Serving Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties
Restoration by ABGAnaya Builder Group Call 24/7: 818-877-3306

Home / Odor removal

We’re here to help

Odor removal after fire, water, and other losses

Air fresheners cover odors for a day. We find where the odor is coming from, remove the source, and treat the affected surfaces and air, so the smell stays gone.

Call 818-877-3306 Find the source of a smell

Where odors hide

Odors live in materials, not just in the air

Porous items
Carpet, pad, upholsteryThese absorb odor-causing residue and release it again over time.
Building materials
Drywall, insulation, framingSmoke and moisture soak in. Removal or sealing is often needed.
Hidden spaces
Wall cavities, under cabinets, atticsOdor sources are often out of sight, which is why a moisture meter and inspection come first.

Odor problem: what to do first

Before you buy sprays or plug-ins, these steps help you protect your home and help us find the cause faster.

Find the sourceCheck under sinks, around the water heater, in closets, and under carpet. A smell that is stronger in one room points toward where to look.
Remove obvious sourcesThrow out spoiled food, wet towels, and trash. Take damp rugs outside to dry.
Ventilate if the air outside is cleanOpen windows and run fans. Skip this if the outdoor air is smoky.
Do not mask or ozoneSprays and plug-ins hide the odor. Do not run an ozone generator where people or pets are present, since ozone can irritate the lungs.
Call usIf the smell remains, or you find water damage or smoke residue, call 818-877-3306. Hidden moisture and residue need the right equipment to locate.

The right restoration partner for you

Our odor removal process

Odor control only works when the source is dealt with first. Our process follows that order.

  1. 1

    Find the source

    Inspect the home and use moisture meters to locate wet materials, residue, and hidden sources.

  2. 2

    Remove the source

    Remove materials that are wet, smoke-saturated, or contaminated and cannot be cleaned.

  3. 3

    Clean the surfaces

    Clean what remains so residue does not keep releasing odor.

  4. 4

    Seal where needed

    Seal framing and other surfaces where staining or odor could come back through.

  5. 5

    Treat the air and surfaces

    Treat the affected rooms once the source is gone, matching the method to the type of odor.

  6. 6

    Repair and rebuild

    Replace removed materials and finish the repairs with our own crew.

We help you restore, rebuild, and move back in

Why choose Restoration by ABG for odor removal?

Most odor problems come from water or fire, and we are certified in both (IICRC WRT and FSRT). We find the real source instead of covering the smell, and because Restoration by ABG is part of Anaya Builder Group, a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1034169), we can also replace the materials we remove.

  • CertifiedIICRC WRT and FSRT
  • LicenseCSLB #1034169
  • Response24-hour service
  • Service areaLos Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties

Related odor removal services

  • Smoke damage restoration (learn more)
  • Water damage restoration (learn more)
  • Moisture mapping
  • Removal of affected materials
  • Sealing of affected surfaces
  • Reconstruction
  • General contracting

Keep odors from starting

Most household odors start with moisture or leftover residue. Simple habits prevent a lot of them.

  • Fix leaks as soon as you find them, and dry wet areas within a day
  • Run bathroom and kitchen fans, and keep humidity in the home low
  • Do not leave wet towels, clothes, or rugs in a pile
  • Run water in rarely used drains so the trap does not dry out
  • Have the smoke damage from past fires fully cleaned, not just painted over
  • Save our number in your phone: 818-877-3306

Learn what is behind a smell

Short guides on finding the source of an odor and what to avoid.

Odor

How to find where a lingering smell is coming from

Air fresheners cover odors for a day. Finding and removing the source is the only way to get rid of them.

Read guide → Water

What to do in the first hour after a water leak

The first hour decides how much of your home can be saved. Here is what to do, in order, and what to leave alone.

Read guide → Water

Water damage checklist

A simple checklist to keep on your phone, covering the first hour, the first day, and what to tell your insurance company.

Read guide →
All emergency guides

Odor removal FAQs

Why won't the smell go away?

The source is still there. Odor-causing residue or moisture sits inside carpet, drywall, insulation, or framing, and keeps releasing the smell until it is removed or sealed.

Can I just use air fresheners or candles?

They cover odors for a short time and can make the real source harder to find. Fixing the source is the only lasting solution.

Does a musty smell mean I have mold?

Not always, but a musty smell means there is moisture somewhere it should not be. Finding and drying that area is the first step, whether or not mold is present.

Why does the smoke smell return in warm or humid weather?

Heat and humidity release odor from smoke residue that is still in porous materials. If the residue has not been removed or sealed, the smell comes back.

How long does odor removal take?

It depends on the source and how far it has spread. A single area may be quick, while smoke odor through a whole house takes longer. We will give you a realistic timeline after we inspect.

What if the smell is sewage?

A dry drain trap is a common cause and is easy to fix. A cracked drain line or sewer backup is more serious and needs a plumber. If water from a sewer backup has reached floors or walls, call us.

Do you also replace the materials you remove?

Yes. Anaya Builder Group is a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1034169), so we can handle drywall, paint, flooring, and other repairs.