The phenomenon of olfactory adaptation is quite natural, and it occurs when the receptors in the nose that detect certain odours become less sensitive to those odours over time. This can happen when you are exposed to a particular odour for an extended period of time. It is the brain’s way of protecting you from being overwhelmed by constant smells, but when a customer enters your establishment, they notice it right away. As professional odour removal specialists, we confidently assert that this incident significantly diminishes the customer’s perception of the business.
Bad odours translate into lost business and cause a painless but definite death, never to come back to life. Consider this how-to article with professional odour removal solutions a guide for saving your business, your clients, and your adapted-to-odours nose.
What Causes Bad Odours?
Biological Sources
In commercial settings, mould and bacteria can cause indoor odours by growing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, ductwork, and on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. These microorganisms thrive in warm, humid environments and can spread quickly through the building’s ventilation system, spreading odours and potentially compromising indoor air quality. Additionally, mould and bacteria can lead to health problems for employees and customers, such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
In order to prevent mould and bacteria growth, business owners should maintain proper ventilation, humidity levels, and cleaning protocols and address any water leaks or other sources of moisture promptly. If a mould or mildew problem is suspected, it is best to assess the issue and use the necessary product according to the area in which it grows.
Physical Sources
Offensive smells of this kind can originate from a variety of sources, such as smoke, cooking, and inadequate ventilation. To address these problems, it’s essential to install proper ventilation systems in hotels and restaurants. Additionally, using effective products that neutralise odours through enzymatic action is also crucial in addressing the root cause of the smell.
Chemical Sources
Chemical sources such as paints can cause a stench in commercial settings by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that can have a strong and sometimes unpleasant odour and can harm human health if inhaled in high concentrations. Paints, coatings, and solvents are common sources of VOCs in commercial settings. These chemical odours can be especially pronounced during and immediately after a painting project but can linger for some time after completion. To minimise the impact of chemical odours from paints in commercial settings, establishments should ensure adequate ventilation during and after painting projects and use appropriate products to counter the strong synthetic odour of paints.
Occupational Sources
Smells from occupational sources, such as odours from industrial processes and off-gassing from office equipment, can emerge in businesses and establishments in several ways. In order to address this issue, professional odour removal products may be employed to effectively eliminate these unwanted odours. Below we have listed some sources of occupational odours:
- Industrial processes: Many industrial processes, such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and waste treatment, can produce odours as a byproduct. These odours can be caused by the materials or chemicals used in the process, as well as by the conditions in which the process takes place.
- Off-gassing from office equipment: Many office materials, such as carpets, furniture, and adhesives, can release VOCs into the air over time, creating a strong, unpleasant odour.
- Poor ventilation: Poor ventilation systems can lead to the buildup of odours, as well as the concentration of pollutants and VOCs in the air.
- Lack of Maintenance: insufficient regular cleaning and maintenance of industrial equipment and office spaces can also lead to the buildup of odours over time.
- Lack of proper disposal: Improper disposal of waste, chemicals, and other materials can also contribute to the emergence of odours in the workplace.
- Improper use of products: Some products used in the workplace may release odours when they are not used as directed, such as cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Presence of People
Even if you keep your establishment absolutely spick and span, in crowded spaces, odours can emerge from various sources, including perspiration, bacterial growth, and air pollution. Additionally, research in the field of professional odour removal has shown that unpleasant smells in the environment can trigger feelings of anxiety and negative emotions in customers, leading them to leave the space rapidly.
Professional Odour Removal in Different Settings
Varying locations can lead to diverse smells. With a grasp on the origins of odours, we can now investigate techniques for eliminating them in different settings.
Eliminating Malodours in Restaurants
A dirty or smelly bathroom can negatively impact a customer’s overall experience at a restaurant and potentially damage their loyalty to the establishment. But, more importantly, maintaining regular customers is crucial for a restaurant’s survival. Therefore, managers must ensure that staff are addressing any issues with the establishment to ensure customers will return.
To combat odours, instead of masking them with air fresheners, try regularly disinfecting areas where germs and bacteria can thrive. Additionally, it is vital to regularly maintain cleanliness in the kitchen by cleaning and sanitising surfaces, appliances, and floors to prevent food odours and cross-contamination. The dining area should also be kept clean by sanitising tables, chairs, and floors to attract customers. Additionally, it is important to regularly empty and sanitise trash cans and ensure proper disposal of garbage to prevent odours. The HVAC systems should also be regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure fresh air circulation and prevent odours.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
RINCON is a foaming sanitizing detergent formulated for effectively cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in food areas. RINCON is formulated with a blend of detergents, sequestrants and quaternary ammonium compounds specially selected to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms for maximum hygiene.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
DESTINY is a versatile wide spectrum disinfectant based on quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in food processing, dairy and beverage industries. DESTINY offers an excellent disinfection activity against gram-positive and gram negative micro-organisms, bacteria, yeasts, moulds, fungi algae etc.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
SHEEN is a viscous colourless liquid formulated to clean and restore the natural brilliance of stainless steel, chrome and other bright metals. SHEEN leaves a fine, invisible film that seals and protects the surface from resoiling, fingerprinting, corrosion and surface deterioration.
How To Neutralise Trash Chutes and Trash Room Odours
Maintaining cleanliness in the trash area of an establishment is crucial for eliminating odours and ensuring the overall cleanliness of the establishment. Food waste can attract pests and create unpleasant odours if not disposed of properly. However, regular trash chutes and cans cleaning can prevent this build-up and control pests such as rats, cockroaches, and flies. Pest infestations are not only responsible for odours but also health hazards.
Moreover, dirty trash chutes and cans can cross-contaminate other areas of the establishment, spreading germs and bacteria and creating unpleasant smells. Depending on the location, there may be regulations in place that require businesses to keep their trash areas clean and sanitary. Therefore, it’s important to ensure compliance with these laws by maintaining regular cleaning and sanitation schedules.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
KLEENZYME is a technically advanced combination of microorganisms and soil-destroying enzymes with penetrants and surfactants that produce the ultimate safe cleaner and deodorizer for all surfaces.
KLEENZYME breaks down odor-causing organic matter instead of just masking it like what many air fresheners are designed for.
Curbing Foul Odours in Hotels
In the hotel industry, various areas require attention to keep guest rooms fresh and leave a positive impression on customers. However, the importance of maintaining the condition of carpets is often overlooked. It is crucial to remember that there are more suitable options than using a standard disinfectant for cleaning carpets.
These disinfectants can leave a residue on the carpet fibres, which can attract dirt and dust, making it harder to maintain cleanliness in the future. In addition, carpets are porous materials, which means they can absorb liquids, and if the disinfectant is not rinsed off properly, it can lead to discolouration or damage to the delicate fibres of the carpet. Learn the techniques for thorough cleaning of hotel rooms and mastering the art of cleaning hotel room carpets in 5 simple steps to become proficient in odour management in the hospitality industry.
Preventing Restrooms Odours
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in restrooms can greatly affect occupants’ satisfaction, yet it is a common source of complaints due to unpleasant odours. Implementing daily cleaning and disinfecting procedures can help prevent the spread of germs and keep the facility clean. However, effectively addressing pungent odours requires addressing the root cause.
To maintain a pleasant scent in your commercial restrooms, consider using deodoriser blocks to neutralise foul smells. And make sure to get rid of the biological sources of smell, such as mould and mildew, growing in cracks and crevices. Using powerful sanitisers and disinfectants designed explicitly for cleaning toilet bowls, sinks, and grout, which are known to absorb urine and dirt, can help. Additionally, failing to properly clean grout can lead to damage caused by uric acid and, ultimately, mould growth, further deteriorating the grout.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
EASI KLEEN is a powerful liquid detergent blend of organic acids and surfactants formulated for the hygienic cleaning of toilet bowls and urinals. EASI KLEEN cleans, de-scales, disinfects and deodorizes in one easy application.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
MILDEX is a heavy-duty chlorinated penetrating formula that destroys mildew stains and soap scum stains that build up on grout or tile surfaces wherever dampness encourages these stains to form. MILDEX contains a fresh fragrance that effectively masks chlorine odour after it is rinsed off. MILDEX breaks down the soap scum that can hold mildew stains and leaves the surface clean; it penetrates and kills mildew at the root. MILDEX is formulated with thick foam, ensuring dwell time for maximum mould removal and mildew removal.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
TOP SECRET is a smooth and neutral renovating cream formulated to remove difficult grease, rust, soap scum, scale and stains from surfaces. TOP SECRET is ideal for cleaning bench tops, baths, basins, taps, cookers, sinks and utensils without scratching. It is particularly suited to controlling the build-up of body fats and soap in baths.
Conclusion
In conclusion, professional odour removal in commercial settings is a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of the sources of odours. These sources can include biological, physical, chemical, and occupational factors, as well as the presence of people. To effectively eliminate odours, it is important to identify the specific source of the odour and implement appropriate measures to address it. This may include regular cleaning and sanitation, the use of air purifiers for odour neutralisers, and proper ventilation. Additionally, certain products such as enzymatic cleaners, disinfectants, and sanitisers can be useful in eliminating odours. By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing odours, it is possible to create a pleasant and inviting environment for customers and employees in a variety of settings, including restaurants, trash chutes and trash rooms, hotels and restrooms.
