’re safe for surfaces, deodorizing fabrics, furniture, and other materials without causing damage.

Benefits of Hydroxyl Generators

1. Safe for Occupied Spaces: You can use hydroxyl generators in spaces where people are still present. There’s no need to evacuate the area while the air is being cleaned, so you can keep working. This is especially useful in hotels, offices, or homes when time is tight.
2. Eliminates Smoke, Mold, and Bacteria: Hydroxyls neutralize smoke odors, kill mold spores, and help destroy bacteria. They clean the air and surfaces, making the environment safer and healthier.
3. No Residue or Damage: Unlike some other methods, hydroxyls don’t leave behind any chemicals or cause damage to materials like upholstery or carpets. There is no need for extra ventilation or clean up after using them.
4. Speeds Up Projects: Since hydroxyl generators can run while other restoration tasks are happening, you don’t have to wait for air cleaning to finish. This means faster project completion and happier clients.

Choosing the Right Hydroxyl Generator

Choosing the right one for the job is essential when picking a hydroxyl generator. Keep these points in mind:

• Technology: There are two methods of hydroxyl production in commercial generators: UV light and catalysts. UV-light generators produce higher concentrations of hydroxyls, delivering better efficacy and making them more effective for treating larger spaces. Due to the potency needed to address odor and mold, UV-light hydroxyl generators typically provide better results.

• Reputation: Seek out a manufacturer with a solid track record, especially companies that have been around for a while. The best companies understand the technology and how to make it work for you.
• Concentration and Speed: Not all hydroxyl generators are the same. The best models produce enough hydroxyls to clean the air quickly and effectively. This is especially important when you need to remove smoke odors fast. Ask the manufacturer for their hydroxyl and oxidant levels.
• Ease of Use: Choose an easy generator to set up and maintain. Some models have better user interfaces and require less maintenance, saving time and money.
• Evidence: Ask your product rep for third-party evidence and testing that proves the unit you are considering is backed by testing with proven results.

Applications for Hydroxyl Generators

Hydroxyl generators are useful in many different situations. Here are a few examples:

• Hotels and Rental Cars: Smoke smells in hotel rooms and cars can be tough to remove. Hydroxyl generators eliminate these odors without harming fabrics or upholstery.
• Wildfire and Building Fires: Smoke odors from fires can linger for a long time. Hydroxyl generators break down the chemicals in the smoke, getting rid of the odor instead of just covering it up.
• Sensitive Spaces: Because they’re safe for use around people, hydroxyl generators are great for places like hospitals, schools, and offices, where people can’t easily be relocated during restoration work.
• Disasters: After a natural disaster, a hydroxyl generator can be used immediately to help control mold, odor, and other contaminants.

Hydroxyl Generators vs. Ozone Generators

Hydroxyl generators are often compared to ozone generators, but significant differences exist. Here’s why hydroxyls may be the better choice for you:

• Safety: Ozone generators can’t be used while people are present because ozone can be harmful to breathe. Hydroxyl generators, however, are safe to use in occupied spaces, allowing work to continue without interruptions.
• No Extra Ventilation Needed: After using ozone, you must open windows or increase mechanical ventilation and ventilate the space for hours. This can slow down the project. Hydroxyls don’t need any special ventilation, saving you time.
• Gentle on Materials: Ozone can damage fabrics, carpets, and other soft materials, causing them to discolor and wear out faster. Hydroxyls don’t cause this kind of damage, making them a safer option for spaces with delicate items.
• Occupant / Worker Safety: In many restoration & remediation projects, there is a high concentration of people within a space and risk of transmission of bacteria and viruses is higher. Hydroxyl generators can also minimize risk of spread impacting your workforce or the occupants.

Hydroxyls Are an Excellent Choice for Safe, Effective Smoke Odor Removal in the Air and on Surfaces

When your team is restoring air quality and removing smoke odors, hydroxyl generators could be the tool you need. They replicate nature’s air-cleaning process indoors, neutralizing smoke, mold, and bacteria while being safe for both people and materials. With no harmful side effects, no residue, and no need to pause other work, hydroxyl generators offer an efficient and effective solution for getting the job done fast. For restoration professionals, they provide a cleaner, safer, and faster way to restore indoor environments after smoke damage.