Eliminating Odors vs. Masking – what’s best for public spaces?

Eliminating odors not masking, as public spaces start to reopen after COVID-19, should be an important feature to consider. Interior environments will have been empty for a long period – stagnate air is highly likely. Scent can play a part in helping create a better atmosphere, but only if it’s used with an odor eliminator or malodor counteractant.

Masking agents, think aerosol air fresheners, provide a form of pleasing fragrance, but what happens when it evaporates? Even the most captivating scents will fade if the source of odor isn’t resolved.

Featured in Sanitary Maintenance, Executive Vice President, Vectair Systems, Inc., Chad Davis, discussed why eliminating odors is important.

Eliminating odors vs. Masking

“Masking odors provides somewhat of a pleasant smell originally, but the malodor will return once the masking agent dissipates because it doesn’t actually resolve the issue,” says Davis. “You need to reduce the malodor as best you can, and then top that off with a pleasant fragrance.”

The growing occurence of Marijuana smoke and smell in public spaces has increased the need for eliminating odors. The most effective products to combat marijuana odor, Davis adds, combine a customized scent with odor eliminating capabilities. The complementary solution provides a lasting effectiveness that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

“By pulling the malodor out of the air, the fragrance element can maximize its potential, as the intended scent gets more headspace,” says Davis.

How distributors can help spaces with odor elimination

Davis says a consultative approach is the single-most important step distributors can take to solve odor control issues. Representatives can’t go into an inquiry with a predetermined idea of what product or strategy will end up working best.

If oneproduct is heavily promoted, distributors can risk diminishing not only the quality of the service, but the likelihood of future business.

“We always try to sell a program and a relationship — not just product. We encourage our distributors to do the same.”