Dual-Function Demand: Sanitizer + Odor Control Cleaning Products and Their Growing Market
- August 18, 2025
- Blog
Two is better than one, as the saying goes, and it holds true for chemical cleaning products. Modern customers are looking for their cleaning purchases to do more, while they do less, which is why sanitizers that also offer odor control are increasingly in demand within the industry.
We’re taking a look at this market and explaining what features customers are looking for, what kinds of formulations can deliver effective dual-action, and how they go about it.
If you’re looking for support in this segment of the cleaning products industry, Seatex is here to help. With our deep expertise and extensive experience formulating hundreds of proprietary cleaning chemicals—from hand care to housekeeping, industrial to emergency services—we’re uniquely positioned to assist you. Whether you prefer one of our proven formulations or want us to help develop your own custom formulation, our extensive formulation expertise and manufacturing assets can support your goals in the dual-action cleaning product market.
What is Sanitizing?
On its website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a handy consumer reference guide for hygiene chemicals. Sanitizing falls between cleaning–physically removing germs and dirt with soap–and disinfecting–killing germs with bleach or a similar product to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
Sanitizing reduces to safe levels the number of bacteria and other microorganisms present on items and areas that are touched often (light switches, doorknobs, keyboards, elevator buttons), are in an environment that requires frequent cleaning (bathrooms, hospital rooms), or are related to food preparation or consumption (counters, tabletops, refrigerator handles).
What is Odor Control?
There are multiple ways to deal with odors, from physical ventilation (increasing airflow) to biological treatment, as used in wastewater treatment. The source of the odors determines the best course of treatment, whether it’s microbial, chemical, VOC, etc.
In the context of cleaning chemicals, odor control primarily refers to either:
- killing microbes such as bacteria, mold, or decomposing material (e.g., food waste, sweat, or pet dander); or
- odor neutralization, attacking odor molecules directly.
How the Two Cleaning Actions Can Be Combined
Microbial Kill
As microbes break down organic material, they release metabolites that evaporate, causing familiar unpleasant odors like spoiled seafood or rotten eggs. Eliminating these microbes—and their metabolites—through specialized cleaning chemicals delivers the dual benefit of sanitizing surfaces while effectively controlling odors. This method is robust enough to meet sanitization standards even in healthcare environments.
There are several common agents that you might turn to for neutralization action in a cleaning product:
- Quaternary ammonium compounds: “Quats” are cationic surfactants that disrupt the cell walls of microbes, causing them to break up and die.
- Chlorine dioxide: In use as a disinfectant for over a century, ClO2 disinfects water, reduces bacteria and fungi concentrations in indoor air, and destroys viruses such as influenza, measles, and herpes.
- Hydrogen peroxide: An even older cleaning solution than chlorine dioxide, H2O2 is an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic used in both residential and commercial environments.
Odor Neutralization
- encapsulation/trapping
- chemical reactions such as oxidation
- adsorption, making odor molecules stick to the surface of the cleaning material, such as zeolite or silica gel
A Brief Word on Masking
Another potential method for controlling odor while sanitizing is to add fragrance or essential oils to a chemical cleaner. This practice can mask the unpleasant odors of certain chemicals, such as the distinctively strong smell of ethanol-based hand sanitizers caused by their denaturing additives. Consumers generally expect these products to have a pleasant fragrance.
However, the increasing popularity of products marketed with claims like “odor control without masking” highlights a common problem: some heavy-duty cleaners rely too heavily on fragrances to cover unpleasant odors.
If used excessively, fragrances can cause headaches or nausea for some users, or blend into new, unpleasant odors. And once the masking effect wears off, the odor may ‘reappear’ since its cause has not been dealt with.
Why Odor-Controlling Sanitizers Are Taking Off
As with everything, consumers appreciate convenience in their cleaning products. A 2-in-1 solution like this can be more economical and take up less room under the sink.
In the U.S., pets are a huge growth driver for sanitizers that also eradicate smells, with two-thirds of homes containing at least one pet.
Also, in our post-Covid world, consumers are more focused on hygiene and the importance of sanitizing and disinfecting.
By the numbers, the global disinfectants and sanitizers market is projected to pass $18 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 8%. The odor neutralizer market is almost as strong, being forecast for 6.5% CAGR and over $2 billion globally by 2033.
Products that resonate most with users typically provide one or more of the following benefits:
- made from plant-based ingredients
- low-fragrance or fragrance-free
- advanced dispenser design including smart/internet-of-things-ready systems (for commercial use)
- three-dimensional coverage for all types of surfaces
- fast turnaround time for using treated areas.
Let Seatex Create a One-Two Cleaning Punch for You
Seatex is uniquely positioned to partner with cleaning product companies, thanks to our private label and custom manufacturing capabilities.
We can help you develop and market a cleaning product that becomes a mainstay in your customers’ odor-control toolkits.
