Does Ozone Cleaning Really Work?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

Yes, ozone cleaning can be an effective method for removing stubborn odors from your car’s interior. Ozone generators produce ozone gas (O3), a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down odorous substances, neutralizing unpleasant smells. To use ozone generators efficiently, position them outside the vehicle and direct the gas through a tube into the interior. Ensure proper ventilation to provide fresh air for the generator and lower humidity levels for optimal performance. Thoroughly clean surfaces with non-scented soap and warm water before ozone treatment, and avoid using scented cleaning agents immediately before the process. After treatment, let the car sit in direct sunlight to enhance the ozone’s potency.

Understanding Ozone Generators and How They Work

What is an Ozone Generator?

Ozone generators are devices designed to produce ozone (O3), a naturally occurring gas that can be highly effective in neutralizing odors and pollutants.

How do Ozone Generators Work?

Ozone generators work by converting oxygen (O2) molecules into ozone (O3) through a process called corona discharge. When exposed to odors or pollutants, the third atom in ozone breaks away and oxidizes these unwanted elements, neutralizing them.

Using Ozone Generators for Vehicle Odor Removal

1. Placement Matters:

Proper placement of the ozone generator is crucial to maximize the effectiveness of ozone treatment.

• Place the ozone generator outside the vehicle.
• Position the generator tube at a high level, below the headliner, to allow ozone gases to drop inside the vehicle (remember, ozone is heavier than air).

2. Oxygen Supply and Humidity:

Ensure the ozone generator has a fresh air supply for optimal ozone production. Additionally, remember that high humidity levels can hinder the effectiveness of ozone treatment. If humidity is above 75-70%, consider reducing it before running the generator.

3. Preparing the Vehicle:

As a professional detailer, thorough preparation is essential for successful odor removal.

• Vacuum all surfaces, including carpets, fabric, and headliner, to remove loose debris.
• Clean surfaces using mild soap without added scents or fragrances.
• Ensure all surfaces are completely dry before ozone treatment, as ozone cannot effectively treat damp materials.

4. Targeting Specific Odors:

Ozone gases do not differentiate between odors; they attack all odors. Avoid using heavily scented cleaning products to target a specific odor before ozone treatment. Otherwise, the ozone may neutralize the cleaning product’s fragrance instead of the primary odor.

5. Treating Hidden Areas:

To achieve comprehensive odor removal, consider treating hard-to-reach areas, such as:

• Behind sun visors
• Inside glove compartments
• Seat belt surfaces (pull them out to ensure complete treatment)

6. Duration of Ozone Treatment:

Ozone treatment duration depends on the odor’s severity. Run the ozone generator for 15-20 minutes with the air conditioner on recirculate to get ozone gases into the ventilation system. After that, turn off the generator, wait a moment, and initiate the main treatment.

7. After Treatment:

DO NOT immediately open the car after the main treatment.

• Let the vehicle bask in direct sunlight for the same duration as the ozone treatment.
• Sunlight helps activate the third atom of ozone (Co3), making it more potent at neutralizing odors.

Ozone Treatment Dos and Don’ts

To make the most of ozone cleaning, follow these essential dos and don’ts:

Dos:

• Run the ozone generator for 15-20 minutes with the air conditioner on recirculate before starting the treatment to get ozone gases into the ventilation system.
• Treat the car for the same duration as the ozone generator runtime, then turn off the generator, close the windows, and let the vehicle sit in direct sunlight for added effectiveness.
• Understand that ozone gases can remain active inside the vehicle for 30-40 minutes after the treatment. Avoid sitting inside the car immediately after the process to prevent potential health issues.

Don’ts:

• Don’t believe the hype from some ozone generator companies that recommend airing out the car immediately after treatment. Instead, let the vehicle sit in the sun for the same duration as the ozone treatment.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of ozone cleaning and its remarkable potential for removing stubborn odors from vehicles, you can easily tackle those unpleasant smells. Remember, proper preparation, correct placement, and adherence to safety guidelines will ensure you maximize your ozone generator and enjoy a fresh and pleasant driving experience.

Key Notes and Important Points

• Ozone cleaning involves using ozone gas (O3) to neutralize and eliminate odors.
• Properly position the ozone generator outside the car and direct the ozone gas through a tube to ensure effective treatment.
• Ensure the vehicle’s interior is well-ventilated to provide oxygen and fresh air for the ozone generator.
• Lower humidity levels in the garage before ozone treatment to enhance its effectiveness.
• Avoid using scented cleaning agents before ozone treatment to prevent the gas from targeting the scents instead of the underlying odor.
• Remove the source of the odor before ozone treatment for optimal results.
• Thoroughly clean surfaces with non-scented soap and warm water before ozone treatment.
• Allow the car to sit in direct sunlight after the ozone treatment for added effectiveness.
• Avoid sitting inside the car immediately after the ozone treatment to prevent potential health issues.
• Ozone cleaning is generally safe when used correctly, but avoid excessive and frequent treatments to prevent damage to materials and surfaces.