5 Steps to Remove Odors From Your Business

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

If a flood hits your business, there may be a strange, unwelcome odor permeating the air and displeasing customers, employees or yourself. Depending on the source, there are multiple ways to treat the problem. Whether it’s mold growth or something else, you can act to remove the smell with these five steps.

1. Ventilate the Building and Evaluate the Situation. If there is a window or door that can be opened, it should be. This allows any lingering scents to disperse. You can then work to identify and locate any centralized, problematic scents still remaining in your business building. Once the problem is located, you should decide how to proceed. If sewage loss is causing the odor, it’s best to stay away from the contaminated water and contact a professional.

2. Dry Wet Carpeting and Flooring Carpet holds moisture rather well, and it may be the source of the scent that is overwhelming your business. A wet and dry vacuum, which can be rented if needed, can shampoo the carpet and then dry it afterwards. This sanitizes the area to potentially remove some of the bothersome smell.

3. Scrub Moldy Surfaces Mold growth left alone will continue to reproduce and spread along with its musty odor. Any visible growth on a solid surface can be treated with thorough scrubbing using a solution such as vinegar.

4. Spray Furniture and Upholstery If you have access to a spray bottle, furniture can be sprayed and scrubbed the same way as hard surfaces. However, porous materials are likely not able to be fully cleaned this way, since the fungus settles deep within.

5. Consult Professionals for Extensive Cleanup Not everything can be done without commercial grade machines and proper procedures. An expert storm and mold damage treatment company can help remove problems caused by floodwater and other water damage. When dealing with flood odors, most do-it-yourself remedies will fix only the symptom. With an expert team’s help, you can remove most of the unwanted smells alongside any mold growth or other nuisance.