Types of Odor Elimination

(More Scientific Explaintion on Odor Elimination Than You May Want to Know) or

Why Our OdorXit Products Do What They Do So Well!

Ideally, it is best to control an odor at its source before it becomes airborne. However, once the malodor is airborne it may become necessary to treat or freshen the air as well as eliminate the source.

Techniques used by OdorXit Products for dealing with malodors are:

• Absorption. This is the physical penetration of the malodor substance into the inner molecular structures of the product. (Magic by OdorXit)
• Bonding (chemisorption). Involves the exchange or sharing of electrons between the malodor atoms and those of the product. This is a very quick-acting technology. However, if used alone, it will not be a permanent solution. Depending upon the malodor, desorption of between 10 to 50% may take place over a period of 30 minutes to 4 hours (the odor comes back). (OdorXit Concentrate uses plus Counteraction, below)
• Counteraction. A phenomenon that occurs when the proper two odors are physically in the same area, with the overall odor being reduced instead of increased. This method is termed neutralization when no odor results and reodorization when a milder pleasant odor replaces the malodor. It works through Zwaardemaker pairs (conjugates), pairs of odorants that neutralize each other's respective odors. This principle works by having the counteractant in the same physical state as the malodor. Thus it can be effective on solids, liquids and gases. (OdorXit Concentrate in combination with Bonding, above)
• Oxidation. Works only if the compound will oxidize rapidly. Sodium hypochlorite, potassium permanganate, chlorine and hydrogen peroxide are all sometimes used for this purpose. All of which, at the wrong concentration levels, can be dangerous to animals, people and fabrics. Ozone emitting devices are also used to oxidize the airborne malodor molecules. However, as ozone is toxic, these devices have come under close scrutiny by the environmental protection agencies. (Chlorine Dioxide Products - Air Quality Manager and Surface Guard/Mold Odor Mildew Smoke)

Techniques NOT used by OdorXit Products for dealing with malodors are:

• Masking. The introduction of a new odor that is stronger than the malodor. This substantially increases the overall odor level. Frequently it is ineffective since both odors can be detected. (i.e. Lilac smelling stool)
• Anesthetization. Desensitizes the olfactory senses so that no odor, good or bad, will be perceived.
• Ventilation. If the only source of malodors is airborne then evacuating to the outside is an efficient and economical method of dealing with the problem.
• Adsorption. This is a physical adherence of the malodor molecules onto the product molecules as a result of the physical exertion of Vander Waals forces. These are weak forces, much weaker than interatomic electron bonding.
• Filtration. Commonly uses activated charcoal which must come in direct physical contact with the airborne malodor gas molecule. Works by adsorption until the carbon becomes saturated. Does nothing to control the malodor at its source.
• Accelerated Decaying. Speeds up, by a considerable margin, (although it can still take up to 24 hours to be fully effective) what would have occurred if the problem were left alone. Entails the actual transformation of the substance producing the malodor. Usually involves enzymes and bacteria (as part of the product or naturally occurring). While the action is taking place, malodors will be generated just as they would have had the problem not been treated, only at a much faster rate. In the case of imbedded urine, the gas produced will be ammonia. This process can work quite well but only in the proper environment. Since enzyme-based compounds are not compatible with detergents or germicides, such products effects will be greatly diminished or completely stopped if there is even a residue of either of them in or on the surface being treated. An example would be a carpet that has been shampooed since it is never possible to get all of the detergent out of the fabric. Also, this method has no effect on airborne malodors.

Now there are products that are much better and they contain only water soluble organic salts and/or oils that eliminate mammalian urine odors and many other organic source odors quickly and permanently.

All OdorXit Products use no problematic enzymes, bacteria, oxidizers or olfactory desensitizers.

Both OdorXit Magic and OdorXit Blue use several variations on the absorption technology. Because absorption is by definition limited by the amount of material to absorb the malodor these products, though very effective, have a limited life and need to reapplied periodically.

OdorXit ClO2 products use the Oxidation method of neutralizing odors. It is extremely effective against odor sources that will oxidize and particularly useful on surfaces that are hard or impossible to reach or that will not tolerate water based products. As stated above oxidation products can be dangerous if used improperly and OdorXit ClO2 is among that group. We have already made a significant effort to make you (as a potential) user aware of the potential danger and proper use of this product and will continue that effort in the future. Additionally, the odor removal experts at OdorXit Products are ready and able to help you safely use this product to it greatest potential.