Zeolite is a natural mineral formed over millions of years as volcanic ash slowly changed and crystallized when exposed to alkaline water. The crystals have an interconnecting lattice structure, forming a honeycomb of interconnecting channels with a negative charge. Within these channels are positively charged ions that attract and trap other materials, including those that cause odors.

Because of the honeycomb structure, zeolite is able to absorb moisture and gas molecules that total about 65 percent of the weight of the zeolite itself. The material has virtually no fragrance, and it releases nothing as it absorbs other materials. The materials remain in the honeycomb until the zeolite is heated. A day in bright sunshine is usually enough to release the contaminants and restore the zeolite to working condition. Packets can also be recharged in a 200-degree oven for an hour. The low temperature will keep the plastic bags from melting. (Zeolite itself can withstand temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit before it degrades.)

Recharging restores most of the effectiveness of the zeolite, but some molecules penetrate so deeply into the honeycomb structure that they cannot be dislodged. So the material eventually becomes spent and needs to be replaced. The test for when to recharge is simple: Can you detect odors that the zeolite formerly controlled? If recharging doesn't restore control, it's time to replace.

Our refrigerator packets use a sodium-based type, which should be tossed in household garbage when it no longer recharges. The other products use potassium zeolite, which can safely be tossed onto gravel paths or used as a bottom layer on potted plants to increase drainage for roots.

Mildew is caused by fungi that thrive in areas of excess moisture. Their digestion processes release undesireable odors. Zeolite attacks mildew in two ways: It absorbs the smell and it absorbs the excess moisture that the fungi need to grow.

Zeolite packets work wonders in refrigerators. Besides absorbing odors, they save energy by controlling the dewpoint and relative humidity. This decrease in moisture allows the compressor to efficiently cool with less running time. Refrigerator temperature can be slightly reduced (2 or 3 degrees) with no loss in effectiveness.

Tests at Oregon State University showed energy savings of 7.5 percent. Tests in walk-in coolers at a major fast-food franchise resulted in savings of 15 percent. A soft-drink bottling company found a 22.5 percent energy savings in vending machines. The bottom line for home refrigerators, according to our supplier, is that zeolite should reduce energy by about 12 percent if the temperature is lowered slightly.

Besides reducing energy costs, using zeolite in refrigerators may extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and other foods because the reduced moisture helps combat mold. Zeolite also absorbs ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process of some fruits and vegetables and can cause brown spots on lettuce.

Where & why to use	Product	Use rate	How to use
Rooms (home or office): Smoke & cooking odors, pet odors, perfumes, paints, or chemical odors.	General Purpose Pouch	2 lbs. per 250 sq. ft. until odors are gone, then 2 lbs. per 500 sq. ft. for maintenance.	Hang in rooms, do not block from normal air flow.
Heating & air conditioning vents: Prevents odor transfer from room to room.	General Purpose Pouch	1 lb. per small vent. 2 lbs. per large vent.	Remove vent cover and insert product. Placement must allow for air flow over and around product. Replace cover.
Carpets, rugs, upholstery: Pet soilage, food spills, chemical odors from outgassing of new materials.	Carpet Deodorizer	2-6 tsp.. per sq. ft. Use varies based on severity of soilage and odors.	Sprinkle directly on problem areas. Wait 45 minutes or up to 24 hours. Vacuum.
Closets, wardrobes, storage boxes & bags, drawers & cabinets: Smoke, mildew, mustiness, excessive moisture.	General Purpose Pouch	Use rate varies by size. Since storage areas are usually more densely packed, they may require more product than in open areas.	Hang in areas where air flow is not restricted, and/or lay on top of stored items. Use liberally.
Bathroom & laundry Mildew, mustiness, bathroom odors, excessive moisture.	General Purpose Pouch, Carpet Deodorizer	2 lbs. per 250 sq. ft. for airborne contaminants. 2-6 tsp.. per sq. ft. on floors and carpets. 1-2 4 oz. units in hampers.	Use "S" hook to hang on backside of commode tank and in hampers. Sprinkle powder on carpet around tubs, toilets, and washing machines.
Bathroom & sickroom: Chemically sensitive and allergic patients will benefit greatly from clean environment.	General Purpose Pouch, Carpet Deodorizer	2 lbs. per 250 sq. ft. for airborne contaminants. 2-6 tsp.. per sq. ft. for urine on carpets or beds, and on windows that sweat due to humidity or cold.	Hang close to bedside or next to bedside table. Hang under bed for incontinent patients. Use powders on carpeting, mattresses, and windowsills.
Nursery: Diaper pails, spills, spoilage, common nursery odors.	General Purpose Pouch, Carpet Deodorizer	2 lbs. per 250 sq. ft. for odor control. 2 to 6 tsp.. per sq. ft. on carpeted areas. 4 oz. units in pails.	Hang in rooms, do not block from normal air flow. Use "S" hooks to hang in diaper pails.
Sports lockers & gym: Foot & mildew odors as well as preventing cracking and mildew in footwear.	General Purpose Pouch, Shoe Paks, Shoe & Foot Powder	Use 4-oz. or wardrobe pack in locker. One or two 4-oz. packs in gym bag. 1-2 tsp. in each shoe. 1 shoe pak per shoe.	Hang or lay unit in locker, lay in gym bag. Sprinkle powder in shoes or use shoe paks when not in use. Tap excess powder out into trash before wearing.
Refrigerators & freezers: Saves energy. Absorbs odors. promotes freshness. Food lasts longer. Eliminates ice crystals.	Refrigerator Packet	Use 1 or 2 packets.	Remove clear overwrap, do not open pouch. Place in area of highest air circulation, normally the second shelf at the rear of refrigerator.
Walk-in coolers & refrigerated display cases: Odor control, extends shelf life of meat, fish, fruit, flowers, vegetables, eggs, dairy.	Refrigerator Packet, General Purpose Pouch	2 lbs. per 250 sq. ft. until odors are gone, then 2 lbs. per 500 sq. ft. for maintenance.	Hang in areas of maximum air flow or in return vents.4-oz. units will prevent cross contamination of fish smells.
Vehicles: All passenger and recreational vehicles and boats. Absorbs outgassing of vinyls, paneling, odors from hunting, fishing, mildew, etc.	General Purpose Pouch, Carpet Deodorizer	1 to 2 lbs. per vehicle. 2 to 6 tsp. per sq. ft. on carpeted areas.	Place 4-oz. or 1-lb. unit under front seat of vehicle. Sprinkle on carpeted areas and vacuum after 24 hours.
Domestic animals: Control pet waste odors of all types in home and kennel. Reduce flies in outdoor runs.	General Purpose Pouch, Carpet Deoderizer	1 to 2 lbs. per 250 sq. ft.1/4 cup powder in litter box.1 lb. per 10 sq. ft. in dog runs.	Hang product in enclosed areas. Use 4-oz. units in small kennels and pet sleeping areas. Sprinkle in litter boxes and on runs.
Garbage pails & compost binsEliminates odors from waste materials, controls flies. Great amendment for organic compost.	General Purpose Pouch, Carpet Deoderizer	One or two 4-oz. units in trash containers. 1/4 cup powder in bottom of garbage pails or in compost pails.	Tape units in lid of trash containers. Sprinkle powder in and around trash bins. Add to garbage used for compost.
Shoes & bootsEliminates odors from sweat and foot fungus and mildew from footwear. Soothes tired feet.	Shoe Packs, Shoe & Foot Powder	1-2 tsp. in each shoe or boot. One shoe pak per shoe. Sprinkle directly on foot.	Sprinkle powder in shoes, boots, on feet. Shake out over trash before wearing. Rub gently between toes.