How Commercial Odor Removal Services Help Businesses Avoid Lost Business

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Palo Alto offers commercial deodorization services that effectively neutralize bad odors.

Commercial odor removal can sometimes be overlooked by business owners or property managers. Unlike water damage or fire damage, which are urgent issues that must be resolved promptly for business operations to resume, foul odors do not do damage to the structure of the building. Because they do not directly affect the building or inventory, odor issues might not be prioritized until the smell has worsened significantly. In addition, bad smells can arise gradually and slowly grow in intensity. Employees and staff may become so used to the smell that they do not realize it is unpleasant for customers.

A malodorous environment can create a distasteful and uncomfortable experience for customers that influences them to take their business elsewhere. Odor issues can be especially off-putting in eating establishments. CleanLink, an online resource for professionals in the cleaning industry, cites a survey that “identifies common issues that would keep Americans from returning to restaurants.” The study found that 85% of patrons would not return to a restaurant that had a “general bad odor.” The problem of foul odors was in the top five issues identified by the study and was second only to dirty surfaces, which 86% of respondents indicated was a turn-off.

While a foul odor might not be as time-sensitive as a water damage disaster or a sewage backup, it is in the business owner’s best interest to have odor problems resolved promptly in order to avoid lost business and to create a positive experience for customers or clients.

What Are Common Sources of Odors in Commercial Facilities?

Garbage Odors

Trash cans and dumpsters release all manner of putrid odors, especially when hot weather amplifies the smell. Restaurants in particular need to be attentive to garbage odors since perishables such as meat, dairy products, bread, vegetables, and fruit are disposed of regularly on and near the premises. As mentioned above, odors can be disastrous to the reputation and ROI of a restaurant.

Floor Drain Odors

With a smell often compared to rotten eggs, sewer gas originates from the sewage system, which is full of noxious odors from decomposing sewage. To prevent sewer gas from escaping into the room, floor drains are equipped with a trap that retains water; however, if the water in the trap dries out, sewer gas and the accompanying odors can flow out of the drain. Not only is this issue a cause of odor problems, but it can also be a safety issue since methane, a potentially explosive gas, is present in sewer gas. In addition, drains that have become clogged by debris such as food, trash, or hair also give off bad odors and create a place for odor-producing bacteria to breed.

Restroom Odors

Urine odors are prevalent in restrooms. Mayo Clinic notes, “Urine that contains a lot of water and few waste products has little to no odor. If urine becomes highly concentrated — a high level of waste products with little water — your urine may have a strong ammonia odor.” Urine is also a food source for bacteria, which produce offensive odors that worsen as bacteria growth accumulates. Regular cleaning of public restrooms and emptying of trash are important practices that help prevent unwanted odors in restrooms.

Mold Odors

Earthy, musty smells can often be traced to mold and mildew growth. Mold flourishes in warm, humid environments and can turn into an infestation before the business owner or employees discover the issue. According to the CDC, “Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.” In the case of odors stemming from a mold infestation, the business owner will want to hire mold remediation services in addition to deodorization services.

SERVPRO of Palo Alto: A Local Leader in Commercial Odor Removal

The commercial cleaning and odor removal experts at SERVPRO of Palo Alto are equipped to identify the source of foul odors and eliminate the problem. The science involved in odor removal can be complex, and shortcuts such as masking will not successfully remove a persistent, strong smell. At SERVPRO of Palo Alto, technicians are well-trained in proper deodorization techniques and, when applicable, use products that go deep into surfaces and thoroughly neutralize offensive odors.

For more details about deodorization services for businesses and other commercial cleaning and commercial damage restoration services in Redwood City, CA, contact SERVPRO of Palo Alto by phone at (650) 800-3448. The office can also be reached by email at office@SERVPROpaloalto.com