PROFESSIONAL ODOR REMOVAL AND DISINFECTION IN PENNSYLVANIA

With IICRC certified technicians, Steri-Clean Pittsburgh can treat any lingering odors. This process includes disinfection using a broad-spectrum disinfectant with a 6 log kill, meaning it reduces Colony Forming Units by 99.9999%, which is statistically equivalent to having zero CFUs left.

 

Steri-Clean Pittsburgh can treat cars, homes, commercial buildings.  We have encountered the worst odors imaginable including body decomposition, sewage, cigarette smoke, animal and rodent feces, cat ammonia, rotting foods, etc.  There is a different process for each of these which is very effective.

 

Many people relate to the idea of car detailing when they think of deodorization.  As an example, a used-car dealer will clean a trade-in and may spray a scented deodorizer in the car to mask any old odors.  These sprays, similar to Febreze, only cover the odor with a new odor.

 

Typical deodorizers will be one of the following: oxidizer, encapsulator, or disinfectant.    • Encapsulators work very well by coating the surface, trapping the odor by creating a barrier, thus preventing the molecules from becoming airborne so you can smell them.  The problem with this approach is that the surface can become worn (imagine spraying a carpet and then rubbing your shoes across it) which will then release the odors again.
 

  • Oxidation is the process of changing the molecular makeup of an odor by removing an electron from O2 when contacting other molecules.  The opposite of this is called reduction, which is what happens when using an ozone generator. Ozone generation turns an O2 molecule into an O3 molecule, making it heavier and less volatile.  This is especially effective when dealing with organic decomposition. You cannot smell the new O3 molecule.
 

  • Some broad-spectrum disinfectants, like Chlorine Dioxide, will cleave the odorous molecule or spore, effectively destroying the things that caused the odor.  This is often the most effective approach. One should note that the pH of some materials will require a different chemical to neutralize them. For example, ammonia is a base and requires an acid to neutralize it.

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The first step is always to remove the source of the odor. In extreme cases, this may require the removal of carpeting, padding, and subflooring. In cases of mold, the affected drywall or paneling may also require removal and disposal.

 

Our trained technicians are experts at identifying the source of odors and removing any offending materials. We can remove all affected materials including carpeting, padding, and even sub-flooring if required.

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Smoke Odor Removal and Painting

In a home, painting is often a consideration.  Before you decide to paint, all hard surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned to remove nicotine stains.  This includes kitchen cabinets (inside and out). All porous materials should be treated with an appropriate deodorizer applied with an electrostatic sprayer.  Steri-Clean Pittsburgh uses a proprietary product to destroy the molecules that cause the odor. The next step is to gas the entire area using the same product and a fogging system.  In some cases, an overnight treatment or multiple applications may be required. If painting is still a consideration, use an oil-based primer to create a vapor barrier, but only after the other steps have been taken.

 

For cigarette smoke odors in vehicles, it is rare that anything should need to be removed, and certainly, there is no reason to paint any surface.  Cleaning all hard surfaces and treating porous surfaces with an appropriate deodorizer will remove any odors. For any odor removal need, call now 888-577-7206 to receive immediate help.