Ozone machines for smoke smell: Do they work, and are they worth it?

Understanding the challenge of eliminating smoke odors

Smoke odor is one of the most persistent and difficult smells to remove from indoor spaces. Whether from cigarette smoke, fire damage, or tobacco residue, the chemical contaminants left behind penetrate surfaces, furniture, ventilation systems, and fabrics, which  can make traditional cleaning methods ineffective. Ozone generators have been marketed as a powerful solution for odor removal, but how effective are they really, and what risks do they pose?

This article will help you understand how ozone machines work, their effectiveness in removing smoke odors, and the potential health and operational risks associated with their use. More importantly, we’ll explain why a preventive approach to indoor air quality is the smarter, long-term strategy. 

How do ozone machines work for smoke odor removal?

The science behind ozone and odor neutralization

Ozone (O₃) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. When released into the air, ozone molecules interact with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in tobacco smoke or fire damage residue, breaking them down into less odorous substances.

During this process, ozone reacts with nitrogen dioxide and other airborne particles, leading to secondary chemical reactions that can produce toxic byproducts, which can negatively impact indoor air pollution levels. This is a significant concern, especially in public spaces where air quality control is crucial.

Factors that affect ozone's effectiveness

The ability of an ozone generator to eliminate smoke odors depends on several key factors:

• Ozone concentration: The effectiveness of an ozone generator is directly linked to the amount of ozone it releases. Higher concentrations can break down odor compounds more effectively, but they also pose greater health risks. Scientific evidence shows that ozone, at safe concentrations (i.e., levels that do not exceed public heath standards), is generally ineffective in remediating indoor air pollution.
• Duration of exposure: The longer a space is exposed to ozone, the more likely it is that odors will be neutralized. However, extended exposure times may be impractical for frequently used spaces like rental properties and hotels.
• Size and layout of the space: Small, enclosed areas like cars or closets respond better to ozone treatments compared to large, open spaces where ozone disperses too quickly.
• Surface materials: Porous materials, such as carpets and upholstered furniture, tend to absorb smoke smells more deeply, requiring multiple ozone treatments or additional alternative cleaning methods.
• Ventilation and airflow: Proper air circulation is necessary to distribute ozone evenly. Poor ventilation can lead to inconsistent results, leaving some areas still affected by the smell of smoke.

While these factors determine how effective an ozone generator might be, they also highlight the challenges and limitations of using ozone as a long-term recurrent solution for odor removal.

Practical considerations: costs, time, and logistics

While ozone machines can be relatively affordable, their overall cost-effectiveness depends on the specific use case. Prices range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on capacity and power levels. However, beyond the initial purchase price, you should consider hidden costs, including property downtime, additional cleaning requirements, and labor costs, etc.

Some ozone generators are sold as air cleaners, but their effectiveness in controlling indoor air pollution is disputed. Environmental health studies suggest that alternative air cleaning devices, such as HEPA filters or carbon dioxide scrubbers, may offer a more sustainable solution for improving indoor air quality.

Short-term and long-term health effects of ozone machines

Ozone exposure poses significant health risks, including:

• Respiratory issues: Ozone can cause coughing, shortness of breath, lung irritation, throat irritation, and may also compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. An ECRHS study has linked prolonged exposure to high levels of ozone to lung function decline, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
• Increased risk for people with asthma: The American Lung Association warns that ozone exposure can worsen asthma and other respiratory diseases.
• Regulatory concerns: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board strongly advise against use of ozone indoors due to health risks. 

Government agencies, including the National Ambient Air Quality Program, recommend maintaining safe levels of ozone when it comes to indoor exposure to avoid causing chronic respiratory diseases.

Why prevention is better than remediation

Instead of focusing on reactive odor removal, a more effective strategy is preventing smoke contamination in the first place. By implementing proactive measures, you can avoid the financial and operational burdens of remediation.

Prevention measures can help you:

• Streamline your operational efficiency: Early detection and intervention allow you to address potential issues before they escalate, saving time and resources otherwise spent on remediation or dispute resolution.
• Reduce your long-term maintenance costs: Preventing smoke damage means avoiding expensive deep cleaning or property refurbishments.
• Minimize damage in multi-unit properties: Smoke contamination can spread between units, making early intervention even more essential for large-scale property managers.

Ozone machines should be a last resort

While ozone generators can remove smoke odors in some cases, they are not a long-term solution. The health risks, operational downtime, and inconsistent effectiveness make them impractical for frequent use. Instead, you should focus on preventative air quality strategies, such as real-time monitoring and early intervention.

Minut’s smart monitoring solutions provide an efficient, scalable alternative to ozone treatments. Instead of dealing with consequences after the fact, property managers can rely on real-time detection and intervention. Thanks to instant notifications and privacy-safe surveillance, Minut helps ensure cleaner, healthier, and more cost-effective rental operations.