The Complete Guide to Odor Removal in Detroit (2025) | HazWash™

Why Odor Removal Matters in Detroit Homes & Businesses

In Metro Detroit, HazWash™ has seen odor issues across homes, apartments, hotels, funeral homes, rental properties, and industrial facilities. It’s almost never “just a smell.”

• Health Risks:

  • Pet urine & feces release ammonia and bacteria that aggravate asthma and respiratory issues.

  • Smoke & soot embed carcinogens deep into walls, furniture, and HVAC systems.

  • Decomposition odors often carry bloodborne pathogens and bacteria.

• Legal & Liability Issues:

  • Landlords risk failed inspections and costly fines if units aren’t made habitable.

  • Businesses risk lawsuits, health code penalties, and reputation damage.

  • Mishandling hazardous odors (like sewage or decomposition) can trigger EPA or DOT violations.

• Financial Impact:

  • Odors can tank property values or scare away tenants.

  • Commercial properties can lose thousands per week in lost revenue.

  • DIY or unlicensed cleanup often fails inspection, doubling costs when professionals are called in later.

👉 Bottom line: Odor removal isn’t cosmetic. It’s about health, safety, compliance, and protecting property value.

Common Causes of Odor Problems in Metro Detroit

Odors always trace back to a source. Unless that source is removed or neutralized, the smell will keep coming back.

DIY Odor Removal: What Really Works (and Why It’s Risky)

Many families and landlords try DIY odor removal before calling professionals. While some methods can provide temporary relief, they’re limited — and often unsafe without training.

🕵️ Step 1: Find the Source

Odors often hide inside materials:

• Soaked into drywall or trapped between studs

• Embedded in subfloors or insulation

• Hidden behind paneling or encapsulated after water/fire damage

• Dead animals sealed inside walls or crawlspaces

⚠️ Encapsulation (painting/sealing over odors) may hide the smell for a while, but the only true fix is to remove the contaminated material.

Pro tip: A thermal scanner can sometimes locate recent decomposition (like rodents) inside walls — but older cases require professional inspection.

💧 Step 2: Use Strong Oxidizers

Skip the enzyme sprays — they’re mostly marketing hype. The real workhorse is hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down organic matter that causes odors. Without destroying this residue, smells always come back.

🌬️ Step 3: Advanced Treatments (Use with Extreme Caution)

When odors run deep, DIYers sometimes turn to advanced methods. But these tools can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

• Ozone Machines — Powerful oxidizers that penetrate odors. Require full evacuation (people, pets, plants) during use. Improper use can damage lungs and materials.

• Hydroxyl Machines — Safer than ozone. Can run while people, pets, and plants remain present.

• Fogging with EPA-Registered Disinfectants — Kills airborne pathogens and neutralizes odors. Requires full PPE, a respirator, and immediate evacuation after setup.

• Gassing Off — Professional-grade treatment. The property must be vacated for 12–24 hours. Requires full PPE, respirator, and strict compliance.

⚠️ Important: Without training and certification, these methods can harm your health, damage property, and leave you liable for improper chemical use.

👉 HazWash™ technicians are IICRC-certified in odor removal, BBP-trained, and HAZWOPER40-certified to legally use PPE and operate these systems. That’s how we ensure odors are eliminated permanently, safely, and in full compliance.

The HazWash™ Certified Odor Removal Process

At HazWash™, odor removal isn’t guesswork — it’s a step-by-step certified process designed to ensure odors are removed permanently and safely.

Cleaners vs DIY vs HazWash™ — What’s the Difference?

Not all odor removal is created equal.

👉 Bottom line: Cleaners cover smells. DIY risks your health. HazWash™ eliminates odors permanently, safely, and legally.

📞 Call us today at +1-248-985-8774 for a free odor inspection and estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Odor Removal in Detroit

Q: Can’t I just use candles, sprays, or air fresheners?
A: Those only mask odors temporarily. Once the spray fades, the smell returns. HazWash™ eliminates odors at the source with IICRC-certified methods.

Q: What types of odors can HazWash™ remove?
A: Pet urine and feces, smoke and fire damage, trauma and decomposition odors, mold and mildew, rodent infestations, and hazardous chemical odors.

Q: Is odor removal safe for kids and pets?
A: Yes — but some treatments (like ozone or gassing) require temporary evacuation. Our hydroxyl systems are safe to run with people, pets, and plants still inside.

Q: How long does odor removal take?
A: Most treatments are completed in 8–24 hours, depending on severity and method. Some advanced treatments require a 12–24 hour evacuation.

Q: Do you offer free estimates?
A: Yes. We provide free on-site odor inspections and explain exactly what the process requires before work begins.

Q: Will my neighbors know what’s happening?
A: No. HazWash™ operates with unmarked vehicles and discreet crews. From the outside, it looks like a routine service call, not a biohazard cleanup.