When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or consultation.

10 Best Plug-In Air Fresheners of 2024

Updated
Say goodbye to bad odors today.

A plug-in air freshener is an easy and effective solution to eliminating bad odors and refreshing your home. It’s less hassle than burning candles or spraying air freshener from a can. You can just plug them into the wall, choose your settings, sit back, and relax.

We’ll share the best plug-in air fresheners on the market so that you can find the right one for you. To conclude our list, we spent hours researching real customer reviews, dozens of products, and what the experts had to say. Plus, we applied our own experience with air fresheners, so you can trust our list of 10.

Our Top Picks

We independently assess, research, and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Febreze Plug Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener
Best Overall
Febreze Plug Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener
  • Carefully formulated ingredients
  • Traps odors, doesn't just mask them
  • 50-day lifespan
Product Image of the Everlasting Comfort Diffuser
Best for Office
Everlasting Comfort Diffuser
  • Hosts any essential oil
  • 13 hour diffuse time
  • BPA free and noiseless
Product Image of the Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer
Best Scent
Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer
  • Many scent options
  • Made with essential oils
  • Good for small & big rooms
Product Image of the Febreze Lavender Air Freshener
Best Odor-Eliminating Plug-In Air Freshener
Febreze Lavender Air Freshener
  • Cleans odors away properly
  • Compatible with all Febreze plug
  • Last up to 50 days
Product Image of the Renuzit Snuggle Oil Air Freshener
Best for Bedroom
Renuzit Snuggle Oil Air Freshener
  • Great for bedroom areas
  • Cozy laundry and floral scent
  • Made with essential oils
Product Image of the Air Wick Oil Starter Kit
Best Long-Lasting Plug-In Air Freshener
Air Wick Oil Starter Kit
  • Combined length of 360 days
  • Made with essential oils
  • Five fragrance settings
Product Image of the Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator
Best for Commercial Use
Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator
  • Removes odors without masking them
  • Cleans most odor types
  • 180-minute timer
Product Image of the Hamilton Beach TrueAir
Best Air Freshener for Smoke
Hamilton Beach TrueAir
  • Eliminates smoke smell
  • Traps and neutralizes odors
  • Lasts for up to three months
Product Image of the Glade PlugIns Car Air Freshener
Best for the Car
Glade PlugIns Car Air Freshener
  • Four adjustable fragrance settings
  • Infused with essential oils
  • Long lasting scent
Product Image of the Star Moon Fragrance Pluggable Wax Melt
Best for Bathroom
Star Moon Fragrance Pluggable Wax Melt
  • Doubles as night light
  • Flame-free design
  • Easy to clean

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of trust when evaluating the best plug-in air fresheners. Our professional team conducts thorough research, hands-on experience, and data analysis to provide an unbiased assessment of each product’s performance. We compare various air fresheners based on key decision-making factors such as effectiveness, scent variety, design, and safety. Our in-depth evaluation highlights what sets each product apart from its competitors, and we rank them based on criteria like longevity, user-friendliness, and eco-friendliness. With our findings and experience, you can confidently choose the ideal plug-in air freshener that meets your needs and preferences.



The Best Plug-In Air Fresheners of 2024

Hours of research from real customer reviews and expert advice have gone into our product reviews. With our expertise and experience, we bring you the best plug-in air freshener recommendations!

Febreze Plug Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener

Best Overall

Our first recommendation for a plug-in air freshener is the Febreze Plug Odor-Eliminating air freshener. Febreze carefully formulates its products without phthalates, formaldehyde, or flammable propellants.

This product doesn’t just mask odors. It eliminates them with its OdorClear Technology. Febreze uses cyclodextrin to trap odors and lock them away. Then the fragrance oils leave behind a light, fresh scent.

This is an excellent product for any room. It will keep the air fresh for up to 50 days on the lowest setting. Plus, it’s safe for homes with pets and children!

With this product, you can choose between low, medium, or high settings. The low setting is great for small spaces like bathrooms. For open living spaces, we recommend the high setting.

Please Note

This product is made with synthetic fragrances, not essential oils. Synthetic fragrances can irritate some people, causing headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, and more (1).

Pros

  • Carefully formulated ingredients made without phthalates.
  • Traps odors, doesn’t just mask them.
  • 50-day lifespan.
  • Three control settings: high, medium and low.
  • Indicator to let you know when it’s time to refill.
  • Compatible with many different scent options.

