Heidi Norton
Strong plug-in fragrance smells can be difficult to remove from the home, and they often contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to health. To effectively eliminate unwanted odours, it is important to understand the science behind how these products work. Air fresheners can be either solid or passive, with solids emitting fragrance consistently and passives releasing scent in a multi-phase effect. To get rid of strong plug-in fragrance smells, there are several methods you can try, including using vinegar, baking soda, or certain essential oils. Some people also recommend using an air purifier or replacing flooring and repainting walls.
How to Get Rid of Strong Plug-in Fragrance Smells
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Open windows and use fans to blow air out of the window |
| Air Purifier | Use a stand-alone unit or one that goes with the HVAC system |
| Clean | Scrub every surface, floor to ceiling, with soapy water |
| Air Filters | Replace all air filters and get the ductwork professionally cleaned |
| Paint | Prime and paint walls, baseboards, and doors with zero-VOC paint |
| Block Fragrance | Use products like Ecos air purifying primer or AFM to block formaldehyde off-gassing |
| Neutralize Odors | Use baking soda, vinegar, or coffee grounds to neutralize odors |
| Wash | Wash fabrics with baking soda or vinegar |
| Break Down Fragrance | Use grapefruit essential oil and dish soap, or oxidizing products like hydrogen peroxide |
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What You'll Learn
Use vinegar and water to wipe down walls and surfaces
If you're moving into a new home or simply want to get rid of the strong plug-in fragrance smell in your current home, a vinegar and water solution can be used to wipe down walls and surfaces.
First, create a vinegar and water solution. The ratio of vinegar to water can vary depending on your preference and the strength of the fragrance you're trying to eliminate. A common ratio is 1:1, but some people prefer to use less vinegar, such as 2 caps of vinegar to a cup of water. If you're sensitive to the smell of vinegar, you can heat it up before mixing it with water, as this will reduce the amount of vinegar you need. Additionally, you can infuse the vinegar with citrus peels or herbs to create a more pleasant scent. To do this, heat the vinegar, add the peels or herbs, and let it sit for 24 hours before straining and storing the mixture.
Once you have your vinegar and water solution, use it to wipe down the walls and surfaces. You can also add essential oils, such as orange or lemon, to the solution, as these can help cut through grease and oils left by the fragrances. If you're concerned about the vinegar smell, opening the windows while cleaning can help, and the vinegar smell will dissipate once it's dried.
In addition to wiping down walls and surfaces, you can also use bowls of vinegar to absorb odours. Place bowls of undiluted vinegar in each room, replacing the vinegar daily until the fragrance is gone. For larger rooms, you may need 2 or 3 bowls.
Using a vinegar and water solution is an effective way to eliminate strong plug-in fragrance smells from your home, leaving your space feeling fresh and odour-free.
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Use an air purifier
If you're looking to get rid of strong plug-in fragrance smells, one effective method is to use an air purifier. Air purifiers are designed to remove unwanted odours and improve indoor air quality. They can be particularly helpful for individuals with fragrance sensitivity, a condition where individuals experience symptoms akin to allergic reactions due to strong scents.
When choosing an air purifier, opt for one with a carbon filter, specifically activated carbon, as HEPA filters cannot remove airborne chemical compounds. Activated carbon is highly porous and effective in eliminating general odours, including pet odours, musty smells, and some cooking odours. It is also capable of removing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air, which are commonly found in paint, paint thinners, adhesives, and synthetic fragrances.
For a small room, you may notice an improvement in air quality in as little as 15 minutes, while larger rooms will take longer to purify. It is important to ensure that your chosen air purifier is appropriately sized for the space you intend to use it in. Additionally, consider investing in an air purifier that can be integrated into your HVAC system to purify the air throughout your entire house.
While air purifiers are an effective solution, they cannot remove odours at their source. Therefore, it is recommended to combine their use with other methods, such as proper ventilation and cleaning of surfaces.
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Use baking soda to absorb odours
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a practical and accessible solution for masking odours. Its alkaline nature helps neutralise acidic odours by acting as a buffering agent. When exposed to odorous substances, baking soda molecules react and create a temporary neutralising effect. This reaction results in the release of carbon dioxide and water, reducing the intensity of the odour. Consequently, baking soda gives off a fresh, clean scent that can help mask unpleasant smells.
