Vapour vs Misting: Odour Control Systems Compared

When businesses start exploring odour control, misting systems are often the first solution that comes to mind. They are widely known, relatively simple to understand, and are marketed as a reliable option. But while misting is commonly used, it often has very limited effectiveness, particularly in adverse weather conditions such as high winds. Vapour systems, by contrast, provide reliable and consistent odour control, making them the smarter long-term choice.

CleanaWater is the only supplier of vapour odour control systems in Australia, and we have seen first-hand how this technology outperforms traditional misting approaches. Vapour systems are already used extensively in developed markets overseas, and Australia is now catching up with this revolutionary odour technology.

This blog explains the key differences so you can make the right decision for your facility.

Quick Comparison: Vapour vs Misting

How Misting Systems Work 

Misting systems use pumps and nozzles to spray a fine mist that contains odour neutralising agents. As the droplets move through the air, they react with odour particles and help reduce smell levels.

Misting systems can be an option for:

• Smaller or enclosed spaces

• Localised water soluble odour sources

• Temporary or short-term applications

Misting has clear limitations. Because the droplets are heavier than air, they have low hang time and quickly fall to the ground. Wind disperses them even faster, making coverage inconsistent in outdoor settings. Regular maintenance is also required to keep nozzles from clogging, and solutions typically need to be diluted before refilling, which adds extra time and effort. For large facilities dealing with widespread odour, misting is often not enough.

How Vapour Systems Work

Vapour systems take a different approach. Instead of spraying droplets, they convert odour neutralisers into a fine vapour. Because odour itself is in vapour form, this treatment moves in the same way odours do. It follows odour plumes, continues neutralising them as they move, and remains effective even in windy conditions.

Benefits of vapour systems include:

• Greater coverage with fewer units and lower quantities of solution 

• Significantly higher efficacy in all conditions, especially in adverse weather conditions such as high wind events Reliable performance in all weather conditions

• Lower maintenance requirements

• Scalable for very large or complex sites

For facilities that operate in waste management, agricultural industries (arbiters, rendering plants, paper/pulp plants, pet food manufacturers, tanneries), composting, chemical production, sewage treatment plants and landfills, vapour systems provide consistent, large-scale odour control that misting cannot match.

Real-World Results

CleanaWater’s vapour technology, VapourGard, has already helped major waste facilities reduce odour complaints and meet regulatory requirements:

• Blaxland Waste Management Facility – A VapourGard perimeter system was installed to address complaints from surrounding residents. Once operational, the system delivered immediate results and significantly reduced community concerns. As the facility expands, it is preparing to add additional unit to provide full coverage of the extended landfill footprint.

• Lucas Heights Resource Recovery Park – One of Sydney’s largest waste facilities required large-scale odour control. VapourGard was selected because it could provide broad coverage across the site perimeter, helping the facility manage odours effectively and maintain compliance.

Both sites benefited from VapourGard’s ability to travel with odour molecules, something misting systems cannot achieve.

Why Clients Enquire About Odour Control

Odour control enquiries usually come after one or more of the following triggers:

• Complaints from residents or nearby businesses

• Environmental controls, often after pressure or fines from environmental regulators

• A proactive approach to maintain community relations and compliance

In Australia, odour regulations are enforced by bodies such as the NSW EPA, EPA Victoria, Queensland DESI, and others. Non-compliance can result in fines exceeding $27,500 for a first offence, with penalties increasing to over $40,000 and potential stop work notices for repeat offences.

Common Client Questions

Our sales team often receives these questions when discussing odour control solutions:

• How does it work? Vapour systems release neutralising agents in vapour form, which travel with odours to neutralise them effectively.

• What are the running costs? Costs vary by site size and chemical use, but vapour systems typically require fewer units and less maintenance.

• Is the chemical safe? Yes. Our neutralisers are designed to be safe for employees, nearby residents, and the environment.

• How long does installation take? Vapour systems have a typical build time of 6–7 weeks, followed by 3–5 days onsite for installation and commissioning.

• When will results be noticeable? Results are immediate. Clients typically see a major reduction or complete elimination of odour complaints as soon as the system is activated.

The Smarter Choice

While misting systems have a place for some niche odour issues, vapour systems are current best practise in the vast majority of circumstances, especially for large outdoor operations where complaints and compliance risks are greatest. Vapour systems provide consistent results, lower maintenance, and broader coverage, making them the smarter long-term choice.

As the only supplier of vapour odour control systems in Australia, CleanaWater can help you assess your site and tailor the right solution.

Contact CleanaWater today to find out whether vapour or misting is the right option for your operation.