FAQs

We recommend mixing fresh use-solutions daily or when visibly dirty.

OdoBan has an indefinite shelf life and is guaranteed for 2 years beyond the manufacture date printed on your product. The manufacture date is printed as a lot code in small black numbers directly on the packaging. The first 2 numbers are the year the product was made, and the next 3 are the day of that year. Therefore, if the lot code is 20123C12345, then that product was made on the 123rd day of 2020. It is not harmful to use OdoBan after the 2-year period.

We recommend storing OdoBan in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight in areas inaccessible to children and pets. Sunlight and heat may cause OdoBan concentrate to slightly darken in color, but should not affect OdoBan’s effectiveness.

OdoBan has not been tested for efficacy against SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. CDC recommends you clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. For the latest information, please check the CDC’s recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection at coronavirus.gov.

The ratio to make the OdoBan air freshener dilution is 5:1 or 22 oz. / gallon. Let's say you want to make a 1 quart bottle. First, add 5-1/2 oz. of OdoBan concentrate. Then, fill the bottle with 26-1/2 oz. of water. This will make a quart bottle or 32 oz. Below is a mixing chart for other bottle sizes at the air freshener dilution ratio.

In the beginning, it is always best to use the least amount of OdoBan necessary for a particular application. Use higher concentrations only when you need it.

No. Mixing OdoBan with anything other than water (in accordance with directions) can be very dangerous and voids all disinfecting and sanitizing claims.

Yes. It sprays in all directions (360 degrees).

Yes. OdoBan had been tested against HIV (AIDS virus) and kills the virus in 60 seconds on hard, nonporous, precleaned surfaces. It is not listed on some smaller labels due to space constraints for the required directions. Below are the complete HIV directions.

Virucidal Disinfection Directions (with Special Instructions for Use against HIV-1):
Remove heavy soil, then thoroughly clean surfaces. Apply ready-to-use or concentrated use-solution diluted at 5 oz. per gallon of water to hard, nonporous surfaces as required. Treated surfaces must remain wet for 60 minutes.

KILLS HIV ON PRECLEANED ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACES/OBJECTS PREVIOUSLY SOILED WITH BLOOD/BODY FLUIDS, in health care settings or other settings in which there is an expected likelihood of soiling of inanimate surfaces/objects with blood or body fluids and in which the surfaces/objects likely to be soiled with blood or body fluids can be associated with the potential for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV-1) (associated with AIDS). 

“SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION AGAINST HIV-1 ON SURFACES/OBJECTS SOILED WITH BLOOD/BODY FLUIDS” Personal Protection: Clean-up should always be done wearing protective latex gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection. Cleaning Procedure: Blood and other body fluids containing HIV must be thoroughly cleaned from surfaces and objects before application of this product. Contact Time: Leave surface wet for 60 seconds. Use a 10 minute contact time for disinfection against bacteria (5 oz per gallon of water) and fungi (7 oz per gallon of water). Disposal of Infectious Materials: Blood, body fluids, cleaning materials and clothing should be autoclaved and disposed of according to local regulations for infectious waste disposal.

No. It is not on the label, and OdoBan may not be used in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Yes, OdoBan is effective against Avian Influenza virus, Avian Infectious Bronchitis virus, Pseudorabies virus, Canine Distemper virus, and Newcastle's Disease virus.

No. OdoBan is a mildewstat. A mildewstat controls, prevents, and inhibits mold and mildew growth, but it will not kill what is already there. To use OdoBan correctly on mold and mildew, first use a mold and mildew remover, rinse with water, then spray OdoBan on a regular basis to prevent its return.

The terms, disinfection and sanitization, refer to the test methods used to determine the concentration and contact time required to reduce bacteria to a desired level. With disinfectants the test organism (bacteria) is exposed to the solution for 10 minutes (on hard surface – stainless steel rings) at room temperature in accordance with the AOAC Use Dilution method to demonstrate efficacy of products intended to kill bacteria. The method requires 100% kill in 59 of 60 tests.

