Odor removal in general can be one of the trickier elements to any restoration project. When it comes to large loss, removing the smoke odor (for example) from a warehouse the size of Ikea is no easy feat. It takes a knowledgeable restoration company and the right equipment to get the job done the right way, so there is no residual odor – and the odor doesn’t return later.

Odor removal is arguably one of the trickiest elements of the restoration process. Most damage is visible to the eye, and when it’s properly remediated, there is no argument the job is done.

Chemical use is commonplace in restoration and remediation projects involving water damage and microbial growth. Disinfectants, antimicrobials and deodorizers are often sold in both ready-to-use and concentrate formulations. They can be extremely effective when used according to their product label.

“You mean you really don’t smell that? You’re just pulling my leg, right?!”

In our industry, we face jobsite odor problems almost daily, and no matter how much experience we gain, how much training we get, or how many of these educational articles we read, controlling odors can still be a challenge. So, here’s a quick summary of the various odor control tools at your disposal and some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way to help you decide what tools to use and when to use them.

Picture this. The area of California that was scorched from this fall’s massive wildfires is three times the size of Washington D.C. In just one 12 hour period, the fires devastated 20,000 acres of land … and at one point was advancing at the rate of a football field every three seconds.