Seamus Hammond
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to a room, but its potent smell can be difficult to remove. The scent can linger long after the smoke is gone, and incense smoke can permeate walls, curtains, and furniture. There are several methods to remove the smell of incense, including using an ozone generator, sealing the smell with paint, and using natural odour absorbers like baking soda, charcoal, and fresh air.
Techniques to remove incense smell
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash walls with white vinegar | Removes incense smell from walls |
| Airing out the place | Open windows and fans to reduce the smell |
| Paint walls | Seal in the smell by painting walls |
| Ozone generator | Destroys the odour |
| Baking soda | Absorbs the odour |
| Charcoal | Absorbs the odour |
| Incense sticks | Neutralises the incense smell |
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What You'll Learn
Use an ozone machine or generator
Using an ozone machine or generator can be an effective way to remove the smell of incense. Ozone machines produce ozone gas (O3) to break down and neutralize odours, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne contaminants.
However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, while ozone machines can be effective for removing certain types of odours, they are not a catch-all solution. For example, pet urine contains urea, which will not oxidize, so an ozone generator may not be effective for removing this type of odour. It is important to identify the source of the odour and understand whether an ozone generator is likely to be effective for that specific situation.
Additionally, ozone generators should be used with caution as they can pose health risks. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that ozone concentrations would need to greatly exceed health standards to effectively remove most indoor air contaminants. As a result, it may not be safe to use an ozone generator in an indoor space. Even with proper ventilation, there is a risk of excessive ozone exposure. Therefore, it is recommended to remove people, plants, and pets from the room before turning on an ozone generator.
Furthermore, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ozone generators are ineffective at cleaning indoor air and can be hazardous to human and animal health. Ozone has been found to react with chemicals in the air to create additional toxic pollutants, such as formaldehyde and ultrafine particles. It can also deaden one's sense of smell, making it more difficult to detect high and unsafe levels of ozone.
Ozone generators should be sized appropriately for the space in which they are used to avoid excessive ozone exposure. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the control settings to the size of the room. However, it is worth noting that some manufacturers' recommendations may not be precise enough to guarantee that ozone concentrations will stay within public health limits.
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Seal the smell with paint
Painting is a great way to seal in the smell of incense, especially if the scent has "soaked in" to surfaces like walls and ceilings. It is important to note that simply repainting with regular paint might not be enough to cover the smell, and the use of a high-quality primer is often recommended. Products like BIN or oil-based primers such as Kilz and Killz are suggested as effective odour sealants. Two coats of primer are usually required to cover the smell, and it is important to let the primer dry completely between coats. After priming, you can apply your chosen paint colour as usual.
In addition to using primer and paint, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure the incense smell is fully sealed away. Firstly, ensure the room is well-ventilated before, during, and after painting. Open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a cross-breeze, and use a fan to help circulate the air and push the smell out. You can also try placing bowls of baking soda around the room to absorb any lingering odours. If the incense smell has permeated fabrics such as curtains, couch covers, or clothing, these items should be washed or hung outside to air out. For items that cannot be washed, such as mattresses or large rugs, try sprinkling them with baking soda, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming it up.
Another trick to consider is using a specific type of paint for ceilings, especially if you are dealing with a popcorn ceiling. Repainting the ceiling with ultra-white high-gloss paint can not only help cover the incense smell but also make the room brighter and easier to clean.
Finally, if you are particularly sensitive to scents, it may be a good idea to wear a mask while priming and painting to avoid any irritation from the strong odours of the paint and primer. It is also recommended to leave the room while the paint dries to avoid inhaling any fumes.
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Neutralise with incense sticks
Incense sticks are a great way to neutralise unwanted odours and introduce a pleasant aroma. However, they can sometimes leave behind an overpowering smell. To prevent this, put out the incense stick before the stick is fully burned. This will prevent any additional odours from forming.
If the incense has left behind an unpleasant smell, try using a different type of incense stick. For a more subtle fragrance, opt for small cones with fewer ingredients, such as sandalwood. If you're looking for a stronger scent, choose larger cones with multiple ingredients, like frankincense or myrrh.
If you're looking to neutralise the smell of incense, try using incense sticks with a fresh and light fragrance. Incense sticks with scents like lemon, orange, or lavender can help to neutralise the air and leave behind a pleasant aroma.
To enhance the effects of incense sticks, improve the airflow in the room. Open windows and use fans to ventilate the space. This will help to circulate the fragrance and prevent the smell from becoming too overpowering.
Additionally, you can try using incense sticks in combination with other odour-neutralising methods. For example, set out bowls of baking soda or a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar to absorb any lingering scents.
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Absorb the odour with baking soda
Baking soda is a well-known natural odour absorber. It is often used to eliminate unwanted smells from fridges and freezers, but it can also be used to absorb the scent of incense.
To use this method, place the item that smells of incense in a confined space, such as a box or a room. Then, place a dish of baking soda inside and leave it to absorb the odour. The larger the space, the more baking soda you will need. If you are trying to remove the smell from a room, you may need to use a significant amount of baking soda and leave it to work for a long period. This method is supported by a user on Windstone Editions, who used it to remove the smell of incense from some of their collectibles.
If you are trying to remove the smell of incense from a room, you can also try placing charcoal in a paper bag and leaving it in the room. This method is also supported by a user on Windstone Editions, who claims that it worked for them, although they note that it is a slow process.
In addition to these methods, you can try to cover up the smell of incense by using scented candles, essential oils, or incense with a more pleasant aroma.
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Air out the incense smell
If you want to air out incense smells, the first thing to do is open windows and use fans to ventilate the space. This method may take some time, but it can be effective. You can also try placing bowls of white vinegar around the room, which will help to absorb the scent. If you have access to an ozone generator, this can be a good way to eliminate the smell, but be aware that you shouldn't breathe in the ozone, and it can damage latex rubber.
Another option is to use incense sticks that are designed to eliminate odours. These often contain essential oils and use patented clean-air technology to neutralise molecules that cause bad smells. They are typically eco-friendly and safe to use around children and pets. However, be aware that some users report that the scent of these incense sticks is not strong enough to cover up other odours, and they can also create a mess with their ashes.
If the incense smell is coming from furniture or walls, you may need to paint over the affected areas to seal in the smell. This can be an effective solution, but it may be necessary to repaint all painted surfaces to completely get rid of the scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Try using an ozone machine, which can be purchased from Amazon. Alternatively, you can try to neutralise the smell with incense sticks designed to eliminate odours.
You can try using a product called Ozium, or an ozone machine. You can also try to cover the smell with scented candles, essential oils, or incense.
Try placing the objects in a room with good ventilation, and use activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb the odour.
If you are a host, you can add a rule to prohibit the use of incense. If you are a guest, you can ask the host if they are comfortable with you burning incense.
