Why We Use InstaPURE™ Instead of Ozone for Mold Remediation

While ozone can be effective under certain conditions, it also presents limitations that homeowners and property managers should understand.

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"Why don't you use ozone generators for mold remediation?"

Ozone has been used in restoration and odor control for decades, and it can be effective in certain situations. However, after evaluating available technologies, we chose a different approach—InstaPURE™ biodecontamination followed by EverPURE™ antimicrobial protection.

The reason is simple: we believe there are more advanced, more targeted, and more environmentally responsible solutions available today for microbial contamination.

What Is Ozone?

Ozone (O₃) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It works by oxidizing organic matter, which is why it has been used for odor removal and microbial reduction.

Because ozone is such a powerful oxidizer, it can affect mold spores, bacteria, viruses, smoke odors, and other contaminants.

However, ozone reacts with virtually anything susceptible to oxidation.

The Challenges with Ozone

While ozone can be effective under certain conditions, it also presents limitations that homeowners and property managers should understand.

Ozone Is a Reactive Gas

Ozone works by oxidation. During treatment, it reacts with contaminants, but it can also react with materials commonly found within buildings.

Depending on concentrations, exposure times, and materials present, ozone may affect:

• Rubber components

• Certain plastics

• Fabrics and textiles

• Electrical insulation

• Artwork and sensitive finishes

• Adhesives and sealants
  

This is one reason many restoration professionals have moved toward technologies designed specifically for microbial control.

Ozone Can Create Secondary Byproducts

Another consideration with ozone treatment is what happens after ozone begins reacting with materials inside the building.

Ozone is highly reactive and can interact with a wide range of substances commonly found in homes and commercial buildings, including furnishings, flooring, paints, adhesives, cleaning products, fabrics, and building materials.

Depending on the materials present, these reactions may produce secondary oxidation byproducts, including various aldehydes, ketones, organic acids, and ultrafine particles. The specific compounds generated can vary significantly from one building to another because every indoor environment contains a unique mixture of materials and chemicals.

While ozone itself eventually breaks down, the compounds created through these oxidation reactions may persist beyond the treatment period and can contribute to indoor air quality concerns.

Why We Chose InstaPURE™

At All Clear Mold & Pathogen Solutions, we utilize InstaPURE™, a professional biodecontamination process that uses vaporized peracetic acid (PAA) technology.

Rather than relying on ozone gas, InstaPURE™ is designed specifically to address microbial contamination.

Peracetic acid has been used for decades in industries where effective microbial control is critical, including healthcare, food processing, agriculture, and water treatment.

How InstaPURE™ Works

InstaPURE™ utilizes a dry-fog vapor process that distributes treatment throughout the treatment environment.

The vaporized PAA works by attacking the cellular structures of microorganisms, including mold, bacteria, and viruses, helping to destroy their protective outer membranes and render them inactive.

This allows treatment to reach areas that may be difficult to address through traditional surface cleaning alone.

A Cleaner Biodecontamination Approach

One of the reasons we selected InstaPURE™ is its environmental profile.

Following treatment, peracetic acid breaks down into substances naturally found in the environment, primarily water, oxygen, and acetic acid (vinegar).

Equally important, our biodecontamination process does not rely on introducing heavy metals, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, or other persistent chemical residues as part of the treatment process.

Our goal is to reduce microbial contamination effectively while minimizing the introduction of unnecessary chemical burdens into the indoor environment.

The Importance of EverPURE™

A common misconception in remediation is that destroying microorganisms is the end goal.

In reality, remediation is about creating a healthier indoor environment and helping prevent future contamination.

That is why our process includes a second step.

After InstaPURE™ biodecontamination is complete, EverPURE™ can be applied to treated surfaces.

EverPURE™ provides a residual antimicrobial barrier designed to help inhibit future microbial growth on treated surfaces.

Together, the two-step process provides:

1. InstaPURE™ biodecontamination to reduce mold, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

2. EverPURE™ antimicrobial protection to help prevent future microbial growth on treated surfaces.
   

Verification Matters

At All Clear Mold & Pathogen Solutions, we believe treatment results should be measurable whenever possible.

When included in the scope of work, post-treatment air samples can be collected and submitted to an independent accredited laboratory for analysis.

This provides clients with objective data regarding indoor air quality following treatment and helps verify the effectiveness of the remediation process.

The Bottom Line

Ozone can be an effective oxidation technology and continues to be used in some restoration applications.

However, we believe today's clients deserve technologies specifically designed for microbial control rather than technologies originally developed primarily for oxidation and odor reduction.

That is why we have chosen InstaPURE™ biodecontamination and EverPURE™ antimicrobial protection as the foundation of our protocol.

When combined with proper moisture control, source removal when necessary, and independent verification, this approach provides a comprehensive strategy for improving indoor environmental quality and reducing microbial contamination.

If you have questions about mold remediation, indoor air quality, or our treatment process, contact All Clear Mold & Pathogen Solutions for a consultation. We would be happy to explain the options available and help you determine the best solution for your home or business.