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Ozone generator

Say goodbye to vehicle interior odors

By Mike Mavrigian

Instead of trying to mask objectionable odors from a vehicle interior, an attempt to actually eliminate the odor is obviously preferable.

An ozone generator (also called an ozone machine) is, as the term implies, a unit that generates ozone. Ozone (O 3 ) is sometimes referred to as “activated oxygen.” Ozone is simply three oxygen atoms linked together, as opposed to O 2 (oxygen), which is two oxygen atoms linked together.

Ozone is a natural air cleansing agent found in nature (ozone is created during thunderstorms, created by waterfalls, etc.). By generating ozone within a vehicle interior, odors are eliminated at the source. When ozone encounters another compound, one oxygen atom will break away, attaching itself to the compound and oxidizing it. In other words, ozone breaks down odor-causing compounds, thereby removing the objectionable odor. Putting it to the test

Ozone generators are available from a number of sources and are offered in a variety of shapes and sizes for removing odors and allergens from small enclosed spaces, up to servicing large rooms. For interior applications. to place the unit approximately even with the face of the dash. The unit does not generate enough heat to damage the resting surface, so it’s safe to place it on the dash or directly onto a seat.

Raise all windows, leaving one window down about two inches and close the doors. The unit will create O 3 (ozone), which will neutralize odors such as tobacco smoke, mildew, etc., and also will neutralize allergens.

Leaving one window cracked open (which also provides a path for the electrical cord) assists the process, since the machine feeds from oxygen in the air to create ozone.

The run-time will depend on the size of

purposes of removing odors from During our test, I placed the ozone machine on my truck’s center console, raised all windows except the a vehicle interior, I chose Malco’s front passenger window, which was cracked open Uvonaire Ozone Machine, part by about two inches. After turning the machine on, I number 800035. This unit is speclosed all doors and allowed the unit to run for about cif cally designed for automotive 20 minutes. After “airing out” the interior for another f ve minutes, I noticed that the tobacco odor was gone. the vehicle and the intensity of the odors,

The unit is AC powered. Simply position but on average, allow the unit to run for the machine in the vehicle interior, in a approximately 15 to 30 minutes. relatively centered location (for example on Upon entering the vehicle after running a front seat, raised up on a cardboard box the ozone machine, you’ll notice a metallic

odor/taste, but this will dissipate quickly.

Ozone generators are very successful in removing otherwise stubborn odors. An ozone machine can be used with repeated applications if the f rst attempt hasn’t eliminated the odors.

For this sample test, I used my personal 2002 Ford F-350 truck (dually crewcab diesel), which is routinely exposed to tobacco smoke. After treating the interior for about 20 minutes with ozone, I turned the machine off and re-entered the vehicle.

A slight metallic taste was evident, which disappeared in about another f ve minutes. I then asked a friend (who constantly complained about the smoke odor in my truck) to drive my truck to the local parts store to pick up a few items that I had ordered. When he returned, he asked me what I had done to eliminate the smoke odor, noting that he immediately noticed the difference. After I told him about the ozone machine, he was skeptical, insisting that I must have performed some additional odor-removing process. Still suspicious, he asked to borrow the ozone machine to try at home, since he was having trouble getting rid of a mildew odor in one of his vintage cars. A week later, he returned the unit, claiming that he used the machine twice over a two-day period, and the mildew stink had vanished.

As an additional example, I once loaned the same ozone machine to a friend who owns a nearby body shop. A customer bought a f ood car, and even after replacing all carpet and insulation, a nasty mildew smell persisted.

While the body shop needed to run the ozone machine about 10 times over the course of a few days, the objectionable odors were nearly eliminated, to a point where the vehicle owner was satisf ed and thrilled that he could drive the car “without a noticeable stink.” ●

TEST TOOL SOURCE

Malco Products 361 Fairview Ave.

Barberton, OH 44203 (330) 753-0361 www.malcopro.com