Whether it’s from pets, smoke, food, mold, or other sources, getting rid of smells can become a top priority. But should you roll up your sleeves and tackle the issue yourself or hire professionals to handle it? DIY vs. professional odor removal methods... they both have their merits, but they also have drawbacks. This blog will compare the two approaches in areas like cost, effectiveness, time investment, and safety, so you can decide which option best suits your needs.
Common DIY Odor Removal Techniques
When faced with stubborn odors, many people turn to DIY methods first. These solutions are budget-friendly, easy to access, and sometimes effective for minor issues. Below are some popular DIY approaches:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a household staple known for its odor-neutralizing properties. Simply sprinkle it over carpets, upholstery, or inside smelly shoes, and leave it for a few hours before vacuuming it up. It’s especially good for absorbing acidic smells, like those from pet urine or sour milk.
Limitations: Baking soda works on surface odors but struggles with deep, embedded smells. For example, it won’t fully remove pet urine odors that have seeped into the carpet padding.
2. White Vinegar
Vinegar is another inexpensive odor remover. Mixing equal parts vinegar and water creates an all-natural spray to use on hard surfaces and fabrics. Its acidity helps break down odor-causing compounds.
Limitations: While effective on surfaces and light odors, the scent of vinegar itself can linger. Not to mention, it may not work for more stubborn smells like smoke or mildew.
3. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a popular odor absorber, often used in small spaces like closets or cars. Thanks to its porous structure, it traps and neutralizes airborne odors.
Limitations: This passive solution works best as a preventative measure or for mild odors. For larger or more persistent problems, its impact is limited.
4. Essential Oils and Air Fresheners
Some DIYers mask smells using essential oils or store-bought air fresheners. A few drops of lavender or tea tree oil in a diffuser can make a room smell fresh.
Limitations: These solutions only cover up odors, rather than addressing the root cause. Over time, bad odors can resurface.
5. DIY Enzymatic Cleaners
Some people create homemade enzymatic cleaners to break down organic materials like food spills, pet accidents, or mold. These involve specific mixtures of ingredients like citrus peels and sugar, left to ferment.
Limitations: DIY enzymatic cleaners don’t always have the same potency as commercial options, making them less effective on difficult or set-in odors.
DIY Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lower cost
- Easy to do with household items
- Suitable for minor and surface-level odors
Cons: - Time-consuming
- Less effective on persistent odors
- Requires trial and error
- Some methods risk odor recurrence
Professional Odor Removal Services
If odors persist or become overwhelming, professional services may be the solution. Experts use advanced equipment, stronger cleaning agents, and proven techniques to eliminate even the most stubborn smells. Here are some methods professionals often use:
1. Ozone Treatment
Ozone generators produce ozone gas that reacts with odor-causing molecules, breaking them apart. This method is highly effective against smoke damage, pet odors, and other airborne smells.
Advantages:
- Extremely thorough
- Penetrates small spaces and hard-to-reach areas
- Effective for large spaces, like an entire home
Limitations: - Requires vacating the space during treatment (ozone gas can be harmful to breathe)
- Higher cost compared to DIY options
2. Thermal Fogging
Thermal fogging uses heat to create a fine mist of deodorizing agents that can penetrate porous materials, such as fabrics or wood. It’s particularly useful for erasing smoke and mildew odors.
Advantages:
- Treats odors embedded deep in surfaces
- Leaves a long-lasting fresh smell
Limitations: - Specialized equipment is needed
- Higher upfront investment
3. Enzymatic Cleaning
Professionals often use industrial-strength enzymatic cleaners to target organic odors, like those caused by pet accidents, spilled food, or mold. These cleaners break down proteins into odorless byproducts.
Advantages:
- Breaks down odor sources completely
- Environmentally friendly
- Effective on tough organic odors
Limitations: - May require multiple applications
- Cost varies depending on the size of the area treated
Professional Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly effective for tough problems
- Saves time and effort
- Long-lasting results
- Trained technicians minimize risks
Cons: - Higher cost
- Some methods require temporary evacuation
- It may not be necessary for mild odors
DIY or Professional? How to Decide
Not every odor situation warrants professional intervention, but in some cases, it’s the best choice. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
When to Use DIY Methods
- The odor is mild or in its early stages. A vinegar spray or baking soda treatment might be all you need.
- The affected area is small. DIY methods are great for small spaces or localized smells, like a stinky trash can.
- You’re on a tight budget. DIY solutions are generally affordable and use items you already have.
When to Call the Pros
- The smell won’t go away. Lingering odors, especially from smoke, mold, or pets, often require professional-grade methods to fully eliminate.
- The source of the odor is hard to locate. Professionals have tools and expertise to trace smells back to their source.
- Health or safety risks are involved. Mold, sewage, or chemical odors can pose serious health risks. Leave these to trained experts.
- You need results fast. If you’re preparing to sell your property or hosting guests soon, professional services save time and deliver guaranteed results.
Final Thoughts
Both DIY and professional odor removal techniques have their place, depending on your situation. DIY approaches are perfect for tackling minor problems with minimal expense. However, for persistent or particularly unpleasant odors, the investment in professional services often pays off in the form of effectiveness, convenience, and safety. Remember, the longer you leave a persistent odor untreated, the harder it may be to remove. Assess the situation, weigh the pros and cons, and choose a method that fits your needs.
Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority.
Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service. We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.
