If you’re experiencing bad odors, stubborn mold, and lingering bacteria in your facility, sometimes, regular cleaning just isn’t enough. That’s where ozone generators come in. These specialized machines offer a deep-cleaning solution that goes beyond surface-level disinfection. But what exactly are ozone generators, how do they work, and when is the right time to use one?
In this article, we’ll break down the science behind ozone technology, discuss its most effective applications, and provide crucial safety tips so you can use ozone generators the right way.
Let’s get started!
What is an Ozone Generator?
An ozone generator is a machine specifically designed to produce ozone gas (O₃), a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is a naturally occurring substance found in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, where it forms a protective layer that absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
At ground level, however, ozone serves a very different purpose: it is one of the most powerful oxidizing agents available for commercial cleaning, odor removal, and air purification.
What sets the ozone generator apart from conventional air fresheners and purifiers is its ability to eliminate pollutants at the molecular level. Unlike sprays and filters that mask or trap particles, ozone generators neutralize odors, bacteria, mold, and viruses by chemically altering or destroying the contaminants.
How Do Ozone Generators Work?
To understand how ozone generators work, it’s helpful to revisit basic chemistry. Oxygen in the air typically exists in pairs as O₂. Ozone is formed when a third oxygen atom bonds with these O₂ molecules, creating O₃. However, ozone is highly unstable—this extra oxygen atom is loosely attached and seeks to bond with other substances, especially those made of organic materials like bacteria, mold, or odor-causing compounds. This is how odors are eliminated.
There are two primary ways ozone generators produce ozone:
1. Corona Discharge:
This is the most common method used in commercial and industrial ozone generators. A high-voltage electrical charge splits regular oxygen molecules (O₂) into single oxygen atoms. These free atoms then recombine with other O₂ molecules to form ozone (O₃).
2. Ultraviolet (UV) Light:
UV ozone generators use ultraviolet light to break apart oxygen molecules. While this method is generally less efficient than corona discharge, it’s sometimes used in lower-output or residential models.
Once produced, ozone gas is dispersed into the air, where it interacts with and oxidizes airborne particles and surface contaminants, breaking down their chemical structure and effectively neutralizing them.
What Can Ozone Remove?
Ozone is particularly effective at treating:
- Odors from smoke, pets, food, and musty environments
- Mold and mildew spores in the air and on surfaces
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaning supplies, and chemicals
- Bacteria and viruses that linger in poorly ventilated spaces
Because ozone reacts with organic materials, it’s capable of eliminating sources of contamination rather than just covering them up.
When Should You Use an Ozone Generator?
Ozone generators are not intended for everyday air purification. They are powerful tools for deep-cleaning and specialized remediation tasks. Common scenarios where an ozone generator can be especially useful include:
- Post-disaster restoration: After floods, fires, or smoke damage
Hospitality settings: Hotels and vacation rentals where odors need to be quickly eliminated between guests - Property management: Rental units, apartments, and homes with smoke, pet, or cooking odors
- Vehicle detailing: Removing tobacco or mildew smells from cars, buses, and RVs
- Healthcare and commercial facilities: When needing to sanitize spaces after contamination events
In each of these scenarios, the goal is to treat the space with ozone while it is unoccupied, then air it out thoroughly before people re-enter.
Ozone Safety: What You Need to Know
Despite its effectiveness, ozone can be harmful to humans and animals if used incorrectly.
Risks of Using an Ozone Generator
At high concentrations, ozone becomes a lung irritant, potentially causing respiratory distress, coughing, throat irritation, and other health issues. That’s why safe operation is key.
Essential Ozone Generator Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines for safe ozone generator use:
- Only Treat Unoccupied Spaces
- Set a Timer
- Ventilate After Treatment
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
1. Only Treat Unoccupied Spaces
It is critical to never run an ozone generator in a room where people, pets, or plants are present. Ozone should only be used in vacant spaces, and access should be restricted until the ozone has broken down.
While ozone can begin to dissipate relatively quickly (with a half-life around 30 minutes), it’s generally recommended to wait at least 4 hours after turning off the ozone generator before returning to the room.
2. Set a Timer
Most ozone generators come with a built-in timer. Treatment durations typically range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the room size and level of contamination. Using a timer helps prevent overexposure and ensures that the machine shuts off automatically.
It is possible to overtreat with an ozone generator, and doing so can be very harmful. Excess ozone concentrations can harm the lungs and respiratory tissue, and can damage certain materials—including rubber, electronics, paints, and fabrics.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe and effective use, including room size and recommended run times to avoid overtreating.
3. Ventilate After Treatment
After the ozone generator completes its cycle, allow ample ventilation—usually 1 to 2 hours or more. You can speed this process by opening windows, turning on fans, or using HVAC systems.