With Sanitizers the test organism (bacteria) is exposed to the solution for 60 seconds (on hard surface – glass squares) at room temperature in accordance with the ASTM Non-Food Contact Sanitizer method to demonstrate efficacy of products intended to kill bacteria. The method requires 99.9% kill over parallel control in 5 of 5 tests.

OdoBan is also tested as a fungicide and mildewstat. With fungicides the test organism (fungi) is exposed to the solution for 10 minutes (on hard surface – stainless steel rings) at room temperature in accordance with the AOAC Use Dilution Method to demonstrate efficacy of products intended to kill fungi. The method requires 100% kill in 10 of 10 tests.

No. OdoBan will only deodorize laundry. OdoBan disinfection claims apply to hard non-porous pre-cleaned surfaces.

No. The term “sterilize” is incorrect since sterilization is a method used on critical devices (such as surgical instruments, implants, catheters, and needles) that will enter tissue or the vascular system. Chemical sterilization uses high level disinfectants (such as 2% glutaraldehyde) which will destroy or eliminate all living bacteria, fungi, and their spores when used as directed (Usually requires thorough cleaning and over 6 hours contact time at specific temperatures). OdoBan will however “disinfect” tools and instruments as directed on the label.

Disinfection is classified into three categories – High, Intermediate, and Low Level. High level refers to disinfection required for semicritical items that come into contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin. Intermediate level refers to some semicritical and noncritical items. Low level refers to noncritical items that do not come into contact with intact skin. OdoBan is a low level hospital disinfectant. Low level hospital disinfectants will destroy or eliminate the major hospital bacteria listed on the label. OdoBan is intended for use on hard non-porous precleaned environmental surfaces that come into contact with intact skin only. Barber and manicure tools are noncritical items, which may be disinfected with OdoBan.

No. It is not on the label, and OdoBan may not be used in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

No. It is not on the label, and OdoBan may not be used in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Talk with your veterinarian about using the product and the sensitivity of your bird(s). If it is recommended, rinse cage afterwards with water, and allow to dry completely.

One of OdoBan's features is that it cleans and deodorizes. In many cases the cause of the odor (urine, food, flood damage, sewage, etc.) requires removal. OdoBan provides the most effective odor control when using the clean/extraction method.

No. OdoBan will not damage carpet when used as directed. Note: OdoBan should not be used on fourth or fifth generation carpet due to the fact that it will void the warranty. ( Fourth Generation carpet has an application of fluorochemicals that modifies the surface tension of the fiber making nylon fibers more resistant to soils. Fifth Generation carpet has been chemically treated with acid dye resisters to block most common household food and beverage stains.) If OdoBan is accidentally applied on fourth or fifth generation carpet, rinse thoroughly with water.

You can use OdoBan in a Carpet Extraction cleaning machine, but not a Steam Cleaner. OdoBan should not be used in appliances which heat the solution. Carpet cleaning machine vessels and lines should be rinsed with water before and after using your OdoBan solution to prevent mixing chemicals from the previous use.

Yes – the same as upholstery or carpets in homes. Allow to dry before sitting on treated fabric.

Yes. Allow to dry before allowing pets to use treated surfaces. However, the most effective and long-lasting odor control will be accomplished if the bedding material is washed after a 10-minute soak in OdoBan diluted to 32 ounces per gallon of water.

Yes, OdoBan concentrate can be used to freshen and soften laundry, while eliminating tough laundy odors. Learn how to use OdoBan in the washing machine here.

Yes. OdoBan Odor Eliminator has similar chemical properties as fabric softener and just like other softeners, OdoBan is not for use on children's sleepwear or other garments labeled as flame resistant, as it may reduce flame resistance.

Yes. If the shoes are water-safe, spray shoes with 2 - 4 ounces per gallon dilution. However, if a more serious attack method is needed to eliminate the odor, wash the shoes after a 10-minute soak in OdoBan diluted to 32 ounces per gallon of water. Always allow to dry thoroughly before wearing.