Cons

  • Made with synthetic fragrances.
  • The scent is very strong.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Yes
Scent Light, fresh scent made with synthetic fragrances
Length of Use Up to 50 days
Refillable Yes, in other scent options
Control Settings Three

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4 / 5
Scent Duration
4.5 / 5
Customizability
3.5 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

This product is an effective air freshener that adds a pleasant scent to any room in the house. Personally, I found that it works especially well in the kitchen and has a powerful aroma when set on high. Despite noticing some design flaws, such as the glass oil chambers not being fused together and thin plastic on top, the device still functions well and emits a strong scent. My daughter absolutely loves the fragrance and even wants one for her room. Although the smell might not be for everyone and the refills can be pricey, overall, these plug-in oil diffusers do a great job at freshening up a home.

Everlasting Comfort Diffuser for Essential Oils

Best for Office

When you need to spend long hours in the office, it’s important to stay focused. Many essential oils can help with that, which is why we recommend the Everlasting Comfort Diffuser as the best plug-in air freshener for offices.

If you choose this fantastic diffuser, we recommend lemon, black pepper, spearmint, or rosemary to help you concentrate on your work (2). This diffuser does not come with oils, but there are many great oil options available on the market.

The 400ml tank allows for up to 13 hours of aromatherapy. That’s about two full workdays on one refill!

It has four timer options: one, three, and six hours, or continuous use. It also has a lovely cool mist output. When mixed with essential oils, it’ll feel like you’re at your favorite spa — not your office desk.

Of course, if you have pets, make sure to use pet-friendly oils.

Pros

  • Hosts any essential oil.
  • 13 hours of diffuse time.
  • Four timer options: one, three, six-hour or continuous.
  • BPA-free and noiseless.
  • Seven color light options.
  • Automatically turns off when the tank is empty.

Cons

  • No cleaning kit included.
  • Not the most durable product; it might decrease in quality after a few months.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets It depends on the oils you use
Scent Any essential oil you choose
Length of Use Up to 13 hours per refill
Refillable Yes
Control Settings Four timer settings

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4.5 / 5
Scent Duration
4 / 5
Customizability
4.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently added this diffuser to my bedroom and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The high mist mode, combined with its 400ml capacity, allows for a stronger scent that lasts all night, making it perfect for aromatherapy and relaxation. The variety of timer settings, and the option to choose from 7 different lighting colors, adds a touch of personalization to the experience. However, it is essential to keep the instructions handy for proper setup and operation, as it can be a bit tricky at first.

Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer

Best Scent

We know that scent is important. That’s why the Glade PlugIns is a good pick; it comes in a vast range of scent options. The product also comes with two oils — but there are many more to choose from.

The refills come in eight options. These include cashmere woods, clean linen, vanilla passion fruit, and more.

So no matter your scent preference, we’re sure you’ll find something you like with this product. Plus, they’re infused with essential oils.

Of course, that means that not every option will be safe for pets! So do your research first, depending on whether you have a cat, dog, or bunny.

With the Glade PlugIn, you get a long-lasting fragrance in any room, even ones with high traffic. You can then adjust the fragrance depending on your needs and preference.

Pros

  • Many scent options, including clean linen and vanilla passion fruit.
  • Made with essential oils.
  • Good for small and big rooms.
  • Adjustable fragrance options to fit any room size.
  • 360-degree airflow for maximum coverage.

Cons

  • Quite a strong scent for small areas.
  • Roughly lasts for only two weeks.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Depends on the oils
Scent Eight scent options
Length of Use Up to 30 days
Refillable Yes, in many scent options
Control Settings Adjustable fragrance settings

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4.5 / 5
Scent Duration
3.5 / 5
Customizability
4 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm thrilled with the value of this product, as it comes with two plug-ins at a fantastic price. Although the scents are sold separately, I found it to be quite a bargain. The plug-ins also swivel, making them compatible with any outlet, which is a great feature. I have one in each of my three bathrooms and they effectively keep the air fresh and fragrant. I especially like the tranquil lavender & aloe scent, which has a clean and refreshing aroma. Additionally, these plug-ins are easy to use and adjustable in terms of fragrance intensity, making them a fantastic addition to my home.

Febreze Lavender Plug Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener

Best Odor-Eliminating Plug-In Air Freshener

When you plug in your air freshener, you want it to eliminate odors — not just mask them. There’s nothing more discouraging than turning your air freshener off only for the bad smells to return. That’s why we love the Febreze Mediterranean lavender odor-eliminating air freshener.

It cleans away odors properly. Then it leaves behind a relaxing lavender scent formulated with fragrance oils.

This is great for all odors: pets, kitchen, mudroom, and bathroom odors. Give your nose a break with this air freshener!

Also, good news. It’s compatible with all Febreze plug warmers! Just plug it into the wall, leave it on and let it do the work. It’ll alternate between dual chambers, giving you a consistent amount of freshness.

