The sweet smell of success
Odor elimination is more than a spray and pray business; it can
mean big bucks if you do it right.
BY R.L. ‘BUD’ ABRAHAM | DETAILING EDITOR
There are many contributing and
complicating factors to odors and odor removal. Such things as concentration, sensitivity, amount, age, source, humidity, type,
and the surface all play a role in removing,
controlling, and eliminating odors. And,
there is scientific data available to gauge
the effectiveness of odor control products,
even if the chemicals companies don’t
want you to know it.
The most important factor in effective
odor removal and control is identifying
the cause and source and then removing
it. If you cannot remove the source, all you
are doing is masking or covering it up.
Chances are the odor will return sooner,
rather than later.
Removing the odor
Once the source has been identified, you
then identify the specific application which
will best remove the odor. The following
are different methods of odor removal:
Absorbents: These are generally
solid materials such as baking soda or
activated charcoal and work by capturing and holding the odor on the surface
of the compound. They are used where
Neutralization: This process
implies a balance or equalizing where
a chemical is added that neutralizes
an offensive odor. Neutralization is
effective against chemical odors such
as chlorine and various acids. As an
example, sodium bicarbonate and water
will effectively neutralize odors from an
acid spill.
Oxidation: This process involves a
chemical reaction where oxygen com-
bines with another substance and basi-
cally burns up odor-causing molecules.
Some common examples are ozone,
peroxide, and bleach. These can be very
effective in eliminating odors caused by
organic decomposition. Some experts
suggest using oxidation to remove skunk
odor.
Biocides: This process involves the
application of chemicals or light to kill
or inhibit the growth microorganisms
that are causing the offending odor.
These odors are normally the result
of decomposition or fermentation of
organic matter; a common by-product is
ammonia. Biocides are effective against
odors caused by mold, mildew, and
How bacteria and enzymes differ Bacteria and enzymes are often confused. Enzymes are protein mol- ecules, not living organisms. They are a catalyst for change. Bacteria are living organisms. Enzymes break down waste and bacteria consume it.
54 PROFESSIONAL CARWASHING AND DETAILING | March 2010
odor molecules are airborne or are gas-ses and pass through a filter, chamber,
or confined space such as an air duct
where they can encounter the absorbent
medium.
other unsanitary situations.
Digestion: This process uses genetically engineered bacteria and/or
enzymes to actually consume the odor
causing materials. They are what are
used in port-a-potties.
Counteractant: This process uses
various procedures that work to coun-
teract or replace existing offensive odors.
Some complex odors such as smoke
respond well to counteraction. This can
include spraying and fogging.
Masking or pairing: Some claim
that this is just covering up the existing
bad odor with a more acceptable odor,
which could be the case, but this can also
take place in some of the other pro-
cesses as well. Masking agents work by
superimposing a stronger fragrance that
dominates the sense of smell. Many such
products use alcohol as a carrier, which
actually deadens the nerves in the nose.
However, these products tend to dry out
quickly and lose their effectiveness. The
best approach to selling masking agents
is to sell the fragrance the customer
likes. This can include sprays, powders,
stick-ups, and blocks. This can be a high
profit service or item, but are generally
low-volume, compared to your basic
detail services.
Cleaning and shampooing: This
can go a long way towards eliminating
and preventing many odors from return-
ing. The typical method of shampooing
and then using a vacuum to remove
moisture is a major source of odor be-
cause it leaves dirt and shampoo residue
in carpets and upholstery. You must use
an extractor.
Biological odor eliminators:
These types of products are gaining wid-
er use in a variety of different applica-
tions, including detailing. For example,
it has been discovered that powders
are stronger than many liquids. With
powders, you have the ability to vary the
strength of the concentration. When you
