Odor Eliminator Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you could possibly every want to know about eliminating odors the natural way.

What causes bad odors in a home or space?

Odors in rooms typically come from organic sources (pet urine, sweat, food/gas-cooking fumes, mould/mildew, decaying matter), volatile compounds that are airborne or absorbed into surfaces, and low ventilation. When these compounds linger they trigger our sense of smell.

How do I know if the “smell” is real (versus me just being more sensitive)?

If other people also notice the odor, or you detect it when you first enter a space (before your nose becomes “used to it”), it’s likely a true odor issue. Also, lingering smell after cleaning or air-changes is a sign it’s persistent and real.

Is the odor eliminator spray just masking the smell or actually eliminating it?

Unlike standard air fresheners that simply cover the smell with fragrance, a true odor-eliminating spray (like Odor Exorcism) targets the odor‐molecule itself (by bonding, neutralizing or absorbing it) so it stops triggering your sense of smell. Odor Exorcism achieves this through two key ingredients: sodium citrate (which binds to and then neutralizes odors by balancing volatile molecules’ pH levels) and grain alcohol (which neutralizes odors by killing odor-causing bacteria and then promoting evaporation).

What is the difference between deodorization, neutralization, absorption and masking?

• Masking = covering the smell with another stronger scent (temporary).
• Absorption = trapping odor molecules in a medium (charcoal, cyclodextrin) so they don’t interact with your nose. Reddit
• Neutralization = chemically converting odor molecules into non-smelling ones.
• Deodorization = a general term meaning elimination or reduction of unpleasant smell, often via absorption or neutralization rather than masking.

How long does it take for an odor eliminator spray to work?

It depends on the severity of the odor, ventilation, surface/material, whether you sprayed air or directly on surfaces, and you’re using Odor Exorcism or some other non-saintly odor eliminator. Many sprays (like Odor Exorcism) act in minutes; for deep or embedded smells you may see improvement over hours and full effect in 24-48 hours.

Which type of odor eliminator spray is best for my situation (air-only vs surfaces vs fabrics)?

Odor Exorcism is suitable for nearly all odoriferous situations.

Choose based on the source of odor:

• For odors in the air (room, car) use an air/room spray like Odor Exorcism.
• For odors on surfaces (hard floors, walls) use Odor Exorcism, which can be wiped cleanly off hard surfaces, leaving only divine freshness in its wake.
• For fabrics (carpet, upholstery, clothing) use fabric-safe eliminator sprays (i.e. Odor Exorcism).

Are “natural” odor eliminators (essential oils, charcoal, enzymes) better than synthetic ones?

“Natural” can mean fewer synthetic fragrances, fewer VOCs, possibly safer for sensitive users. Some synthetic formulas may perform better at eliminating deeper odors, but at what cost? Your health? Your SOUL?! Safer to go with Odor Exorcism.

Is the spray safe to use around pets, children, or in food-preparation areas?

Only if the product label specifies so. Ideally, look for non-toxic, low VOC, fragrance-safe claims. Odor Exorcism is, to our knowledge, on of the only odor eliminators known to humankind that can claim all three of these. It is safe around pets and children, but not on them.

How much area will one bottle of odor eliminator spray cover, and how often do I need to re-apply?

Coverage and frequency depend on the spray’s concentration and the severity of the odor. For light everyday use you may spray once a day or every few days; heavy smells may require additional application. Manufacturer’s guidelines typically indicate coverage.

Can I use the same odor eliminator product for different odors (pets, smoke, urine, musty basement)?

Many modern odor-eliminator sprays are multi-purpose and claim to work on pet smells, smoke, food smells, mould/mildew smells. But check that the product specifically states it is safe for each category (especially urine/stains). If the odor is from a structural issue (mould inside walls) an odor eliminator spray may not suffice.

Why does the smell keep coming back even after using an odor eliminator?

Because the source of the odor may still be present (e.g., pet urine soaked into padding, mould inside walls, ventilation dragging in outside smells). If the source remains, the spray can address current odor molecules but new ones keep coming. Also: lack of ventilation and high humidity can prevent full removal.

What types of odors are hardest to eliminate (smoke, pet urine, mould, old fabrics)?

Some of the toughest: cigarette or fire smoke (deeply absorbed into surfaces and fabrics), pet urine (especially when soaked into carpet pad or concrete), mildew/mould smells (often from hidden water damage), and musty smells in basements or HVAC systems. Many sprays will help but complete remediation may require cleaning, ventilation, or professional treatment.

Does the odor eliminator spray work while I sleep/when the room is closed/low ventilation?

It can still work, but better results come with some air-movement or ventilation so odor molecules can be transported to the active spray zones. In a totally sealed room with no air exchange the effect of Odor Exorcism odor eliminator spray may be slower and limited.

Can the spray remove odors from fabrics, carpets, upholstery, HVAC ducts?

