FAQ
TL;DR: A 7 g/h car ozonator needs just 30 minutes, because "ozone breaks down after 30 minutes" [Elektroda, ChatP, post #13722572] Keeping the fan on recirculate with A/C off exposes the evaporator longer and hits all vents. Why it matters: Correct settings speed disinfection and avoid material damage.
Quick Facts
• Generator size: 0.4 – 24 g/h units marketed for cars [Elektroda, spirosun, #17367226; 12pawel, #18872081]
• Recommended run-time: 20–30 min for ≥7 g/h; longer risks oxidation [Elektroda, ChatP, post #13722572]
• Safe cabin temperature: 20–25 °C; heat accelerates ozone decay [Elektroda, LOTREBOR, post #13019374]
• OSHA exposure limit: 0.1 ppm over 8 h [OSHA, 2020]
• New cabin filter before treatment boosts effect by ≈15 % airflow gain [Elektroda, grala1, post #13095735]
Should I keep the air-conditioning compressor on during car ozonation?
No. Run the interior fan on recirculate but leave the A/C compressor off. A dry, unfrosted evaporator lets ozone reach microbes more easily [Elektroda, Błażej, #12944836; bolero, #12945002].
Why must the fan stay on if A/C is off?
Air movement pushes ozone through the evaporator, vents, and cabin fabrics, ensuring even coverage [Elektroda, 12pawel, post #12944152]
How long do I run a 24 g/h generator?
20–30 minutes is enough for a passenger car; higher doses add no benefit and can dull plastics [Elektroda, 12pawel, post #18872081]
What about smaller units like 0.4 g/h?
Double two 30-minute cycles (total 60 min) with a short airing break. Users report full smell removal at that output [Elektroda, spirosun, post #17367226]
Which vent setting—feet, face, or windshield?
Select any single outlet; volume matters more than position. Recirculate mode bypasses the cabin filter in most cars [Elektroda, MobilTruck, post #13095930]
Does temperature affect ozone efficiency?
Yes. Ozone decomposes faster as temperature rises; every 10 °C increase halves its life [Elektroda, LOTREBOR, post #13019374] Keep cabin near 25 °C, avoid direct sun.
Can ozone be compressed and sold in cans?
No. Ozone is too unstable for storage; aerosol cleaners use chemical biocides instead [Elektroda, milejow, post #13449744]
Will high-dose ozonation damage interiors?
Edge case: multi-hour sessions oxidised rubber, plastics, and upholstery, leaving sticky surfaces [Elektroda, mefkm, #13718569; ChatP, #13722572].
How do I tackle persistent cigarette odour?
- Deep-clean fabrics. 2. Replace cabin filter. 3. Ozone 30 min at ≥7 g/h. Repeat once after 48 h. Ozone cannot "eat" embedded tar without prior cleaning [Elektroda, ChatP, post #13722572]
Is a new cabin filter really necessary before ozonation?
Yes. A clogged filter re-seeds bacteria and restricts flow; replacing it improves airflow by about 15 % [Elektroda, grala1, post #13095735]
What is the OSHA limit, and do I need PPE?
OSHA sets 0.1 ppm over 8 h. Wear a respirator or vacate the area during treatment, then air the car 10 min before entry [OSHA, 2020].
Quick 3-step ozonation procedure?
- Close windows, set fan to recirculate, A/C off, speed 1.
- Place ozonator on floor, run 30 min (7 g/h) or per chart.
- Switch off, wait 10 min, open doors, vent 10 min [Elektroda, bolero, post #12944642]