Our label directions are for deodorizing shoes. Since shoes are not always hard and non-porous, we cannot make a disinfection claim. It would be better said, "OdoBan is an effective fungicide against Trichophyton interdigitale (the athlete's foot fungus) when used on surfaces in areas such as locker rooms, dressing rooms, shower and bath areas, and exercise facilities."

No. Do not use on any surface, which is not water-safe

Yes. It may be used on porous surfaces such as upholstery, drapes, carpet, and hard non-porous water-safe surfaces. Do Not use on animals.

No. However, this is not an EPA approved use pattern.

Yes. You may use on artificial plants made of plastic. Silk flowers may not be water-safe. OdoBan use-solutions should not harm live plants but intentional use on live plants is not an EPA approved use pattern.

Yes.

Yes. OdoBan is a disinfectant, therefore overuse may disrupt anaerobic bacterial digestion in a septic tank. Normally use-levels of less than one quart for each 300 gallons of waste flow is considered safe for a septic tank.

Yes. Cover bottom of tank with water and add 3-6 oz of OdoBan. Add additional 1 – 2 oz as needed.

Yes. A/C blower unit should be off when spraying filter to avoid breathing spray mist.

Yes - use diluted @ 3-5 oz. per gallon. Higher concentrations should be avoided. Dilutions over 5 oz. per gallon may cause plastics to swell allowing OdoBan to penetrate making it difficult to rinse. Note: Food contact surfaces should be rinsed with water.

Not Recommended. A couple of reasons why this is not recommended are:

• A container may be used for food purposes without proper cleaning.
• Children or pets may try to drink liquid left in food containers. Note: Some plastic containers may be damaged by concentrated OdoBan. Additional Note: OdoBan should not be stored Styrofoam containers.

OdoBan will not damage water-safe items when used as directed. (i.e. concentrated OdoBan may damage some plastic or vinyl surfaces.)

All water-based solutions can be measured for their pH. The pH scale, which runs numerically from 0 to 14, is used to indicate whether a solution is acid or alkaline. On this scale, a solution that has a pH from 0 to 6.9 is considered to be an acid. A solution that measures from 7.1 up to 14 on the pH scale is considered to be basic (or alkaline) in nature. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. The pH of OdoBan is approximately neutral, and its use-solutions are noncorrosive to plastic, vinyl, synthetics, enamel, tile and most common metals.

OdoBan is an industrial strength concentrated product designed not only to be a multi-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, and deodorizer but to be economical for the customer. Dilutions of OdoBan have been formulated and approved by the EPA and work best at the dilution ratios stated on the label.

Dilutions are either described as ounces per gallon or parts OdoBan to water.

MEASURING OZ PER GALLON:
To dilute OdoBan in oz. per gallon, measure the recommended ounces in a nonfood measuring device and fill to one gallon. Sometimes parts are easier to think about when making smaller than 1-gallon dilutions.

CALCULATING FROM OZ PER GALLON INTO PARTS:
Divide the number of ounces required on the chart into the number ounces in 1-gallon (128 oz.).
For example: 8 oz. per gallon
To determine the ratio needed, divide 128 ounces (1 gallon) by 8 ounces.
128 divided by 8 = 16

The number "16" represents the total number of parts, therefore, add 1 part OdoBan to 15 parts water.

MEASURING IN PARTS:
You can measure in any unit of measure you like, such as tablespoons, ounces, cups etc... From the calculation above, 16 is the total of any unit of measure you select. If you would like to make 16 ounces (1 pint), measure 1 ounce of OdoBan and 15 ounces of water. This gives you 16 ounces of an 8 oz. per gallon dilution. Remember the what ever unit of measure you are measuring that will be your total, for example 1 cup + 15 cups = 16 cups equal 1 gallon of 8 oz. per gallon use-solution. The conversion table below can help.

CONVERSION TABLE TO OUNCES:
2 tbsp. = 1 fl. oz.
½ cup = 4 fl. oz.
1 cup = 8 fl. oz.
1 pint = 16 fl. oz.
1 quart = 32 fl. oz.
1 gallon = 128 fl. oz.

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