What is considered the universal first step in odor control?

The universal first step in odor control is removing the source. This approach is fundamental because odors are typically caused by specific sources, such as smoke residues, decomposing materials, or other contaminants. By eliminating the source of the odor, you effectively address the root of the problem, which is critical for achieving long-term odor control.

Simply masking the odor, using air fresheners, or ventilating the area may provide temporary relief but do not resolve the underlying issue. These methods can be helpful as part of a comprehensive odor control strategy after the source has been dealt with, but they do not replace the necessity of actually removing the causative materials. Therefore, the priority is always on removing the source to ensure a permanent solution to the odor problem.