Anisha Riggs
Incense is often used to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, but its strong scent can sometimes be overwhelming or unpleasant to some. Whether it's from Indian shrines, Arabian guests, or simply a new piece of furniture, the smell of incense can be challenging to get rid of. In this article, we will explore various methods to effectively eliminate the lingering odour of incense and restore a fresh and neutral-smelling environment. From natural solutions like baking soda and activated charcoal to mechanical aids like air purifiers and ozone generators, we will provide a comprehensive guide to removing incense smells and share tips on preventing their recurrence.
Ways to get rid of Indian incense smell
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Open windows | Opening windows on opposite sides of the room creates a cross-breeze, improving airflow and allowing fresh air to enter and stale air to escape. |
| Fan | Using a fan helps push out the stale air, making the process faster and more effective. |
| Baking soda | Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle it on carpets, furniture, or affected areas and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming. |
| Bowls of baking soda | Leaving bowls of baking soda in corners or near the source of the incense can help absorb odors from the air. |
| Air purifier | An air purifier with a HEPA filter or activated carbon filter can help remove incense smells and improve overall air quality. |
| Scented candles or essential oils | Lighting scented candles or using an essential oil diffuser can help mask the incense smell with a fresh, new fragrance. |
| Natural scents | Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or pine can create a peaceful and airy environment, overshadowing the incense smell. |
| Diffuser blends | Using a diffuser with a blend of oils allows you to create a personalized fragrance to freshen up the air. |
| Activated charcoal | Activated charcoal is an effective odor absorber, especially for strong odors. Place it in bowls around the room to trap and absorb scent molecules. |
| Ozone generator | Using an ozone generator can help destroy odors, but it should not be used in occupied rooms as it can be harmful to breathe. |
| Repainting | In cases where the incense smell has permeated walls or wood, repainting with a heavy-duty primer like Kilz can help seal odors. |
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda to absorb the smell
Baking soda is a great natural absorber of unwanted odours, including the lingering scent of incense. To use baking soda to get rid of the smell of Indian incense, start by opening your windows to create a nice cross-breeze. If you have a fan, turn it on to help push the stale air out and bring fresh air in.
Next, fill several bowls with baking soda and place them around the room. You can also sprinkle baking soda directly onto carpets, furniture, and fabrics that are holding onto the incense scent. Be sure to vacuum these areas a few hours later to remove the baking soda (and the trapped scent molecules) from your home. For items that can't be easily vacuumed, like mattresses or large rugs, try sprinkling them with baking soda, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming it up. Remember to change the baking soda every few days for the best results.
In addition to using baking soda, you can also try other natural odour absorbers like activated charcoal or white vinegar. Citrus scents, such as lemon or orange, as well as lavender, eucalyptus, or pine, are also great choices for bringing a fresh, clean smell to your space.
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Try an air purifier or an ozone generator
If you're a frequent incense burner, an air purifier may be a good investment. Air purifiers help clean the air and get rid of the incense smell, and they're also great for improving overall air quality.
When shopping for an air purifier, look for one with a HEPA filter, as these are great at capturing small particles. Some models even come with activated carbon filters, which are particularly effective at removing odours. Be sure to change the filters regularly, as they can become clogged over time, impacting the purifier's effectiveness.
While air purifiers can be a great solution, it's worth noting that they may not be as effective in small spaces. If the incense smell is concentrated in a specific area, such as a closet or cupboard, you may need to try a different approach, such as increasing ventilation or using odour-absorbing agents like baking soda.
Another option for eliminating strong odours is to use an ozone generator. Ozone generators work by breaking down oxygen molecules (O2) to create singular oxygen atoms that bond with other O2 molecules to form O3 (ozone). This process can be achieved through silent corona discharge or UV radiation. However, it's important to exercise caution when using ozone generators. They should only be run for a few hours in larger rooms, and it's recommended to stay out of the house for the rest of the day. Additionally, ozone can be harmful to people with asthma or cardiovascular issues, and it can also kill plants.
While ozone generators are marketed as a solution for odour control, there is conflicting evidence regarding their effectiveness. Some studies suggest that ozone is not particularly efficient in reducing indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the primary components of most odours. In fact, research indicates that it would take hundreds of years for ozone concentrations to significantly break down VOCs. As such, it may be more advisable to explore other air purification technologies that can safely and effectively address VOCs without relying on ozone.
