Frequently Asked Questions

What is a malodor?

A malodor is a FOUL odor you don't want reoccurring or hanging around. It's caused by one or more volatilized chemical compounds, sometimes produced by organic materials. 
 

How does Rid Odor work?

Rid Odor molecules seek out and permanently attach to malodor molecules changing the molecular structure of the odor so it can NEVER be released back into our precious air.

Is Rid Odor safe to use?

Yes. Rid Odor is very safe to use on everything, even on your precious pets. Rid Odor is non-toxic, pH neutral and does not require Personal Protection Equipment "PPE-Free", so there is no need for gloves, masks, goggles, respirator or protective clothing to use.

What kinds of odors does Rid Odor eliminate?

Mold & mildew, human waste, pet odors, tobacco smoke, vomit, food odors, sports equipment and clothes, dead animal smells, body odor and much more.

Should I clean up prior to using Rid Odor products?

Taking a shower beforehand is not necessary, but we do recommend cleaning the area you are going to be treating as much as possible.  Doing this will help ensure you are not setting Rid Odor up for failure. 

For the elimination of odors arising from cigarette/cigar/marijuana smoke, body odor, pet funk or anything else, it is in your best interest to first clean all hard surfaces with a spray and wipe cleanser, then vacuum the carpet (if applicable).  Spray as instructed.

Will Rid Odor eliminate skunk spray on animals?

Yes. Spray Rid Odor directly onto the animal’s fur and rub it in with a hand or cloth. Be careful not to spray Rid Odor into the animal’s eyes.

How do I treat pet urine with Rid Odor?

Let's think about this...if the pet smell is pretty significant we recommend having the urine extracted. After extraction, lightly spray then leave to air dry. If the odor remains after initial treatment lightly spray again. Give Rid Odor time to work.

Dog urine (not heavy): Lightly spray and lightly agitate then leave to try and retreat again if necessary.

Cat urine: These critters leave behind one heck of a stench. However, Rid Odor is the solution so make sure to follow these directions. Cat Urine MUST be extracted (because when dried, it crystallizes)! Lightly spray and agitate then leave to dry, retreat if necessary and tell your cat NO (not that he/she will actually listen)! 

What can I apply Rid Odor to?

Our odor elimination products can be applied to most surfaces that can hold an odor, such as fabrics, carpets, concrete, grout. If the products come in contact with wood, discoloring or darkening could take place. Hard surfaces, such as tile or laminate flooring will not absorb odors so there is no reason to spray our products on them. However, if Rid Odor does get on these hard surface they could become slick, therefore simply wipe it up.

Will Rid Odor stain fabrics, carpets, upholstery, or other surfaces?

No, Rid Odor will not stain your fabrics or surfaces.

It’s completely pH neutral, so it’s gentle and safe for use on carpets, upholstery, clothing, furniture, and most other materials when used as directed. The formula won’t cause discoloration, bleaching, fading, or any residue that could lead to staining over time.

Many similar odor eliminators rely on harsh acids or alkalis that can damage delicate items - Rid Odor avoids that entirely.

For best results and total peace of mind, we still suggest doing a quick spot test on an inconspicuous area first (especially with very delicate, antique, or brightly colored fabrics).

Why is Rid Odor different from other odor eliminators?

Rid Odor doesn’t just mask or cover up bad smells — it actually eliminates them at the source for good.

Most “odor eliminators” on the market rely on heavy fragrances to overpower unpleasant odors, so the bad smell often comes back once the scent fades. Rid Odor works differently: our pH-neutral formula targets odor molecules directly (through encapsulation and neutralization), destroying them permanently so they don’t return unless the source is reintroduced.

That means:

  • Real, lasting results — no temporary cover-up.
  • No harsh chemicals or strong perfumes that can irritate noses or leave residue.
  • Safe on surfaces — gentle enough for fabrics, carpets, upholstery, and more (as we mentioned in our staining FAQ).

It’s designed to truly get rid of odors, not hide them. Customers love it because once the job is done, the fresh, clean feeling lasts.

If you’ve tried other products that only worked for a little while, give Rid Odor a try — you’ll notice the difference right away!

My odor is still there after using Rid Odor. What should I do?

If the odor is still noticeable after applying Rid Odor, here are the most common reasons and quick fixes:

  • The source is still active. Rid Odor eliminates odors at the molecular level, but it can’t fight a continuous source. Make sure you’ve cleaned or removed the original cause (spills, urine, food residue, pet accidents, smoke, etc.) before or right after applying. Re-introducing the odor will make it seem like the product isn’t working.
  • Not enough product was used. Be sure to thoroughly spray the entire affected area until it is lightly damp. Missing spots or using too little is the #1 reason odors seem to linger.
  • It needs more time. Rid Odor works by neutralizing and encapsulating odor molecules. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how strong and deep the odor is. Let it dry completely and give it time to fully work — don’t judge the results too quickly.

Pro tip: For tough or old odors, you can reapply after the first application has dried. Multiple applications are often the key to knocking out stubborn smells.

If you’ve followed these steps and the odor is still present after 24 hours, feel free to reach out to us with details about the situation (what the odor is from, what surface it’s on, how much you used, etc.). We’re here to help you get rid of it for good.

Are Rid Odor products guaranteed to work?

You may not like to answer to this question, but we get it alot.

Don't get us wrong (and thousands of other satisfied customers), Rid Odor is an absolutely amazing odor elimination product, but we would be remiss if we said we could rid your world of everything stinky!  Unfortunately though, we can't guarantee our line of odor elimination products will work on all odors, because there are way too factors to take into account.  Some odorific issues may require more than 1 or 2 treatments, depending on the severity of the problem, be patient and give Rid Odor time to work.