Yes, if the product is designed for fabric/soft surfaces and the odor source is accessible (not deep inside the duct). For carpets and upholstery you may need to first clean or wash to remove residue, then apply the spray. For ducts you may need special duct-work treatment.

Are there conditions or materials where odor eliminator sprays like Odor Exorcism don’t work (e.g., hidden mould, structural issues)?

Yes. If the odor source is inside walls, flooring padding, HVAC systems, or comes from continuous external sources (smoke infiltration, sewage) then a spray alone might not be enough to completely remove the odor. You may need deeper cleaning, mould remediation, ventilation improvement, or structural fixes.

How does an odor eliminator spray chemically/physically neutralize or absorb odors?

Mechanisms vary: some use cyclodextrins or similar carriers to trap odor molecules so they can’t reach your nose. Others use chemical actives that bond with odor molecules to change them into non-smelling compounds. Some use enzymes or natural oils that break down the odor source. Odor Exorcism uses ten pure, natural ingredients to neutralize odors by breaking down the compounds that cause the foul odors in various ways: grain alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria and the promotes evaporation (dryness = natural odor), sodium citrate works to balance the pH of stinky molecules to get them nearer to water, and all three essential oils in the Odor Exorcism formula possess mild anti-microbial properties which eradicate odor-causing microbes in the air and on surfaces.

What ingredients should I look for (or avoid) in an odor-eliminating spray?

Look for: low-VOC formulations, non-toxic/biodegradable claims, evidence of “neutralizing” or “molecular bonding” rather than just “fragrance.” Avoid: high levels of synthetic fragrance if you or others are fragrance-sensitive, hidden VOCs, such as some air fresheners that may irritate lungs.

Do some odor eliminator sprays release new chemicals or fragrances that could be allergens or irritants?

Yes—especially some generic air-freshener sprays. They may rely heavily on fragrance to mask odor, and contain VOCs or synthetic perfumes that could provoke allergies or irritate respiratory systems. If you are sensitive, choose unscented or “fragrance-free” formulations—like that found in Odor Exorcism—labelled as safe for sensitive users.

Are there advanced technologies for odor elimination (UV, photocatalytic, probiotic, etc.)?

Yes. Beyond basic spray technology you’ll find enzyme-based sprays, probiotic sprays (introduce good microbes to out-compete odor-causing ones), photocatalytic coatings, activated charcoal/carbon filters, and UV-air treatments. If your odor issue is very serious, these may be considered alongside an odor eliminator spray like Odor Exorcism.

Can the human nose get used to an odor, so we don’t realize the smell is still there?

Absolutely. There is “olfactory adaptation” or “nose blindness” where you no longer notice a smell because your brain treats it as normal background. That’s why it helps to have other people check or to step out and come back fresh to test whether the smell remains. This is also one of the reasons that people often find that their home smells “weird” upon returning from a vacation.

How much should I expect to pay for a good odor-eliminating spray (product + usage, if needed)?

Prices vary by size, brand, active technology and whether you’re dealing with heavy duty odors. Consumer-pack retail sprays commonly range from a few dollars for an 8-oz to $15-20+ for premium formulas with advanced odor eliminating technology (like Odor Exorcism). For usage, also consider cost of frequent re-application, or deeper cleaning.

How often should I maintain, replace, or refill the device or odor eliminator product?

For spray use: frequent heavy-odor areas may require weekly use; lighter use may be monthly or per-incident.

Are odor-eliminating sprays/technologies eco-friendly/safe for indoor air quality?

Many newer products like Odor Exorcism are formulated to be eco-friendlier (biodegradable, low VOC, fragrance-free or safe for sensitive users). But always check for specific claims. Some conventional sprays may still contribute VOCs or mask rather than remove odor—so prioritizing “elimination” vs “cover-up” is important.

What precautions should I take when using these odor eliminator sprays (ventilation, placement, pets)?

Helpful precautions for safe and effective odor elimination:

• Read the label and use only as directed (air vs surface vs fabric).
• Use in a well-ventilated space if possible.
• Test on a small area first when using on fabric/surface.
• Keep away from open flames or high heat if aerosol.
• Store away from small children and pets until dry.
• Avoid spraying directly on food or food-prep surfaces unless labelled safe.
• If you or someone has respiratory conditions, consider a low-VOC or fragrance-free formula.

When should I consult a professional rather than just buying an odor eliminator spray (e.g., persistent smell, structural issue)?

If you have:

• A persistent smell despite repeated treatment,
• Evidence of mould, water damage or sewage smell,
• Smoke/fire smell deeply embedded in structure,
• Odor coming from HVAC or hidden ducts,
• A space used commercially with strong industrial or chemical smells,

… then it’s time to consult a remediation professional who can assess ventilation, hidden sources, structural damage, or need for deep cleaning beyond a spray alone.