Scented Vacuum: Using Fragrance Booster Beads For A Pleasant Aroma

Keeping your home smelling fresh can be challenging, especially with pets or children. While candles and room sprays are options, they can be unsafe and may not last long. A popular hack on TikTok suggests using fragrance booster beads in your vacuum to keep your home smelling fresh. However, it's important to consider the potential risks to your health and vacuum before trying this trend.

How to use fragrance booster beads in a vacuum

Fragrance booster beads can be used to make your vacuum smell fresh and, in turn, fill your home with a pleasant fragrance. This is especially useful if your vacuum is old and has developed a dusty, musky smell.

There are a few different ways to use fragrance beads with your vacuum. One method is to sprinkle a small amount of beads directly into the canister of your vacuum. Close the lid securely, then vacuum your home as normal. The beads will release a fresh scent as you vacuum and will help to suppress any smells in a dirty vacuum. This method is best used occasionally, as the heat from the vacuum may melt the beads.

Another option is to sprinkle the beads onto your carpet or rug, let them sit for a few minutes, then vacuum them up. This method will not only leave your vacuum smelling fresh, but it will also help to eliminate any stubborn odours in your carpet.

If you have a bagless vacuum, you can try placing the beads in a small cotton bag or a sock, then putting this inside the vacuum canister. Alternatively, you can place a fabric sheet or a tissue/paper towel sprayed with perfume around the filter.

For bagged vacuums, you can pour the beads directly into the bag. This will mask any unpleasant odours and leave your vacuum smelling fresh for up to 12 weeks.

It is important to note that fragrance booster beads may be too strong for those with allergies or skin sensitivities. Always read the instructions and warnings on the product label before use.

The dangers of using fragrance booster beads in a vacuum

Using fragrance booster beads in your vacuum may seem like a clever hack to make your home smell nice, but it can be harmful to your health and may damage your vacuum.

It could ruin your vacuum

Monika Stuczen, a senior research scientist at Dyson, advises against using fragrance booster beads in your vacuum. She states that exposing your vacuum to any liquid can damage it and even void its warranty. Most fragrance beads contain essential oils, which will melt when exposed to heat and may clog your vacuum or cause it to malfunction.

It could be harmful to your health

The strong fragrances in fragrance booster beads can lead to skin rashes, respiratory issues, and headaches, especially for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin. If you have small children or pets, they could accidentally ingest the beads, leading to a trip to poison control. Even if it's only adults in the house, the beads can increase your exposure to organic compounds and other harmful pollutants.

Alternative solutions

To keep your vacuum and carpet smelling fresh, Stuczen recommends regularly emptying the bin, wiping down the vacuum bin and attachments, and washing the vacuum filter under cold running water at least once a month. Additionally, you can try using natural and green cleaning products, such as unscented laundry detergents, to reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into your home.

Alternative ways to freshen your vacuum

There are several ways to freshen up your vacuum and make your home smell amazing. Here are some alternative methods to fragrance booster beads:

Cotton Balls with Essential Oils or Perfume

Saturate a cotton ball with your favourite essential oil or perfume and place it inside your vacuum cleaner bag. Lavender essential oil is a popular choice, but you can also use vanilla or other scents. As you vacuum, the scent will be released into the air, making your home smell pleasant. This method is also useful for vacuums with bags or without.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can be used to absorb odours from your vacuum. Sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, vacuum it up to eliminate dust, dirt, and unpleasant smells. This method is ideal for freshening up plush items that cannot be washed in a washing machine, such as throw pillows, carpets, or mattresses.

Air Freshener Spray

You can create your own air freshener spray by mixing laundry scent booster beads, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, warm water, and essential oils in a spray bottle. This DIY solution can be used to deodorize your vacuum cleaner, leaving it with a fresh and pleasant scent.

Fabric Softener Sheets

Fabric softener sheets can be placed inside the vacuum bag or wrapped around the filter to impart a fresh scent. This is a simple and effective way to make your vacuum smell better.

Natural Ingredients

If you prefer natural alternatives, you can use fresh orange peels or other citrus fruits. Simply place them inside the vacuum bag to impart a refreshing scent. This method is a natural and eco-friendly way to freshen up your vacuum.

How to freshen your vacuum using essential oils

There are a few ways to freshen your vacuum using essential oils, and the method you choose will depend on the type of vacuum you have.

For Bagged Vacuums

If your vacuum has a bag, you can try placing a couple of drops of essential oil on the bag itself. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton ball in essential oil and place it inside the bag. This method will not only leave your vacuum smelling fresh, but it will also help to suppress any smells in an already dirty vacuum.

For Bagless Vacuums

If your vacuum is bagless, you can try placing a few drops of essential oil on the foam filter. First, remove the filter and wash it, then ring out any excess water and let it dry. Once it's dry, place 8-10 drops of essential oil on the filter and place it back in the vacuum. As the vacuum motor heats up, it will help to diffuse the oil as you move from room to room.

Other Options

If you don't want to put essential oils directly into your vacuum, you can try using scent booster beads. Simply sprinkle a small amount into the canister of your vacuum and secure the lid. The beads will release a fresh scent as you vacuum, but be careful not to use too many as they may melt and damage your vacuum.

Another option is to create a DIY air freshener using essential oils and water. You can then spray this mixture onto a tissue or paper towel and wrap it around the filter of your vacuum.

Essential Oil Recommendations

When choosing an essential oil to freshen your vacuum, look for scents that are calming and soothing, such as lavender. You can also opt for antibacterial and anti-fungal oils to help clean and sterilize your environment. Some essential oil blends, like Purification by Young Living, are designed to neutralise odours and can be a great option for vacuums.

How to freshen your vacuum using natural ingredients

There are several ways to freshen your vacuum using natural ingredients. Here are some methods that use essential oils, cotton, and other natural alternatives to fragrance booster beads:

Using Essential Oils and Cotton

A popular method to freshen your vacuum is to use essential oils and cotton. Here's how to do it:

• Choose your preferred essential oil. Common choices include lavender, cinnamon, or vanilla.
• Drip 10-15 drops of the essential oil onto a cotton ball, cotton square, or a small piece of tissue.
• Place the scented cotton into your vacuum bag. If you have a bagless vacuum, you can try placing the cotton in the filter compartment or the canister where the dirt collects.
• Repeat this process each time you change the vacuum bag or empty the canister.

Other Natural Alternatives

In addition to essential oils and cotton, there are a few other natural alternatives you can try:

• Fresh orange peels: Place them in your vacuum bag and change the bag every 2-3 weeks.
• Baking soda: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the bottom of your vacuum bag or canister before vacuuming.
• Natural fabric softener: Choose a softener with a complementary scent, such as a cotton-scented softener with a vanilla booster.

These methods provide a natural and pleasant fragrance for your vacuum and can help eliminate odours without the need for fragrance booster beads.

Frequently asked questions