Person Using Air Freshener Spray in Modern Living Room

Professional Odor Removal in Chicago: Why Advanced Deodorization Is the Key to Fresh, Safe Indoor Air

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 24, 2025

Lingering odors from smoke, pets, cooking, or skunk? Learn how ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons eliminates stubborn smells with advanced deodorization: ULV fogging, ozone, hydroxyl treatments, and duct cleaning.

Why Odors Linger — And Why DIY Solutions Often Fail

While air fresheners or over-the-counter sprays may mask odors temporarily, they rarely eliminate the source. Smoke particles, skunk spray compounds, cooking oils, and pet odors penetrate porous surfaces — drywall, upholstery, carpets, and air ducts — making DIY efforts ineffective.

Our Advanced Odor Removal Solutions

ULV Fogging

We use Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers to apply microscopic deodorizing particles that penetrate deep into fabrics, walls, and hidden spaces. ULV fogging neutralizes odors at the molecular level and reaches areas manual cleaning can’t.

Ozone Treatment

Ozone generators produce O3 molecules that break apart odor-causing compounds. This method is highly effective for smoke, pet, and skunk odors — transforming them at the chemical level. We always follow strict safety protocols during ozone treatments.

Hydroxyl Treatment

Hydroxyl generators offer a safer, occupied-space alternative to ozone. Hydroxyl radicals naturally break down odor molecules, VOCs, and bacteria, improving indoor air quality without the need to vacate the premises.

Air Duct Cleaning

Odor molecules and contaminants often settle inside HVAC systems. We provide thorough duct cleaning to remove these trapped particles and prevent odors from recirculating — ensuring long-term indoor air freshness.

When Should You Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for Odor Removal?

If odors persist despite cleaning, or if they’re linked to fire, smoke, skunk, or water damage, professional help is essential. We proudly serve:
Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Odor Removal

Q: How long does odor removal take?
A: Treatment time varies based on odor type and severity. Most cases resolve within 1–3 days.

Q: Is ozone treatment safe?
A: Yes, when performed by trained professionals following strict safety procedures. The space must be vacated during treatment and properly ventilated afterward.

Q: Can I stay in my home during deodorization?
A: Yes, if we’re using hydroxyl generators or duct cleaning. ULV fogging and ozone treatments typically require temporary vacating.

Q: What types of odors can you remove?
A: We handle smoke, fire, skunk, pet, cooking, water damage, and mold-related odors — and more.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a locally owned, award-winning firm with 40+ years of experience. As part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand — founded in Chicago in 1929 — we deliver trusted expertise, rapid response, and advanced deodorization solutions. Our IICRC-certified team serves homes, businesses, places of worship, and institutions across Chicagoland and the North Shore.

📖 For practical tips, see our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

📞 Call 847-316-9145 or visit our website for odor removal help today.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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