Odor Neutralizer/Food Prep

PJS · #1 08-23-2007, 11:45 AM

Can anyone suggest an odor neutralizer/eliminator for a food prep area to be located inside an historical structure, that has been closed for awhile, and is all-wood interior? There isn't any really unpleasant odors, mostly an "aged" smell. Any suggestions is appreciated!

KYHeirloomer · #2 08-23-2007, 12:19 PM

I would first try opening the doors and windows and letting the place air out.

Amazing what that can accomplish.

PJS · #3 08-23-2007, 12:51 PM

Yes, fresh air does wonders...however the windows cannot be opened but the entrance can be for airing out. That will be the first plan of action, but wanted some "backup" ideas just in case. Thank you.

Luc_H · #4 08-23-2007, 01:35 PM

Hi PJS,

I worked for an industrial spice grinding company that moved out of a rental place. The condition was to get the smell out of the place. Once the place was empty a lingering generic spice smell was still present even after washing the place.

What worked? Cranking up the thermostat. The heat in the place was brought high, large fans were installed and widows were opened. It took a week to get ride of 10 years of smell.

Don't know if it will work for you.

Luc H

foodnfoto · #5 08-23-2007, 01:40 PM

Make a solution of 1 gallon water, 2 tablespoons dishsoap, 1 cup peroxide and 1/4 cup baking soda and wash everything down with it. Rinse well and air dry with fresh air and sunshine.

I figure if it could get the smell off my dog after he got sprayed by a skunk, it will take the smell out of anything.

I use it in the wash with smelly, sweaty gardening and cooking clothes and it works on that too.

Luc_H · #6 08-23-2007, 01:46 PM

Hey Foodnfoto,

that's the Mythbusters confirm recipe for taking out skunk smells!!!
It does work". Been there, done that with my dog vs the local skunk.

Good idea for this application. This solution is extremely oxidizing by much milder then chlorine.

Good idea.

Luc H

PJS · #7 08-23-2007, 05:20 PM

I appreciate the suggestions of cranking up the thermostat (which I would have never guessed) and using tried & true solution for wiping the place down...if it can be done on wood walls, floors, etc. I need to explore that.
If anyone has tried an ozone air purifier and had positive results I would like to know as well. Thanks everyone.

Free Rider · #8 08-23-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJS

If anyone has tried an ozone air purifier and had positive results I would like to know as well. Thanks everyone.

I've had temporary results with that, not permanent.

even stephen · #9 08-23-2007, 05:54 PM

I think your talking about an ionizer.......Charges the particles in the air,
they become heavy, and drop....they work....had one in my restaurant...
...Mexican restaurants use them a fair amount....thats why you reek of
mexican food after coming out of one with an ionizer.....I think I paid $400
for a medium sized wall mounted model....was really happy with it...good luck.

allie · #10 08-24-2007, 08:47 AM

You could try sprinkling ground coffee around (cheap stuff works well in this application) and leave it overnight.

When I worked at a grocery warehouse and we had trucks come in that smelled really bad, we'd do that and close up the trailer. When you opened it the next day, you could no longer smell the bad odor. Just sweep up the coffee and you're done.

Luc_H · #11 08-24-2007, 08:56 AM

Good one Allie!

Roasted Coffee is very porous similar to activated charcoal so a good air deodorizer. I think that could work to take out the smell in the air.

Luc H.

PJS · #12 08-24-2007, 12:56 PM

I heard a combination of baking soda and cat litter would absorb odors, but didn't know about roasted coffee. I'm willing to start with anything that is cost effective. Thanks!