Identify Type And Location Of Odor Control Products

Odor control products come in everything from handheld and metered sprays to gels and liquids. What recommendations do you have regarding placement for each of these types of odor solutions?

Malik: It’s important to understand the size of the area that needs odor control coverage, and match this to your system of choice, along with the supplier’s cubic foot recommendation. When continuous and consistent odor control is desired, the optimal delivery solution is a wall-mounted dispenser. Typically metered aerosols cover larger cubic feet and deliver higher doses of continuous fragrance vs. passive air systems or fan systems and gel cups. Passive air and fan dispensers disperse neutral and low fragrant oils and typically have a lower coverage area than a metered aerosol. These examples of wall mount dispensers that deliver continuous odor control coverage are great solutions for common areas such as lobbies, break rooms, restrooms, hallways and conference rooms.
Liquid and hand held sprays are good solutions for spot treatments to supplement a wall-mounted dispenser program that offers continuous odor control and/or air sanitizer benefits.

Daluga: A sound odor management strategy employs a number of different delivery methods for odor control products. Use of a passive solution, such as a gel that works using ambient airflow, will address odors 24/7, while sprays will address odors immediately on an at-need basis. Other products, such as air and surface liquids or laundry additives, are designed to address specific odor issues at their source (mop buckets, wash loads, etc.). Indeed, each delivery method has a place in a sound odor management strategy.

Some facilities are actively working towards promoting green and sustainable initiatives. Where do air fresheners fit into that type of program?

Daluga: There are myriad odor control products on the market, but very few that use natural ingredients and fit under a "green" or "eco-friendly" heading.

Malik: While some cleaning product categories are rated green by third-party certifiers, there are no green certification standards for air fresheners. Even without third party certification, air fresheners can fit into green and sustainable initiatives. The optimal system will depend on the facilities odor control needs and goals of the sustainable initiative. For example, passive air care systems that offer low VOC continuous air freshening without the use of batteries or any power source, or metered air care systems that offer extended battery and odor control refill life.

Contributors:
Michael McGuire
President
Thornell Corporation
Smithville, Mo.

Beth Malik
Director of Marketing
Amrep, Inc.
Marietta, Ga.

Amanda Daluga
National Sales Manager
OMI Industries/Fresh Wave IAQ
Long Grove, Ill.

Brad Ferris
Senior Public Relations Manager
Clorox Professional Products Company
Oakland, Calif.