Ever worked on a restoration job plagued by the smell of cigarette smoke? If so, then you know how difficult it can be to remove the odor and build-up caused by years of smoking.
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) presents a unique challenge for cleaning and restoration professionals. Because ETS is a complex combination of gaseous and particulate components that leaves behind a sticky, yellow-brown residue, ventilation alone is not enough to clear the odor. The residue stains walls and clings to upholstery, essentially trapping it in furniture, carpets and décor.
In order to fully remove ETS residue and provide effective odor control, a multi-faceted, systematic approach is often required. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of essential products and equipment to help your tackle your next cigarette smoke removal job.
Deodorizers & Neutralizers
Cleaning solutions designed to deodorize and neutralize odors are critical in tobacco and cigarette smoke removal. These solutions bind to odor molecules, trapping them so they stop emitting the unwanted odors. There is a wide range of commercial-grade options available, ranging from liquid solutions to activated charcoal filters and air freshener blocks.
Foggers
Foggers allow you to disperse cleaning agents and odor counteractants into the air. Thermal fogging uses heat to help drive particulates into tiny gaps, crevices and surface pores, mimicking the process that caused ETS residue to get trapped in the first place, while cold fogging (also called ULV, or ultra-low volume) uses a cold spraying technique that disperses the cleaning agents with air pressure.
Ozone & Hydroxyl Machines
Ozone and hydroxyl machines are powerful tools when it comes to combatting ETS. Both machines use oxidation to destroy odor molecules, along with bacteria, viruses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hydroxyl is the second strongest oxidant, second only to atomic fluorine, allowing hydroxyl generators to destroy a wider range of odors, while ozone generators typically work more quickly, destroying unwanted odors in a matter of hours.
With ETS considered a major contributor to indoor air pollution, it’s likely that most cleaning and restoration professionals will be faced with a challenging odor control job. The team at Atex is here to make sure you have the equipment, supplies and materials you need to get the job done right. Explore our online catalog or reach out to us with any questions.