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What is that smell? Odor Removal Guide

What is That SMELL?

Since unpleasant odors are sometimes an indication of a potentially infectious, hazardous, or unsanitary condition, the presence of bad odors can induce psychological or emotional stress and even cause physical discomfort. Spraying deodorants and perfumes will simply mask odors temporarily and are not effective for long-term success.Effectively eliminating odors requires an understanding of the principles of deodorization. The type of odor neutralizer and application process must be chosen based on the source of the odor, type of materials affected, and the degree of penetration. To avoid a recurrence of the malodor we suggest using the following procedures:Step 1: Find and remove the source. The odor is an effect. Since every effect has a cause, our first challenge is to find and remove the cause. If the odor comes from a dead animal, you must find the carcass and remove it. If the odor is from a pet accident, you must first locate the deposit and remove it from the carpet and other surfaces before treating the offending odor. The same applies to odors from smoke, cooking, mold, mildew, etc.Step 2: Clean the affected area to remove any remaining odor-causing residue. Actually, cleaning is just a continuation of source removal. Start cleaning in the source area and work outward until all residues are removed. Residues can be sticky or oily residues, crystallized materials or dust, and soot. The type of residue and the material you are cleaning determines the cleaning method. For instance, removing soot from a concrete block wall requires a different cleaning method than removing the same soot from silk drapes. Depending on the odor, source removal and meticulous cleaning may be all that is required. If not, move on to the next step.Step 3: Recreate the conditions of penetration. This is where specialized equipment is often required. For instance, if the odor is from smoke, it may have penetrated into wood, fabrics, drywall, and may other porous and semi-porous materials. Any deodorizing products must penetrate the materials in the same manner in order to neutralize the odors.If odors have penetrated into areas that are inaccessible, it may be necessary to use thermal or Ultra Low Volume fogging equipment, oxidation, ozone, or dry vapor exchange equipment. Generally, odors caused by liquids such as urine or spoiled milk that have saturated porous materials must be saturated with a suitable odor counter-agent. In most cases, properly applying steps 1 through 3 will achieve the desired results. If there is still an odor proceed to step 4.Step 4: Seal the affected material. In some cases, odors may have penetrated into materials to the degree that it is impossible or impractical to remove them completely. In these cases, it is necessary to apply a topical sealant to encapsulate the odor-causing molecules and prevent them from evaporating into the air. If the molecules can’t reach your nose, you won’t be able to smell them. The type of sealer you choose depends on the type of material, the nature of the odor source, and the degree of penetration into the material.As with all cleaning chores, there comes a time when it is time to throw in the towel and call the pros. Do the right thing and let your favorite cleaning company do the work for you. After all, it pays to call a pro!Bluegrass Company & Hardwood Refinishing Company Lexington, KY: 859-537-4779 Georgetown, KY: 859-888-1515 Versailles, KY: 859-251-2060 Nicholasville KY: 859-800-0045Schedule Your Appointment: https://bluegrasscleaning.com/schedule-online/[newsletter_button id=1 label=”Subscribe” design=”wp”]

odor removal guide lexington ky

Erin Murnan
Erin Murnan

Just left us a 5 star review

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Erin Murnan
July 28, 2025

They did such a great job with cleaning my carpets which were in bad shape. They were quick and worked hard to get the job done. They were very knowledgeable and explained things so I understood what/why they were doing what they did. Great service.

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Cynthia K Hess
July 24, 2025

Bluegrass Cleaning and Hardwood Refinishing was prompt, thorough in their inspection, and fixed the problem with cat urine that had gotten on a few places on my very old hardwood floors. They did great work, were very helpful with advice, and charged a very reasonable amount for their work.

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I had purchased a Groupon coupon back in April. I spoke with Kevin around June and we talked about when I might want to do my cleaning, and he was very helpful. And then we made an appointment later for July. This is July 22, 2025 and the technicians have just left. I could not be happier. My carpet is nine years old, and has only been professionally cleaned once in that time, Over a year and a half ago. And the other company did not do nearly as good as cleaning. It looks great. It smells great. And they gave me a really good deal for the extra footage and the scotch guard protection. I would do business with this company again!!

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Abbe Kesterson
July 22, 2025

My sofa and loveseat were expertly cleaned. It took about an hour and dried in about 8 hours. I'm very pleased.

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Paul Fletcher
July 20, 2025

They were friendly fast and did a great job! Communicated and everything was very professional!

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Dann Smith
July 17, 2025
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Mary Nies
July 15, 2025

The 2 gentlemen, Kevin & Hunter were extremely knowledgeable and thorough. I had them look at our laminateflooring as well and learned a great deal about cleaning and polishing (actually not polishing!) it. Very impressed with Bluegrass in this first experience! Great job!

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Lisa Dollins
July 8, 2025
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They did a beautiful job cleaning the carpet!

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Taylor Wilson
June 21, 2025

Wonderful customer service! I have already recommended them to a friend because I was so satisfied with the work they did. Thank you for making my move out easier!

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Linda Mull
May 24, 2025