Odour Control and Sanitisation

The Problem with Flooded Carpets

Carpets, due to their design, are already a fairly high-maintenance type of flooring. The way that their fibres work means that they tend to latch on to grime, dust, and all sorts of things that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is why vacuuming carpets is such an important part of carpet care. However, this problem really shows itself when you are faced with flood damage to your carpet. Rather than just holding on to grime and dirt, flooded carpets can hold on to a lot more than just molecules that affect the outward appearance.

It is already a well-known fact that damp environments are not good for most houses and buildings. Damp environments invite mould into the home as well as mildew, rot, and insects looking for a water source. This is one reason why it is so crucial to take care of even the smallest of leaks in the house. Because of the carpet’s nature to hold onto molecules of whatever it touches, it can hold onto tremendous amounts of water long after the flooding has happened. 

You might notice that your carpet feels a bit damp to the touch, or if the problem is more pronounced, you will notice that you are walking on a wet carpet. To protect your own health, you will want to get this water damage taken care of as soon as possible using an experienced flood damage repair company, as it can end up causing some long-term damage to your body.

The Flood Response Approach

When you choose Flood Response for odour control, you can expect a comprehensive and tailored approach to meet your specific needs. Our specialists begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your premises, identifying the sources and causes of odour pollution. This enables us to develop a customised plan that addresses your unique requirements.

We utilise cutting-edge activated carbon filters and other high-performance equipment to capture and eliminate odours. Our team ensures that the air quality is restored to a fresh and clean state, allowing you to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for employees and customers alike.

How Can Air Pollutants Harm You?

There are several ways that air pollutants can harm you. Here are some common dangers of air pollutants:

Mould and Mildew: Because the water is kept in the carpet for so long, in an atmosphere where there is already grime, dirt, and likely small microbes making their home in the fibres of the carpet, a damp carpet is one that is prime for mould and mildew to develop. It is a well-known fact that prolonged exposure to mould and mildew is damaging to anyone’s health.

Respiratory Problems: People who have health conditions that affect their respiratory system are in the most danger of a wet carpet, as the spores of mould can trigger an allergic or asthmatic reaction. It is known to cause allergies, and in a worst-case scenario, fungal infections can develop. People with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of this as well, but the problems aren’t located only in the lungs.

Fungal Infections: From the mould spores released from the mould growing in the damp environment of your carpet, it can irritate your skin, causing allergies, itchiness, hives, and so on. If this is not treated or if it is prolonged, this can develop into swelling and both bacterial and fungal infections. Even if you use the proper ointments to treat those infections, it will not do much for your health so long as the source of the mould remains.

To prevent hazardous odours from developing, it is important to dry, disinfect, and sanitise every flood-damaged carpet in your house.

Odour Control and Sanitisation – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is odour pollution?

Odour pollution refers to the presence of odours in the air that are considered unpleasant, offensive, or disruptive to the environment and human well-being. It occurs when certain hazardous air pollutants or emissions are released into the atmosphere, resulting in the perception of a foul or noxious smell.

What is odour control?

Odour control refers to the process of managing and eliminating unpleasant smells. It involves addressing the source of the odour and employing techniques to neutralise or eliminate it, often using a suitable masking agent to cover up unwanted smells and employing techniques that target the underlying causes. This includes addressing bacteria and decomposition processes, which are common sources of odours. By eliminating contaminants that contribute to foul smells, ensuring a fresh and clean environment is more achievable.

What are the techniques for odor control?

Techniques for odor control vary depending on the type of odor. Common methods include air filtration, steam cleaning, oxidation, UV light and photocatalytic oxidation, fogging, water misting systems and use of deodorisers or disinfectants. Air filtration is often used as an effective technique to remove odors from the air by trapping odor molecules in filters. Steam cleaning is a good option for removing organic matter, grease and dirt from hard surfaces, while oxidation processes such as UV light and photocatalytic oxidation use special lights to oxidise VOCs.

What are the 4 types of odour control?

The four main types of odour control include physical removal, neutralisation, encapsulation and masking. Physical removal involves removing the source of the odour through cleaning or air filtration. Neutralisation uses substances such as baking soda or other absorbent materials to reduce odours by binding with odour-causing molecules. Encapsulation encapsulates odour molecules in a coating that prevents the odours from being released into the air. Finally, masking is used to cover up odours with other scents or fragrance oils. All four methods of odour control can be effective when properly implemented.

What chemical is used to remove odours?

A variety of chemicals can be used to remove odours, such as enzymes, oxidisers, or surfactants. Enzymes are proteins that break down odour-causing molecules into smaller, odourless compounds. Oxidisers interact with the odour-causing molecules and convert them into harmless substances like carbon dioxide.