One of the saddest sights a professional detailer can witness? A well-meaning car owner trying and failing to remove odors caused by food spills, pet accidents, or worse. They spray, they rub, they scrub, all without success. Rubbing and scrubbing without professional tools often just drives the source deeper into the fabric, while bacteria continue to grow and odors intensify.
By the time the vehicle lands in your bay, the smell has already made its way into the headliner, seats, dash materials, and even the HVAC system. As a trained detailing pro, this is your opportunity to shine—and that’s where the ozone generator comes in.
Benefits of Ozone Generators
Ozone is one of the most powerful tools available for permanent odor removal. Whether it’s smoke, mold, mildew, body odor, or pet smells, ozone treatment is a top-tier solution. Chlorine is the most effective way to remove odors, however, chlorine is the last thing you want to spray on any interior surface.
If you’re building a detailing business or want to expand your interior service menu, owning an ozone machine for cars is a smart investment.
Why use an ozone generator in car detailing?
- Permanently removes embedded odors from fabrics, vents, and surfaces
- Treats everything from cigarette smoke to mold and pet messes
- Requires minimal labor—just clean, set, and let it run
- Offers a profitable add-on service for detailing businesses
- Pairs perfectly with enzyme-based cleaners like Bio-Zyme for total odor elimination
How to Use Ozone Generators in Cars
Ozone can remove odors brought about by food spills, milk, vomit, blood, urine, feces, body odor, mold/mildew, cigarettes, and other foul substances containing bacteria molecules.
Ozone molecules actively destroy odor-causing bacteria by breaking down the molecular structure of contaminants. But before you treat the vehicle with ozone, you must clean the odor source—or the results won’t last.
Here’s how to use an ozone machine in a car:
- Pre-clean the source of the odor using an enzyme-based cleaner like Bio-Zyme.
- Use a carpet extractor or interior steamer to fully remove stains and bacteria.
- Place the ozone generator inside the car.
- Close all windows and doors.
- Turn the ozone machine on and let it run for 1 to 8 hours, depending on the severity and mahine size.
- After the cycle, open all doors and air the vehicle out thoroughly.
- If necessary, repeat ozone treatment for more sever odors if not fully removed in first treatment.
- Optionally, apply a light interior fragrance for a finishing touch.
Important: Never run the ozone generator while anyone is inside the vehicle. Ozone is safe when used properly, but exposure can irritate the lungs.
Why Bio-Zyme?
Detail King’s Bio-Zyme Enzyme Automotive Interior Cleaner is a safe synergistic blend of bacterial enzymes that help break down any odor-causing basteria. Bio-Zyme destroys the bacteria, and when used in conjunction with a carpet extractor, will enable you to thoroughly clean, which will greatly reduce odors and leave only a lingering residual odor behind.
Ozone Generator FAQs
How much are ozone generators?
Detail King’s ozone generators for automobiles can range from $400 – $1,200, which are ideal for cars. Larger models for apartments, houses, and commercial buildings can range from $1,200 – $3,000.
Is ozone treatment safe for cars?
Yes, but it can dry out surfaces. For older vehicles, it helps to condition vinyl and leather before and after treatment to prevent cracking.
Will ozone remove smoke smells from a car?
Yes, if the vehicle is properly cleaned first. Smoke molecules are stubborn, but ozone can eliminate them when combined with a deep interior detail.
How do you clean a car before ozone treatment?
Ozone treatment should be the last step performed after cleaning and detailing a car interior – check out our full guide to interior detailing.
How much should you charge for ozone treatment?
Detailers typically charge $50–$100+ per hour for ozone treatment (not including the pre-cleaning labor), depending on the vehicle and odor severity. It’s a high-margin add-on that requires little labor.
Whether you’re a mobile detailer or operating a fixed-location shop, using an ozone generator in car detailing can be a game-changer for your business. It’s one of the most effective, low-effort ways to add value, and your customers will absolutely appreciate a truly odor-free interior.