Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
It seems like when things go wrong, the worst thing that remains is the bad odor they leave behind. You can clean and clean, but odors are some of the hardest things to get rid of. In our line of work, odor removal typically refers to things like biohazards, bodily fluids, and blood.
As with other types of strong odors that stick around, these odors can be challenging to get out when cleaning. That’s why we’ve put together these 4 simple tips to help you with removing odors after a tragedy.
Start with Ventilation
It is very important that you ventilate the space that might be impacted by the odor. While this won’t remove every odor, it will at least help bring in some fresh air and work to circulate the foul air out. Open up windows and turn on fans if at all possible. You want to get some airflow going here.
Ventilation will go a long way to help ease the odor in the room. This is just the beginning. When cleaning starts, the area needs to be ventilated.
Wear Protective Gear
When you’re cleaning up things related to a tragedy, safety is at play. Most tragedies leave behind things like blood and bodily fluids. There could be other substances as well. Before you start tackling the odor with cleaning, you should be fully prepared with all of the safety gear you might need.
We recommend using a professional company that is trained and prepared for this type of cleaning. Not only can they effectively help remove odors, but they can clean the mess so that you don’t have to.
In this case, protective gear very well might include respirators or breathing gear so you aren’t breathing in fumes or contaminated air.
Proper Cleaning Supplies
One thing that will help with odor removal is to be certain you use the proper cleaning supplies. In the face of a tragedy, your typical cleaning solution probably won’t be enough to tackle the mess, much less tackle the odors left behind.
You will most likely need high-quality cleaning supplies and some intensive cleaning equipment. You can try using a vinegar, baking soda, and water mixture to help with cleaning and deodorizing. This is best done after the initial cleaning of the area with a heavy-duty cleaner. You also have to be cautious that this solution doesn’t mix with something that could cause a chemical reaction, so be mindful of the cleaners and how things mix together.
When it comes to odors left behind from death or decomposition, traditional store-bought cleaners will most likely not be enough to remove the odor or effectively clean the space.
Call a Professional
Many of us try to do things on our own, but sometimes, it’s much easier to simply rely on a professional to help us out. Odor removal after a tragedy is most likely one of these things. Not only can it bring back painful memories for you, but the cleaning process is incredibly challenging as well. Austin Bio Clean is here to help with your clean-up and odor removal needs. Give us a call and let us know how we can serve you.