It also comes in other scent options. Bora Bora smells like a fresh, tropical island. Hawaiin Aloha smells like fruit and flowers.

Pros

  • Cleans odors away properly.
  • Compatible with all Febreze plug warmers.
  • Three unique scent options.
  • Last up to 50 days.
  • Safe to use around pets.

Cons

  • Made with fragrance oils, not essential oils.
  • Runs out quickly on the higher settings.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Yes
Scent Mediterranean Lavender, Bora Bora, or Hawaiin Aloha
Length of Use Up to 50 days
Refillable Yes, in many scent options
Control Settings Three

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4 / 5
Scent Duration
4.5 / 5
Customizability
3.5 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Definitely a fan of these Febreze plugin refills, especially the Mediterranean Lavender scent which creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere in my home. When I have guests over, they often compliment the pleasant aroma. However, I've experienced some leakage in the packaging, which could shorten the product's lifespan. While the scent is initially strong, it tends to fade more quickly than advertised, but it remains my favorite scent for my home.

Renuzit Snuggle Scented Oil Air Freshener

Best for Bedroom

The Renuzit Snuggle scented oil air freshener is our top pick for tackling bedroom odor. It has a cozy, snuggly scent which is perfect for relaxing and sleeping.

It smells like fresh, clean laundry with top notes of white florals. With five fragrance settings, you can choose how strong the scent is. It’s also made with essential oils, so you get health benefits and avoid harsh chemicals.

Just be careful around pets — do your research first!

What’s cool about this is that it’s a universal warmer. So you can use Air Wicks and Glade warmers with the Renuzit refills. But no need because this purchase comes with a warmer.

There are three other options if you’re not a fan of the linen escape scent. This includes lavender, tropical, and a super fresh original scent.

Pros

  • Great for bedroom areas.
  • Cozy laundry and floral scent.
  • Made with essential oils.
  • Works with Air Wicks and Glade warmers.
  • Lasts up to 90 days on the lowest setting.

Cons

  • Scent might be overpowering at first.
  • The scent isn’t as strong after a few days.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Depends on the oil and pet. Best to avoid.
Scent Fresh linen, made with essential oils
Length of Use Up to 90 days
Refillable Yes
Control Settings Five fragrance settings

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4 / 5
Scent Duration
4 / 5
Customizability
4 / 5
Safety
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

I'm impressed with the pleasant and clean scent this product provides, making my living room and dining area smell fantastic. However, be cautious when handling the oil, as it can be messy and sticks to your skin - I recommend using gloves or a towel. In my experience, the scent doesn't last as long as advertised, but it still makes a noticeable difference in my home's atmosphere.

Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oil Starter Kit

Best Long-Lasting Plug-In Air Freshener

Set and forget — that’s the best thing about plug-in air fresheners! But it’s even better when they last longer, so you don’t have to change them up often. Our pick for a long-lasting option is the Air Wick plug-in scented oil starter kit.

These air fresheners last up to 60 days per refill, meaning this kit gives you up to 360 days! This is on the low setting. But for nearly a whole year, you’ll have a fresh and scented home before buying new refills.

Keep this product in any room of the house. Depending on the size of the room, you can adjust the fragrance settings in five different ways.

Finally, this starter kit from Air Wick has 50 percent less plastic than their other packs. The box is also recyclable.

Pros

  • Combined length of 360 days.
  • Made with essential oils.
  • Five fragrance settings.
  • Great fragrance dispersion with 360-degree airflow.
  • Refills are compatible with all Air Wick oil devices.
  • Eight fragrance options available.

Cons

  • Not safe around pets.
  • The lavender element isn’t that strong.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets No
Scent Lavender, chamomile, and woods
Length of Use Up to 270 days
Refillable Yes, in many scent options
Control Settings Five fragrance settings

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4.5 / 5
Scent Duration
5 / 5
Customizability
4 / 5
Safety
2 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

This product truly brings a breath of fresh air to any home. I absolutely love the long-lasting and pleasant aroma it provides without being overpowering. As someone who appreciates a great smelling house, I found that these products deliver just the right amount of fragrance. They are not only surprisingly convenient but also a fantastic alternative to my usual water vaporizer scent oil setup. My home consistently has an inviting and delightful aroma, making me eager to purchase these again in the future. Give them a try, and you'll surely enjoy a fresh and fragrant living space.

Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator

Best for Commercial Use

If you work in a hotel, run a small business, or are looking for something to bring to work, try the Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator.

