Using Ozone to Eradicate Odors

How It Works

Ozone is a gas made up of molecules consisting of three oxygen atoms and designated by the chemical symbol O₃. Although ozone machines are a bit complicated, detailers should have an idea of how they work. Here are the key components:

In an ozone generator, O₃ is produced by applying an electric current to two conductors sheathed in ceramic and encapsulated in a stainless steel tube. A corona is then formed between the two conductors through the ceramic sheath. When oxygen molecules pass through the corona, they are split apart, then reattach to other oxygen molecules, forming ozone.

As these O₃ molecules encounter odor-producing molecules, the odor-producing molecules are oxidized — leaving only O₂ molecules, or pure oxygen — and the odor is completely removed.

Detailers can take advantage of this technology by using a specially made auto ozone kit with a hermetically sealed application transformer that forces the ozone to go directly into the car without escaping into the atmosphere around it. This unit sits conveniently on top of the car and saturates the vehicle with O₃. For effective deodorization, run the machine for 20 to 30 minutes. But be advised though: no people or living things should be in the car while the ozone generator is working.

Because of this warning, some people have come to assume that ozone is not safe. Ozone is safe as long as it is used properly, by trained operators, and no people, pets or plants are in the car. In fact, used accordingly, ozone is considered one of the safest deodorizing methods available.

Health Benefits

Cleanliness in the car is not only about avoiding bad odors. It is also about driver health and safety. Foul odors are unpleasant as well as unhealthy. Poor air quality in your customers’ vehicles, where they likely spend one to three hours a day simply commuting to and from work, can cause headaches and spawn asthma attacks.

When you consider just how much time they spend in their cars — a contributing factor to the extent of how filthy their cars can get — it becomes obvious that a clean, odor-free vehicle approaches the same level of importance as that of their home or office.

Stephen Romero heads the Professional Car Care Products division at U.S. Products, a manufacturer of professional floor, carpet and restoration cleaning equipment. He may be reached at sromero@usproducts.com.