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Scent defuser?

Eleri4094

Eleri4094

Well-Known Member
Do you use a scent defuser thing? If so, what kind do you use? Does it actually help you? I've been thinking of getting something to make my room smell better and to help relax me more and I'm looking for your opinions/views on it.
 
I couldn't think of anything worse, I have a sensitive nose. Even if someone's wearing too much perfume or aftershave I have to leave the room.
 
I use a product called "Zep Smoke Odor Reducer", but as the name states it's only to neutralize cigarette smoke. Does it work? Not for MY nose...too sensitive to that particular smell. I can't seriously endorse it, especially for we on the spectrum.

It's still ultimately nasty smelling stuff in itself, just not as offensive or acrid as cigarette smoke. But I haven't used it in years as I have taped up and shut off the only air vent in my apartment that is common to other units. And I keep all the windows shut year round, mostly due to allergy issues and dust, apart from the person below me who goes out on his patio to smoke.

Odor Eliminator

Technically I suppose "Pooph" is considered an odor eliminator, but something used to spray on things like pet odors as opposed to say the air in a room. Though it doesn't mask with a smell of its own.

https://www.amazon.com/POOPH®-Odor-Eliminator-Spray-Contact/dp/B09PF4KVHJ?th=1
 
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Just an FYI:

AI Overview



Yes, scent diffusers can potentially contain and emit harmful chemicals, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and synthetic fragrances
. The risk depends on the type of diffuser and the composition of the oil used.
Types of diffusers and their risks
Essential oil diffusers
  • VOCs: Diffusing essential oils releases natural VOCs into the air. While VOCs from natural oils are generally low-risk for most people, high concentrations in poorly ventilated areas can cause irritation, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
  • Secondary pollutants: When VOCs from essential oils (such as terpenes like limonene) react with indoor oxidants like ozone, they can form secondary pollutants like formaldehyde.
  • Contaminants: Essential oils are not strictly regulated in the US, so some products may contain contaminants, adulterants, or undisclosed chemicals.
Reed and plug-in diffusers
  • High VOC levels: Many synthetic fragrance products, including reed and plug-in diffusers, are significant sources of indoor VOCs. Some products have been found to exceed maximum allowable limits.
  • Synthetic ingredients: These products often contain synthetic fragrance oils made with chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic musks, which can have adverse health effects.
  • Hidden chemicals: Because fragrances are often considered "trade secrets," manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients. The term "fragrance" can hide a mix of dozens to hundreds of chemicals.
  • Harmful solvents: The liquids in reed diffusers can contain isopropyl alcohol and other chemical solvents that can be dangerous if swallowed by children or pets.
Common harmful chemicals
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals that easily become vapors or gases. Exposure can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system with prolonged exposure. Examples include benzene, toluene, and ethanol.
  • Phthalates: Used to make fragrances last longer, these endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormone function and are linked to reproductive issues.
  • Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen, this chemical can be a direct emission or a byproduct formed when other chemicals in the diffuser interact with indoor air. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
  • Benzene: A known carcinogen, benzene has been linked to blood disorders and certain cancers.
Health concerns from diffusers
  • Respiratory issues: VOCs and other chemicals can act as irritants, triggering allergic reactions, asthma attacks, coughing, and shortness of breath, particularly in sensitive individuals and those with pre-existing conditions.
  • Hormonal disruption: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and parabens can interfere with hormonal balance, potentially affecting reproductive and developmental health.
  • Neurological effects: Some synthetic fragrances have been linked to neurological symptoms like headaches, migraines, dizziness, and cognitive issues.
  • Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, particularly from low-quality products, is associated with an increased cancer risk.
How to use diffusers more safely
  • Improve ventilation: Use diffusers in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of VOCs and other chemicals.
  • Use high-quality products: Opt for diffusers and fragrance oils from reputable brands that use high-quality, pure ingredients. Look for products that disclose their ingredients or explicitly state they are "phthalate-free" or "paraben-free".
  • Consider cold-air diffusers: Cold-air or waterless diffusers can preserve the integrity of essential oils without introducing heat or water, which can contribute to mold growth or alter the chemical composition.
  • Limit usage time: Avoid running diffusers continuously. Using them for short periods, such as 15–20 minutes at a time, can be sufficient for most therapeutic purposes.
  • Choose fragrance-free: The safest option is to choose products that are completely fragrance-free. Don't be fooled by "unscented" labels, as some can contain masking fragrances that may still cause irritation.
  • Consult a doctor: If you or someone in your home has respiratory issues, sensitivities, or is pregnant, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using scent diffusers.
 
