Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Odor Removal

7 Tips for Hydroxyl Generator Cleaning & Maintenance

By Tom McArdle
hydroxyl maintenance blog
October 31, 2018

Contractors ask us all the time, “how often should I clean these machines, what needs to be done for maintenance, and how long do the optics last?” The good news is the process is quite simple and easy. Here are our answers to those common questions.

We recommend cleaning the machines after each job. This helps to ensure that the machines are always performing at their best, they look clean and professional, and it prevents any cross-contamination from the previous project. It shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to clean each machine, and it is well worth the time. Here are the instructions:

  1. Turn off the power supply and unplug the cord. Unlock both side cover plates with the provided key.
     
  2. Remove the side panel and louvered grill plates from each side of the machine. The XL3 (3 optic machine which uses the supplemental fan) has an additional panel on the outtake side which is secured with one screw – it should be removed as well.
     
  3. Remove the UV optics inside the machines. With a firm grip on the upper ceramic end piece of the optic, use your other hand to grip the ceramic wiring harness connector. Now ‘wiggle’ and gently pull the ceramic harness connector end from the ceramic optic end. Once the UV optics are unplugged from the wiring harnesses, use both hands to remove the optics from each optic chamber retention.
     
  4. Clean the UV optics and wipe down each optic chamber using a solution of 1-part isopropyl alcohol and 10-parts filtered/distilled water. Use a clean, lint-free cloth and latex gloves to avoid fingerprints and smudges. Fingerprints and smudges will diminish the performance of the optics.
     
  5. Using the same water/alcohol solution and cloths, wipe down the inside chamber of the machine, as well as the outside of the machine to remove any dirt or other particles.
     
  6. Again using both hands and wearing gloves, gently clamp the optics back in the optic chamber retentions. Reassemble the connection of the ceramic wiring harness (female) to the ceramic optic end (male) with a gentle wiggle action.
     
  7. Put the side panels back on the machines, and be sure the clear XL3 vacuum tube on the outtake side goes through the hole in the panel and is not pinched. Plug in the machine’s power cord and test it before deploying it on the next job. Using UV rated eye protection, ensure all of the optics are working before locking the side panels.

When it comes to maintenance, there is one more task to remember. The UV optics inside the machines should be replaced after being used for 4,000 hours. To be clear, they will stay lit for 8,000 hours or more. However, like all UV lights, they will gradually lose their power over time. In the disaster restoration industry where you’re dealing with moderate to severe odors, and time is critical, 4,000 hours is the best time to replace them to guarantee optimal performance - do not wait for the optics to burn out. Once the UV optics are replaced with new ones, your machine is like new all over again.

Have more questions on maintaining your machine? Click here or email Tom McArdle at tmcardle@odoroxhg.com. 

KEYWORDS: deodorization disaster restoration hydroxyl generators mold remediation restoration business smoke cleanup

Share This Story

Tom McArdle is the Vice President of the Odorox Hydroxyl Group. He is a trainer and education specialist for the disaster restoration industry and travels throughout the United States conducting seminars and workshops. Reach him at tmcardle@odoroxhg.com. 

Recent Comments

article review`

Agility

Information

Thanks for sharing this with us here....

Great Post. Thanks for sharing with us a...

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Pop Art Female Superhero Punches a Masked Villain

TPAs vs. Independence: The Restoration Industry’s Own Version of the Cola Wars

RIA Carrier Advocate Mark Springer

Turning the Page: A New Era of Trust and Collaboration in Restoration

Paul Davis Restoration Leadership Team

Justin Graham Expands Paul Davis Restoration’s Reach with Acquisition of Greater Seattle Franchise

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing