Long-elapsed scenes are technically the hardest. Odor is not perfume to be covered — it is a molecule lodged in porous material. We use hydroxyl and ozone in stages, with thermal fogging where structure permits, and we do not call it done until our own technicians cannot detect it.
When a scene is left untreated for days or weeks, decomposition releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — putrescine, cadaverine, hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol — that bond to porous materials at the molecular level. Drywall, carpet, padding, subfloor, fabric furniture, even paint will continue to emit these compounds for months or years if not properly remediated.
Air fresheners and surface cleaners do not address this. They mask the smell for a few hours, after which it returns at the same intensity. The only effective remediation is molecular: oxidation through hydroxyl radicals and ozone, thermal fog penetration into porous substrates, and physical removal of materials beyond saturation.
Our protocol runs in stages, with verification at each stage by trained technicians whose nose is the calibration instrument. We do not declare the work complete until we cannot detect anything ourselves — and we issue written clearance to that effect.
Every line item below is part of the standard scope. We don't add charges that weren't on the written estimate.
Any saturated material — fabric, padding, drywall, subfloor — removed and replaced.
Hydroxyl generator runs in the affected space for 24–72 hours; safe to occupy, very slow.
Higher-intensity oxidation; the building must be unoccupied during treatment but completes faster.
Heated solution penetrates porous materials where ozone cannot reach. Used in walls and HVAC.
Ductwork and air handlers are inspected and treated; condenser coils cleaned if affected.
Fabric furniture, mattresses, soft furnishings tested and either treated, salvaged or disposed.
Some surfaces (raw studs, untreated subfloor) get an oil-based primer-sealer to lock in any residual.
We sign off only when we cannot detect anything. You get that in writing.
Call us if a scene has been undiscovered for more than 24 hours, if previous cleaning has not eliminated odor, if a property is being prepared for sale or lease and odor is detectable, or if HVAC has carried odor into other parts of a building.
Time matters. The longer porous materials sit untreated, the deeper the molecular bond — and the more aggressive the protocol required. Calling us early keeps the cost lower and the home livable sooner.
Decomposition and odor recovery ranges from $3,000 for a small contained room to $40,000+ for a long-elapsed full-house scene with HVAC and structural saturation. Cost is driven by elapsed time, materials affected and reconstruction.
Insurance covers most of these scenes; we bill direct and write the documentation in language adjusters need to approve quickly.
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