Air Freshener

A good air freshener can liven up any room in the home. When entertaining company it's always nice to have a pleasing fragrance filling the atmosphere and setting a mood, especially if you have cats or dogs. The smells you may have grown accustomed to just might have your guests wrinkling their noses. And if you have a restaurant or any other business, having a good air freshener in the bathroom can be indispensable.

Air Freshening Products

There are many products on the market which are sold as air fresheners. Most people are familiar with the thick cardboard air fresheners that might offer a nice fragrance at first, but quickly lose their smell. These products, along with potpourri, solid air freshener cones, and air freshener sprays and mists all work by masking the smell of offensive odors. Depending on the environment, these products can be effective, but they do lose their strength as they age and they may not be able to obscure more offensive odors. Candles also work great, but they also have a limited life span, and parents may not want to burn candles when active children are going to be in a room. Air sponges use activated charcoals and silica gels to absorb and contain the offending odors.

For more powerful air freshening capabilities, there are several types of electronic timed-mist air fresheners on the market. These automated air fresheners can be adjusted to control the intensity of the fragrance and how frequently it is sprayed. These are great for busy restrooms. Beeping tones, light indicators, or even voice messages provide alerts as to when a refill or battery replacement is necessary. Aerosol refills last about 90 days and come in an assortment of fragrances. You can also go a step further than masking fragrances, by using aerosol air neutralizers to reduce airborne bacteria. These are popular in schools and medical facilities.

Ionic Air Fresheners

Ionic air fresheners are the big guns of the air freshener family. Larger units are used in rooms and living areas, while smaller versions can be used in bathrooms, pantries, basements, stairwells, pet corners, work areas, and other tight spaces where ventilation and air quality can be a problem. These products do not use fragrances to cover up bad smells. They use electrostatic charges to collect and filter airborne particulates, dust, pollen, lint, and dander. They have a flat profile, take up little room, and require no replacement filters - just occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. These products are an economic way to keep odorous areas smelling fresh.

Make Your Own Air Fresheners

Some people prefer to make their own air fresheners. You can make potpourri from your favorite herbs and spices, or dampen cotton balls with essential oils, wintergreen, or vanilla. Baking soda can also be effective in absorbing odors.

By Doug Vanisky