How to Deodorize Commercial Properties

Your business or commercial property cannot afford to be taken out of commission for any reason. Unfortunately, natural disasters, fires, water damage, and more can wreak havoc, putting a halt to business operations. On top of that, another, sometimes more subtle offender can sneak its way into your property: an unpleasant smell. Outside of making work uncomfortable, and sometimes even impossible, certain odors can even cause health effects to you, your employees, customers, and more. So how should you go about eliminating odor from an office or commercial property? SERVPRO^® has an advanced odor removal service that can get the job done.

Common Reasons Commercial Properties Develop Odors

Often, odors develop from the same sources across properties and industries. These might include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Cigarette smoke
• Garbage
• Old food
• Animals
• Heavy scents that linger

Tips for Odor Removal in Commercial Properties

While you wait for SERVPRO professionals to arrive and begin the process of fully removing unpleasant odors from your property, the following tips will help you start the deodorization procedure yourself.

According to Popular Science:

• Use baking soda. Sprinkling this over an offending smell, or leaving an open box in the odorous space, especially if the area is enclosed, will help the smell reduce. This is because baking soda bonds with odor-causing chemicals, helping remove the smell.
• Use white vinegar by simmering it for an hour, then letting it waft into the air.
• Use baking soda and white vinegar in combination. Combining these will cause it to foam up; this can then be used as a deodorizing cleanser.

Additionally, Venture Properties recommends a specific method for removing foul odors from a kitchen: throw lemon slices into your trash can, or sprinkle baking soda in the bottom.

Forbes also offers the following general tips for odor removal in any type of property:

• Open windows to encourage air flow.
• Consider installing an air purifier.
• Use scented cleansers to clean the offensive area.
• Evaluate your ventilation system and make improvements as necessary.
• Check your HVAC system and air ducts and consider regular cleanings.

Odor Removal: Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions, and we have answers. Some common questions and answers about odor removal include:

• Question: Can the smell of cigarette smoke be removed?
• Answer: Yes. Depending on the specific needs of your cigarette smell removal job, SERVPRO professionals may employ ozone or hydroxyl machines, and likely provide a thorough cleaning of walls, ceilings, and more to make sure nicotine, tar, and other materials are removed. For more information, review our article about cigarette smoke smell removal.
• Question: How much does odor removal cost?
• Answer: Every job is different, and the cost for odor removal in your commercial property will depend greatly on the size and scope of work, type of smell, affected area, and more.
• Question: Why can’t I just use a deodorizer myself?
• Answer: You can, but oftentimes, simply using a deodorizer isn’t enough to fully remove the odor, and it might return. SERVPRO professionals will locate and fully remove the source of the odor.

How does SERVPRO Eliminate Odor?

Your local SERVPRO franchise is equipped with a wide variety of techniques, products, and services to help eliminate odors from your property, whether an office, commercial warehouse, restaurant, or more. In fact, SERVPRO franchises are equipped to remove odor from any size commercial space. Depending on your specific needs, a variety of techniques may be used, including:

• Disinfectants and Sanitizers
• Pairing and Filtration Agents
• Air Purification
• Enzyme Digesters
• Oxidation
• Combination Techniques
• Masking Agents

The odor removal process includes four main steps: 1) remove the odor source, 2) clean residues from the affected surfaces, 3), re-create the conditions that caused odor in the first place, and 4) seal the surfaces exposed to foul odors.

SERVPRO is Available to Provide 24-Hour Emergency Odor Removal Services

Deodorizing a commercial property can be a large undertaking, and getting it professionally done can be important to your bottom line. For round-the-clock odor removal services in any size property, call your local SERVPRO. With 2250 SERVPRO locations in the United States and Canada, there is a location nearby ready to assist you anytime.

Beyond odor removal services, SERVPRO also specializes in a wide variety of cleanup, restoration, and construction services, including water damage restoration, fire damage cleanup, mold remediation, general cleaning services like carpet and upholstery cleaning, and more. Handling both commercial and residential cleanup jobs, SERVPRO is the #1 choice in fire and water cleanup and restoration* for a reason. Established in 1967, SERVPRO professionals have over five decades of experience across the system, and look forward to helping return your property to pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

To find out more about SERVPRO and the cleanup and restoration industry, visit our FAQ and Glossary.