Personal care and home
What is an ozone generator and how do you use it safely?
Ozone (O3) is a gas made of three oxygen atoms with strong oxidizing power. Ozone generators produce it to remove odors in enclosed spaces such as cars, rooms, or storage areas. Breathing it irritates the lungs, so they should only run in spaces empty of people, pets, and plants, with thorough airing out before anyone goes back in.
What it does and does not do
Ozone reacts with the molecules that cause odors (smoke, mildew, food) and breaks them down. That is why it is used to remove stubborn smells from cars, rooms, or closets.
Environmental health agencies such as the U.S. EPA warn that ozone is not an air purifier for occupied spaces: at concentrations that remove odors, it also harms the airways.
How to read the spec sheet (mg/h)
Output is listed in milligrams of ozone per hour (mg/h). A higher number treats larger spaces or works faster, and it also calls for more ventilation afterward.
Most units include a timer that shuts them off automatically. Running short cycles and repeating if needed is safer than leaving one on for a long time.
What to check before you buy
- Use it only in an empty space: no people, pets, or plants.
- When it finishes, wait and ventilate well before going in (follow the manufacturer's timing).
- Pick one with a timer and an output that matches the size of the space.
Products with Ozone (ozone generators) in our store
This is how it appears on their spec sheet. Open each one to see all its specifications.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
Not in the same space. It should run in a closed, empty room that is aired out before anyone uses it again.