A Hotel here in Ann Arbor recently replaced the carpet in all their rooms. About 10-12 weeks later
7 of the rooms began to emit a very foul odor. One of the rooms had a previous water leak problem.
The operator is wondering if there is a cleaning product/odorizer that would eliminate this problem?
I would suggest that the hotel GM bring in the type of home inspector/building inspector who uses various measuring devices to determine the nature of odors and particulates in the air. With all of the too-doo these days re.mold and other micro-organisms in a buildings air, there is a growing number of people who can measure these things. He should check through ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).
The GM can get some direction in this area at www.jmhi.com.
FYI: At first glance, 'odors' are considered by the eneducated (managers) to be something in the air. I took the IICRC course years ago for odor removal.
No 'odor' can be removed until the 'source' is removed. No 'source' can be removed until it is found.
Often, the 'source' cannot be removed and must be 'locked' in via a sealer or by chemically traping the odor.
Three things must be present for an 'odor'
1) The source. (urine, wet socks, etc)
2) Some humidity. (odor is always there or never there...ability to 'smell' it is only possible when the 'odor' is carried into the nose)
3) Temperature.(heat)
here's a tip...if you KNOW you can smell it but not sure exactly where it is (not in the case of the hotel) use a spray bottle with PURE water (distilled) and a heat-gun...lightly mist the area you question, then hit quickly with the heat gun...repeat until you find the spot.
also...women tend to smell better than men. On both levels. :) yes..they shower more and have pretty perfumes...but they tend to have a better sense of smell. so, if you ever have a hard time finding an odor, bring your wife, girlfriend or daughter.