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Repaint the affected area with a heavy-duty primer
If you're looking to get rid of the smell of Indian incense, one effective method is to repaint the affected area with a heavy-duty primer. This approach can be especially useful if the incense smell has permeated porous surfaces like wood.
To begin, select a suitable heavy-duty primer that is specifically designed for odour blocking. KILZ® is a well-known brand that offers a range of primers suitable for both interior and exterior use. Their Original primer is a heavy-duty option that can block medium to severe odours. If you're concerned about solvent odours, KILZ® Original Low Odor is an interior oil-based stain and odour-blocking primer that emits fewer odours than typical oil-based primers. For a water-based option, consider KILZ Restoration®, which offers the performance of traditional oil and shellac-based primers while tackling tough stains and sealing persistent odours.
Before applying the primer, ensure that you have properly prepared the surface. If the affected area has been previously painted, you may need to sand or strip the existing paint to create a smooth base for the primer. It is also important to ensure that the area is clean and free of any dust, debris, or grease that could interfere with the primer's adhesion.
When applying the primer, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Typically, you will need to apply at least two coats of primer to effectively block odours. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the primer, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface. Allow adequate drying time between coats, and if necessary, lightly sand the primed surface to create a smooth finish before applying the final coat.
After priming, you can proceed to repaint the surface with your desired colour. This final step will not only improve the aesthetics but also provide an additional layer of protection against any lingering odours. Remember to choose a high-quality paint and follow the recommended application guidelines for the best results.
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Air out the room or use a fan to improve airflow
If you're looking to get rid of the smell of Indian incense, one of the most effective methods is to air out the room. Open windows, especially those on opposite sides of the room, to create a cross-breeze and improve airflow. Stale air will escape, and fresh air will rush in, helping to clear the incense smell. This simple method can make a noticeable difference, and if you have a fan, using it will make the process even faster and more efficient. Keep the air flowing for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible, to ensure the odour dissipates.
In addition to improving airflow, you can also try placing bowls of white vinegar or baking soda in the room. These substances are known to absorb odours, neutralising the incense smell. For best results, ensure that the baking soda covers the entire affected area, such as carpets or furniture, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming it up. You can also leave bowls of baking soda in corners or near where you typically burn incense to continuously absorb odours. Remember to change the baking soda every few days for optimal results.
If the incense smell persists, consider investing in an air purifier, especially one with a HEPA filter or activated carbon filter, which are specifically designed to capture small particles and remove odours. Maintaining clean filters is crucial to the purifier's effectiveness, so be sure to change them regularly. Additionally, if the incense has been burned in an enclosed space, such as a closet, and the smell has permeated the walls, you may need to repaint the affected area with a heavy-duty primer like Kilz to truly eliminate the odour.
While it may be tempting to try masking the incense smell with other fragrances, it's important to address the source of the odour directly. By airing out the room, using fans, and employing odour-absorbing substances, you can effectively reduce and eliminate the Indian incense smell.
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Mask the smell with scented candles or essential oils
Scented candles and essential oils are a great way to mask the smell of incense and introduce a fresh, new fragrance to your space. Citrus scents like lemon or orange are very effective at covering up incense smells, but any scent you like will do the trick. For a clean and fresh smell, opt for lavender, eucalyptus, or pine. These scents are natural and refreshing, creating a peaceful, airy environment that will completely mask the incense smell.
If you're using an essential oil diffuser, try blending different oils to create a personalized fragrance that fits your mood. This is also an effective way to freshen up the air. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it around the room. The vinegar smell will disappear quickly, taking the incense smell with it, and the essential oils will leave a pleasant scent behind.
Scented candles can also be very effective at covering up incense smells. However, be aware that in some cases, the combination of the candle scent and the incense smell may result in an odd overall fragrance. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for strongly-scented candles to ensure that the incense smell is completely masked.
In addition to masking the incense smell, you can also try to absorb it using activated charcoal. This natural solution doesn't just mask odors but actually absorbs them at a molecular level. You can reuse activated charcoal, too—just set it out in the sun every month or so to "recharge" it.
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Frequently asked questions
Open the windows and create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room. Use a fan to push the stale air out.
Use baking soda, activated charcoal, or bowls of white vinegar to absorb the odour.
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, an ozone generator, or a Febreze-type odour neutralizer.
Sprinkle baking soda on the furniture and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
Try cleaning the walls with an all-purpose cleaner and repainting with a heavy-duty primer paint like Kilz that seals odours.
