Odour molecules are extremely different from each other, either by composition and conformation, and they can be absorbed in a different way by different kinds of garments and sometimes they can be difficult to remove.
Some odours could be more persistent on synthetic garments while some others on natural fibres. For this reason it is very complicated to remove odours from textiles coming from: sports centres, clinics, gyms, stations, airports and places where animals live.
In this article we’ll examine this topic in depth, by analysing the technical features of odours and highlighting all the aspects of this annoying problem.
Origin of odours
An odour or perfume is a mix of various molecules more or less volatiles, which reach our nose and afterwards are converted in electric signals that our brain will acquire.
Odours and perfumes can originate from plants, food or animals and can have various functions, among which there is also protection. For example, some fragrances produced by plants are volatile molecules that have the function of pushing dangerous insects away. These substances are a part of the terpene family and carry out a repellent action since they are unpleasant to parasites, but human sense of smell could consider them attractive: like in the case of pine or rose scent.
Some plants smell nice for a totally different reason. For example, the perfume of some flowers (such as daisies and lilac) is useful to attract pollinators (bees, butterflies and birds), which afterwards fly from a flower to another, carry pollen and allow the birth of other plants.
In some cases the cause of odours are bacteria. Some scientists have recently identified the source of sweat smelly compounds, which derive from the activity of some staphylococcus bacteria.
Also feet stink because of bacteria: more specifically because of Brevibacterium type, which stays on the skin and “eats” dead cells, lipids and dirt, thus producing smelly substances.
Another very common smell derives from sulphurous compounds, which have a typical pungent odour. For example hydrogen sulphide (H2S) smells of rotten eggs, mercaptans remind rotten cabbages or the smell of gas (indeed mercaptans are added into methane gas in order to identify gas leakages), onions and garlic contain different sulphur-based substances.
Odours perceptions
Fragrant molecules reach our nose and are “recognized” by its internal receptors, which translate a chemical signal in electric signal, that will be acquired and interpreted by our brain.
But why is a certain molecule transformed in fragrance while another in a bad smell?
This mainly depends on human evolution and our experiences.
Some odours are related to something smelly in order to protect us. Indeed, hydrogen sulphide (which smells like rotten eggs) is one of the most perceived odours and it is considered unpleasant. This is because it is one of the gases produced by volcanoes and our brain has evolved to protect us and understand as soon as possible if we’re close to a danger.
The smell of rotten substances is immediately perceived as unpleasant in order to avoid to get close to something that could be contaminated and could be dangerous for our health.
Instead, some other molecules are related to certain fragrances or to an experience or emotion, and we perceive them as pleasant perfumes. For example fruit odour is appreciated, because fruit is a source of food, whereas the scent of some flowers can be definitely pleasant (so much so that it becomes a personal fragrance to use every day) or totally unpleasant or associated to a negative experience or emotion.
Therefore the beauty and appreciation of perfumes also depend on the variety of human beings.
A perfume is very subjective!
How to prevent and eliminate odours at home?
There are various sources of odours in our everyday life, but there are some precautions and small habits that we can learn to minimize the problem.
First of all, to get rid of unpleasant odours at home, it’s advisable to often air rooms. Then remember to dust also light bulbs because smoke creates an imperceptible coat on light bulbs. When you switch on the light and the light bulb warms up, the unpleasant odour is perceived again.