Baking soda can be used to wash down walls, especially if mixed with vinegar. It can also be sprinkled on horizontal surfaces, hard surfaces, carpets, and upholstery and left until the odour is absorbed, before being cleaned up. Bowls of baking soda can also be placed in rooms to absorb malodors.
Baking soda is particularly effective at eliminating odours from foods such as onions, cheese, and leftovers. It can be used in the fridge to keep it smelling fresh, and a handful can be tossed into the kitchen garbage pail and recycling container to control ongoing odours. It can also be used to deodorise microwaves, simply by putting a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of water into an uncovered, microwave-safe container and heating on high for three minutes. Then, simply wipe down the interior.
Baking soda can also be used to wash containers that once held strong-smelling foods, simply by washing them with a solution of water and baking soda, and letting them air-dry. It can even be used to prevent odours before they start, such as by soaking raw fish in a quart of water with two tablespoons of baking soda before cooking.
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Wash fabrics with baking soda
Baking soda is an effective way to get rid of strong plug-in fragrance smells from fabrics. It is a powerful natural deodorizer, cleanser, and stain treatment. It can even boost the cleaning power of your laundry detergent and act as a natural fabric softener. Baking soda is alkaline, which is the opposite of acidic, and is most effective at removing acidic odor compounds. It also absorbs oils that introduce odors into fabrics.
To use baking soda to remove odors from fabrics, you can sprinkle it directly onto the fabric. If you're out of laundry detergent, you can use 1 cup of baking soda in its place. You can also try soaking your fabrics in a baking soda and water solution before washing them in the washing machine. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda into a sink or bucket full of water. Add the fabric to the solution and periodically stir the mixture as it soaks. When the odor has gone, wash the fabric as usual.
For fabrics that cannot be washed immediately, sprinkle baking soda directly onto them. When you are ready to wash them, simply wash them as usual. However, the longer the fabrics sit, the more likely they are to need extra treatment to thoroughly remove the smell.
Baking soda can also be used to remove stubborn odors from carpets. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with about 10 drops of lavender essential oil for a pleasant smell. Sprinkle the mixture onto the carpet and let it absorb the odors for at least an hour before vacuuming it up.
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Use oxidising products to break down fragrance residue
To get rid of strong plug-in fragrance smells, you can use oxidising products to break down fragrance residue. This method is particularly useful for painted surfaces. Here are some steps you can take:
Identify the Source of the Fragrance
Before attempting to remove the fragrance, it is important to identify the source of the smell. Plug-in air fresheners, wax burners, candles, and cleaning products are common sources of strong fragrances. Identify the specific source to better understand the extent of the problem.
Ventilate the Area
Fragrance molecules can linger in the air and attach to various surfaces. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and dissipate the fragrance molecules. This is a crucial first step before proceeding with other methods.
Use Oxidising Products
To break down fragrance residue, you can use oxidising products such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorine dioxide. Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to create a powerful cleaning solution. You can also add a small amount of unscented dish soap to this mixture. Apply it to the affected surfaces, such as walls, and then rinse and dry them. Repeat the process if necessary.
Alternatively, you can use a product like TSP (trisodium phosphate), which is a powerful cleaner and degreaser. TSP is effective in removing fragrance residues, but it may damage certain surfaces, so be sure to research how to use it safely. Apply TSP in high concentrations, mixing one part TSP with three parts water. Go over the affected area twice, then rinse with water. Keep in mind that TSP can mar and discolour paint, so you may need to repaint the surface afterward.
Enhance with Citrus Oils
Citrus oils, such as grapefruit, orange, or lemon, are natural degreasers and can help remove oil-based chemicals. Combine these oils with TSP or use them in a vinegar/water solution to wipe down walls. Citrus oils will not leave a strong scent behind and can help cut through grease and fragrance residue.
Consider Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
If the fragrance residue is persistent, you can use specialised equipment such as Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) machines or ozone generators. These machines produce hydroxyl radicals and ozone molecules that can effectively break down fragrance molecules. Move the machines close to the affected surfaces, as the molecules have limited travel distance.
Remember to always test products in a small area first to ensure they do not damage the surfaces. By following these steps and using oxidising products, you can effectively break down fragrance residue and eliminate strong plug-in fragrance smells.
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