You should always ventilate after using ozone. Ventilation allows the ozone to dissipate and convert back into regular oxygen (O₂), making the space safe for re-entry.
4. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Always read and follow the instructions that come with your ozone generator. Pay close attention to recommended treatment times, safety precautions, and maintenance instructions.
Government Guidance and Regulation on Ozone Generators
Because of the potential health issues ozone generator exposure can cause, several government agencies have offered guidance and regulations on their use:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
- OSHA‘s Air Contaminants Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000) regulates employee exposure to ozone.
- The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for ozone is 0.1 ppm (parts per million), which is an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- The FDA has set a maximum acceptable level of 0.05 ppm (parts per million) for ozone in medical devices.
- Ozone has been granted Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approval for use in food processing, including meat and poultry.
- This GRAS approval allows for the use of ozone in food processing applications without additional regulations, provided good manufacturing practices are followed.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- The EPA does not have specific regulations for ozone generators, but they have guidelines on their use and safety.
- The EPA recommends that ozone generators be used in unoccupied spaces, as the levels needed for odor removal or air purification are often above what is considered safe for human exposure.
When NOT to Use an Ozone Generator
Ozone generators are not suitable for every cleaning situation. In fact, using them in the wrong context can do more harm than good.
Avoid Using Ozone Generators If:
- The space is occupied or frequently used, like bedrooms or offices
- The room has poor ventilation, making it difficult to remove residual ozone
- You want to treat soft surfaces or fabrics directly—ozone can degrade rubber, foam, or certain textiles over time
- You’re seeking a long-term air purification solution—use a HEPA filter air purifier instead
- You need to address ongoing odor sources like mold behind walls or leaky plumbing—ozone can help with the symptoms, but it’s not a fix for the root cause
Ozone should always be part of a broader cleaning and remediation plan, not a standalone or daily-use solution.
How to Choose the Right Ozone Generator
If you’ve decided that an ozone generator is the right tool for your job, the next step is selecting the correct model for your space and needs. Not all ozone generators are created equally.
Key Features to Consider:
Consider these key features when looking for the right ozone generator:
- Ozone Output
- Timer and Programmable Settings
- Adjustable Ozone Levels
- Portability and Durability
- Certification and Brand Reputation
1. Ozone Output
Measured in milligrams per hour (mg/h), this metric indicates how much ozone the machine can produce. A higher output is suitable for larger areas or more severe contamination. For example:
- 500–1000 mg/h: Small rooms or cars
- 2000–5000 mg/h: Medium-sized rooms or apartments
- 6000–10,000+ mg/h: Commercial spaces, large homes, or restoration projects
2. Timer and Programmable Settings
A built-in timer is critical for safety. Some advanced models allow you to schedule treatment cycles, set delayed starts, or customize output levels based on room size.
3. Adjustable Ozone Levels
Variable control over ozone output can help tailor the treatment to your specific needs, avoiding overuse in smaller or less-affected spaces.
4. Portability and Durability
Look for units that are easy to move and made with durable materials if you plan to use them frequently in different locations.
5. Certification and Brand Reputation
Stick with reputable brands that meet safety and performance standards. Look for certifications like ETL, UL, or CE, and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
Ozone Generators vs. Other Air Purification Methods
Ozone generators serve a specific purpose, but they’re not the only option for air quality management. Here’s how they compare to other popular solutions:
| TECHNOLOGY | BEST FOR | LIMITATIONS |
| Ozone Generators | Odor removal, mold, bacteria | Must be used in unoccupied spaces |
| HEPA Filter Purifiers | Everyday dust, allergens, pollen | Doesn’t neutralize odors or mold spores |
| Activated Carbon | Absorbing gases, VOCs, smoke odors | Needs regular replacement |
| UV-C Light | Killing airborne germs | Less effective against odors or particles |
For general air quality and allergen control, a HEPA filter purifier is a safer, more practical choice. Use ozone generators sparingly when deep-cleaning is necessary.
Final Thoughts
Ozone generators are incredibly powerful tools when used appropriately. Whether you’re tackling persistent odors after a fire, sanitizing a hotel room, or detailing a vehicle, they can deliver fast and effective results.
But with that power comes responsibility. Always treat ozone with respect:
- Use it only in unoccupied spaces
- Ventilate thoroughly after each use
- Choose the right machine for your needs
- Never rely on ozone as a fix-all solution
When used correctly, ozone generators can be an essential addition to your advanced cleaning toolkit.
Need help setting up the right odor control program?
At Imperial Dade, we specialize in helping facility managers, restoration professionals, and cleaning crews find all of the right tools they need, from passive and active odor control solutions to ozone generators. Whether you’re looking for a small ozone unit for occasional use or a heavy-duty model for regular application, our experts are here to help.
Contact an Imperial Dade expert today to explore top-rated ozone generators and other air purification solutions that can help you keep your space clean, fresh, and safe.