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RUBBISHTo protect oneself from the smell of rubbish, it’s advisable to rinse litter bins before recycling. Moreover it’s better to clean the bin at least once a month, to avoid remains or liquids on the bottom, which can generate unpleasant odours. |
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FREEZERHow can we avoid unpleasant odours in the freezer? It’s necessary to put food in bags specifically intended for this use and seal them, to prevent the content from touching the surfaces of the fridge. Make sure that the bags haven’t any holes, never put expired products in the freezer, only keep the ones you have just bought or cooked. |
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FRIED FOODTo keep the smell of fried food under control, remember to switch on the extractor fan above the stove, especially if the kitchen hasn’t any windows or if you have an open space leading to the sitting room. |
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HUMIDITYUn altro problema comune è l’odore di umido sugli asciugamani. Per prevenirlo occorre asciugarli appena finito il ciclo in lavatrice. Se utilizzata un asciugatrice, impostare la temperatura più alta fino a eliminare qualsiasi residuo di acqua oppure lasciar asciugare all'aria aperta e al sole evitando così anche l’insorgere della muffa. |
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SHOESAgainst the smell of shoes our suggestion is to frequently replace insoles. Besides, it’s advisable not to always use trainers. If you wear them, leave them “breathe” for some hours on the balcony before putting them back. |
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CARNow let’s talk about unpleasant odours in the car: it’s not enough to clean the outer surface, but it’s necessary to thoroughly wash also the inside (windows, glove box, steering wheel, etcetera…) and dust seats, mats and upholsteries. Also the trunk must be often hygienised, especially if you put your dog inside it. |
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SWEATFor sporty people it’s fundamental to wash garments immediately after sport to eliminate the smell of sweat from T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts and socks, without waiting for too long, or else it could stick to clothes. Therefore let’s not leave dirty clothes in the laundry basket and let’s not wait for the washing machine to be full before starting it up. |
We have examined the most common cases and described the “goods habits” that we should embrace to keep surfaces and fabrics clean and perfumed.
As for the products to use in order to eliminate odours and hygienise, HygienFresh has developed a complete line of products for this purpose.
DR. CONEDERA’S ADVICE
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HYGIENFRESH ODORBLOKAn entire line of revolutionary multifunctional odour-eliminators. All the products of OdorBlok® Line, thanks to their special formula, eliminate odours and release a fresh scent of cleanliness in the air and on fabrics. Active against all odours: smoke and burnt, sweat, animals, fried food, cooking, chlorine-perchloroethylene, onion and garlic, damp clothes, rotten and rubbish... and much more. Effectiveness tested by the University of Turin |
Triple action for an impeccable result:
• it eliminates the odour source: its special formula acts on the odour source, by neutralizing it;
• it eliminates the odour: its special active molecules do not cover the odour but directly react, by degrading it;
• it transforms the odour in a perfume: it releases a fresh and captivating scent of cleanliness in the air and on fabrics.
ODORBLOK LINE - Multifunctional Odour-eliminator
1. OdorBlok Spray: multifunctional odour-eliminating spray. Effective and quick, it neutralises even the most persistent odours. It releases a fresh perfume in the air. It can be used on all fabrics, it doesn’t stain and doesn’t need any further treatments. Tested by the University of Turin.
2. OdorBlok no-gas Spray: multifunctional odour-eliminator with no-gas formula. Effective and quick, it eliminates all kinds of odours. It releases a fresh perfume in the air. Also available in a bigger size for professional use (refill for trigger bottle). Tested by the University of Turin.
3. OdorBlok Travel: practical and quick no-gas spray. The mini size is ideal for travels or to carry in a personal bag. Tested by the University of Turin.
4. OdorBlok Floor Detergent: gel detergent for floors with specific odour-eliminating, hygienising and scenting effect. It cleans thoroughly and leaves a long-lasting scent. Super concentrated formula. Tested by the University of Turin.
5. OdorBlok Laundry Detergent: enzymatic laundry detergent with specific odour-eliminating action. It hygienises garments without damaging fabrics and leaves a pleasant perfume of cleanliness. Ideal to wash pet blankets, sportswear and nursing home linen.
6. OdorBlok Softener: highly concentrated softener with special odour-eliminating formula. It leaves garments soft and perfumed without damaging fabrics. Ideal for problems of laundry with an unpleasant odour.
7. OdorBlok Laundry Essence: concentrated odour-eliminating and scenting essence for laundry. Compatible with all detergents and softeners.
8. OdorBlok Deomatic Spray: automatic air freshener enriched with the innovative OdorBlok Technology. Thanks to its dispenser with adjustable interval of action, rooms will always stay fresh, perfumed and free from unpleasant odours. Available in 3 enchanting fragrances.
9. OdorBlok Long Life: additive for the cleaning and maintenance of the washing machine. It eliminates dirt and limescale and carries out an anti-odour and hygienising action.
