Odor Removal in Homes and Commercial Properties.
Whether its odors from pets, renters, or smelly basements call First Response for professional service. As experts in deodorization, First Response is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors from your home or business. These odors may come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.
As an IICRC certified company, First Response is an expert in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don’t work when your odor problem is serious or persistent. The first rule is “ELIMINATE THE SOURCE.”
First Response has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining it’s conditions, it can often be removed over time without a trace.
The science of identifying and eliminating these annoying odors can be a tricky thing, so give First Response a call, and leave the restoration to us.
Call us: 206-759-2315
It’s the best way to get immediate service or schedule an appointment.
Odor Removal FAQs
When strong or unpleasant smells linger after water damage, fire, or mold exposure, it can make a home feel anything but clean. Odors don’t just come from what we see on the surface; they often stick around deep within walls, floors, and ductwork. That’s why odor cleanup takes more than just air fresheners or open windows. Property owners want answers they can trust, especially when it comes to the lasting effects of damage and how to make their home livable again. Below, our Washington odor removal service addresses some of the most common questions homeowners ask out loud when trying to get rid of tough smells once and for all.
What Causes Smells To Stick Around After A Leak Or Flood
Lingering odors after a flood are usually caused by bacteria, mold, mildew, or organic materials that have soaked into porous surfaces. If drywall, carpet, insulation, or wood absorbed dirty water or sewage, even small traces left behind can create strong smells. As these materials break down, they release gases that continue to pollute the air. Without removing those hidden sources, odors will keep returning even after surface cleaning. That’s why we always recommend a thorough inspection of everything from baseboards to crawlspaces.
Why Does It Still Smell Bad Even After We Dried Everything Out
Drying out the space is an important step, but it doesn’t guarantee odor removal. Water damage creates conditions where mold and bacteria can grow in hidden areas, like behind walls or under flooring. Even if things look dry, these microbes can continue to spread and release foul smells. Air circulation and basic cleaning can help temporarily, but unless we treat the source with the right deodorization methods, that smell won’t go away for good.
Can Old Water Damage Start To Smell Again After Some Time
Yes, odors can return weeks or even months after the original issue. If contaminated materials weren’t removed or treated properly, moisture in the air or temperature changes can reactivate the smell. For example, bacteria left inside damp drywall or behind cabinets can remain dormant until conditions allow them to grow again. That’s why ongoing odor problems often require deeper restoration, not just surface-level fixes.
What’s The Best Way To Treat Musty Or Moldy Smells In My House
The first step is locating the source. Musty odors usually mean that mold or mildew is present. Once we find where it’s growing, often inside walls, ceilings, or HVAC systems, we remove the contaminated materials and sanitize the space. After that, we use deodorizing agents and air scrubbers to help clean the air itself. Our Washington odor removal service uses professional-grade equipment to target smells on a molecular level so they don’t just come back when the air gets damp again.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Odor From Water Damage
It depends on how severe the damage was and how deeply the smell has penetrated. For minor issues, it could be a matter of hours after treatment. But in more serious cases, like sewage backup or prolonged mold growth, it might take several days of cleaning, drying, and deodorizing. Our Washington odor removal service approaches each job based on what we find during our inspection, and we always aim to return the home to a safe, fresh condition as quickly as possible.
Contact Us Today
Odor removal is more than just a finishing touch; it’s part of restoring your home’s comfort and safety after water damage. If your space still doesn’t smell right, it’s likely there’s more going on beneath the surface. Since 1989, our team at First Response Water Damage has helped clients identify the real cause and treat it at the root. Contact our locally-owned and operated contractors today to take the first step toward fresh air and a healthier environment.
Contact us now for water, smoke & odor remediation!