What to use instead of scent diffusers:

AI Overview



For neutralizing unwanted odors, activated carbon is the most effective solution, followed by baking soda
. Scent diffusers are not odor eliminators at all, but rather mask bad smells with fragrance.
Here is a comparison of baking soda, activated carbon, and scent diffusers based on their odor-control effectiveness.
Activated carbon
  • How it works: Activated carbon is pure carbon that has been processed to be highly porous, increasing its surface area. This allows it to physically trap and remove organic odor-causing molecules from the air through a process called adsorption.
  • Effectiveness: Highly effective at trapping and neutralizing a wide range of organic odors. Test results have shown it to be significantly more powerful than baking soda, even in challenging environments like a refrigerator.
  • Best for: Removing strong, persistent, or varied odors from enclosed spaces like refrigerators, closets, and cars.
  • Maintenance: Activated carbon bags and pellets can be "recharged" by being left in the sun, which releases the trapped odor molecules.
Baking soda
  • How it works: As a mildly alkaline substance, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) chemically reacts with and neutralizes acidic odor molecules.
  • Effectiveness: Absorbs some odors but is less effective than activated carbon because it only neutralizes acidic compounds. Many common smells are not acidic. Test results have found it to be not significantly effective on some malodors.
  • Best for: Mild odor absorption in smaller, contained spaces, such as a refrigerator, shoes, or on a carpet.
  • Maintenance: It loses its odor-absorbing capacity once it has reacted with all available odor molecules and cannot be recharged.
Scent diffusers
  • How they work: Scent diffusers release fragrant compounds, like essential oils, into the air to cover up bad smells. Different types of diffusers use methods such as heat, vibration (ultrasonic), or compressed air (nebulizing) to disperse the fragrance.
  • Effectiveness: They do not eliminate or neutralize bad odors. They are only effective at masking them, and the bad smell may return once the masking fragrance fades. In some cases, the combination of scents can create an even more unpleasant mix.
  • Best for: Creating a pleasant atmosphere by adding a desirable scent to a room that has already been cleaned and deodorized.
  • Maintenance: Requires refilling with oils and, depending on the type, water.
Which one should you use?
Your best option depends on your goal:
  • For eliminating odors: Activated carbon is the clear winner for its superior ability to trap and remove a wide range of unpleasant smells.
  • For a mild and temporary fix: Baking soda is a cheaper, readily available option for absorbing minor odors in small spaces.
  • For adding a pleasant scent: Scent diffusers are ideal for adding a desired fragrance after you have already cleaned and eliminated the source of the bad odor.
 
Hmmm.. occassional have enjoyed the bavkground scent if used in certain environments ,but usually am not long in those environment . Had not considered the VOCs that exist .
A cold diffuser sounds like a interesting method ? But as a Aspie ,my nose generally is not the best to pick up more subtle scents . But had been. known to use perfumes in my younger days. Still love the scent of Roses .Some essential oils can have dual uses like Geranium. It can ward off insects , Tea tree oil. Neem . And the essential oils used by some people making custom blends can be dependant on the nose or skills of the person
mixing them. Generally it is widely known that Aspies can often be greatly affected by odors or scents. When younger sitting in Church was aweful for me . With my Mum and the older ladies sitting there ,their perfume would cause me severe reactions .Usually too much of it.
 
Outdated said:
Put some on your toothbrush to remove stains from your teeth. Tastes terrible but does a good job.
Click to expand...

I've done that plenty of times. But then I also use Arm & Hammer toothpaste as well.

That extra "grit" matters. ;)

I also have a book titled, "1801 Home Remedies" by Reader's Digest. "Trustworthy treatments for everyday health problems".

Comes in quite handy when it comes to non-toxic uses in the household. :cool:
 
Sometimes I make my own potpourri in a very small crockpot that holds only about 1-1/2 cups of water. I put in water, a couple of whole cloves and whole allspice berries, a cinnamon stick and some orange zest or peeled orange skin, and it smells like I'm baking something good in the oven as the water slowly evaporates from the heat of the crockpot and scents the house. Ginger would be a good addition, or you could add a vanilla bean but those are very expensive. I might try adding a sprig of green pine needles someday to see if would smell woodsy like pine trees.
 
Mary Terry said:
Sometimes I make my own potpourri in a very small crockpot that holds only about 1-1/2 cups of water. I put in water, a couple of whole cloves and whole allspice berries, a cinnamon stick and some orange zest or peeled orange skin, and it smells like I'm baking something good in the oven as the water slowly evaporates from the heat of the crockpot and scents the house. Ginger would be a good addition, or you could add a vanilla bean but those are very expensive. I might try adding a sprig of green pine needles someday to see if would smell woodsy like pine trees.
Click to expand...

Brings back some childhood memories. My mother used to do just that. :)
 
Burning candles is banned in our house. They use combustion which emits all kinds of toxins and particulate matter into the environment. We use battery operated candles if we want the ambience of candlelight. The only exception to our rule is birthday candles on a cake which are blown out within a few minutes of lighting them.
 
Mary Terry said:
Burning candles is banned in our house. They use combustion which emits all kinds of toxins and particulate matter into the environment. We use battery operated candles if we want the ambience of candlelight. The only exception to our rule is birthday candles on a cake which are blown out within a few minutes of lighting them.
Click to expand...

Sort of reminds me of someone I knew online many years ago. She used to swear by her Keurig coffee device. Until the local fire marshal had to tell her that it was the point of ignition for the kitchen fire that burned her home and all her belongings to the ground.
 
There's a product called Nil-odour. You just use one or two drops per room, on some surface with good air circulation. I does nothing at all about the other stuff in the air, but it anesthetizes your nose perfectly.
 
Mary Terry said:
Burning candles is banned in our house. They use combustion which emits all kinds of toxins and particulate matter into the environment. We use battery operated candles if we want the ambience of candlelight. The only exception to our rule is birthday candles on a cake which are blown out within a few minutes of lighting them.
Click to expand...
Can't use candles, not just because of the smell of the candle or the toxins but because I'm allergic to all kinds of smoke and can go in to a small asthma attack.
 
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