HEPA air scrubber running in a New York City apartment during odor removal

Odor Removal

Odor Removal Services in New York City

Odor molecules live in the air, not on the surface — so we remove the source, clean the space, and treat the air until the smell is gone for good.

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Overview

Why odors are harder to remove than visible damage.

Odor removal is one of the most difficult jobs in restoration. Unlike visible damage from mold, fire, or water, odor molecules are airborne and absorb into drywall, fabric, insulation, and ductwork. Mold, smoke, soot, nicotine, and pet odors each require a different method to remove permanently.

Our certified technicians at HBH - Healthy Buildings & Homesfollow protocols and guidelines established by the IICRC to find the source, clean the affected areas, and control the air — in apartments, co-ops, townhouses, and commercial spaces across all five boroughs.

  • IICRC-guided odor control protocols
  • Source identification and removal
  • Negative air machines & HEPA air scrubbers
  • Detailed HEPA vacuuming of affected areas
  • Mold, smoke, soot, nicotine & pet odors
  • Written report and certificate of completion
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Technician inspecting ductwork for the source of a lingering odor

What's included

Our odor removal procedure.

Most odor control and removal projects follow the same structured steps, adjusted to the type of odor and the size of the space.

Assessment

We inspect the affected areas to identify the type of odor and where it's coming from.

Plan of Action

We plan the work with the owner, tenant, or property manager — including building access and scheduling.

Source Removal

We identify and remove the source when it's visible and removable, such as contaminated materials.

Air Scrubbing

Negative air machines and air scrubbers capture contaminated air and return clean, filtered air.

HEPA Cleaning & Deodorizing

Detailed HEPA vacuuming of all affected areas, followed by deodorizing treatment.

Report & Certificate

A detailed report and certificate documenting the odor control and removal service.

Our Process

A clear, certified workflow — start to finish.

01

Call or Text

Tell us what you're smelling, where, and for how long. We'll suggest next steps on the first call.

02

Assess & Treat

We find the source, set up air scrubbers, clean, and deodorize the affected areas.

03

Verify & Document

We confirm the odor is gone and provide a written report and certificate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Questions we hear most often. Don't see yours? Reach out and we'll answer.

What kinds of odors do you remove?+

Mold and mildew, smoke and soot, nicotine, pet odors, and odors left behind after water damage or sewage backups.

Will air fresheners or an ozone machine fix it?+

No. Fresheners only mask the smell, and the odor returns. Lasting odor removal requires removing the source, cleaning surfaces, and treating the air.

Is a musty smell a sign of mold?+

Often, yes. A persistent musty odor usually means moisture and hidden mold growth. We recommend a mold inspection to find the cause before odor treatment.

How long does odor removal take?+

Most apartment-sized jobs are completed in one to three days, depending on the source and size of the space.

Do you work in co-op and condo buildings?+

Yes. We coordinate with building management, provide certificates of insurance, and schedule work around building rules.

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Live Healthy. Live Smart.

Concerned about mold or indoor air quality?

Talk to a Certified Indoor Environmentalist today. Same-day response across New York City.

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