This air freshener also works as an air purifier. Ultimately, it eliminates most bad odors. Whether odors from cigarettes, pets, paint, dust, water damage, or cooking — this product can eliminate them. It then leaves you with fresh air so you can breathe happily again.

The reason for this is that ozone generators remove odors by producing large and concentrated amounts of O3 (ozone), according to the Enerzen manufacturer. This breaks down odor compounds in the air.

Once the device has been turned off, the O3 quickly converts back into O2, so it’s totally safe. This only takes 30 minutes. But it must be done in an unoccupied room.

Thankfully, there is a timer of 180 minutes, so you can set it for how long you’ll be out of a room.

Take Note

this product needs to be used in unoccupied spaces. It’s great for freshening the air in hotel rooms once guests are gone or in chef kitchens after hours.
Read This Next
Man sitting on sofa beside an air purifierExamining the Best Air Purifiers With Permanent Washable Filters

Pros

  • Cleans odors without masking them.
  • Cleans most odors types.
  • Cleans odors out of walls, air, and fabrics.
  • 180-minute timer so you can be back in the room ASAP.
  • Works in rooms as big as 2,000 square feet.

Cons

  • You have to use it in an unoccupied room.
  • Might leave behind a strong chemical scent that is hard to eradicate.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Don’t leave them in a room with this
Scent None
Length of Use 180 minutes
Refillable Washable stainless steel filter
Control Settings Yes, timer settings

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
3 / 5
Scent Duration
4 / 5
Customizability
3 / 5
Safety
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I've been using the Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator for a while now, and I must say it has been effective in eliminating various types of odors in my space. This product not only freshens the air, but also functions as an air purifier, offering a clean and pleasant environment. However, it's important to note that it must be used in unoccupied rooms and has a 180-minute timer for safety purposes. While it effectively cleans odors from walls, air, and fabrics, it may leave behind a strong chemical scent for some users.

Hamilton Beach TrueAir

Best Air Freshener for Smoke

To eliminate smoke smells, you need something stronger than just essential oils. The Hamilton Beach TrueAir can help remove smoke odors. It traps and eliminates the odors — so even after you turn this off, the stench will be gone.

The replaceable carbon filter quietly and subtly filters out unwanted air in your home. So you can return to having fresh, clean air in no time.

When it’s time to change the filter — typically every three months — the device will tell you. The replacement indicator will light up.

This air freshener is great for kitchens, dining rooms, family rooms, and hallways because it eliminates pet, bathroom, and trash odors. You can keep it in other rooms, of course.

Pros

  • Great for eliminating smoke smells.
  • Traps and neutralizes odors.
  • Lasts for up to three months.
  • Eradicates odors in a minute.
  • Works super quietly.
  • Compatibel with TrueAir scent cartridges.

Cons

  • Higher price point than other options.
  • It does make a little white noise.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Yes
Scent None
Length of Use Up to three months
Refillable Replaceable filter cartridge
Control Settings No

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4 / 5
Scent Duration
4 / 5
Customizability
2 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5
You Might Also Like
An air purifier for smokeLiving with a Smoker? Discover the Best Air Purifiers for Smoke

First-Hand Impression

This purifier has been a great addition to our home, helping to eliminate unpleasant odors from our daughter's guinea pig cage and our cats' litter box. We placed the unit strategically, and within minutes, the air smelled clear and odorless. The purifier does produce a low fan noise, but it isn't bothersome and actually provides a soothing white noise. On the downside, the included scent pack has an overpowering and unpleasant smell, so we chose not to use it. I also wish there was a timer or scheduling feature for added convenience.

Glade PlugIns Car Air Freshener

Best for the Car

Don’t worry; we’ve not forgotten about your car! Vehicles can be smelly places, with all the fumes from traffic or picking up your kids after soccer practice. Or the dog smell after their walks. That’s where the Glade air freshener comes in handy!

This air freshener has four adjustable fragrance settings. Just place the Glade fragrance into the warmer, choose your desired scent setting, and plug it into your car jack. A bright light will tell you that the unit is functioning that dims over time, indicating the need for replacement, usually after 60 days of usage.

If you use essential oils, you’ll freshen the air. But even without them, this device still refreshes and moisturizes your air quality, since it’s infused with essential oils, giving you a more peaceful driving experience.

Pros

  • Four adjustable fragrance settings.
  • Infused with essential oils.
  • Long-lasting scent.
  • Improves your daily commute.
  • Four scent options, including new car or Hawaiin breeze.

Cons

  • Can only be used when the car is turned on.
  • Customers have issues letting the refill sit properly in the warmer.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Not specified
Scent New car, Hawaiian breeze, Aqua Exhilaration, and blue odyssey
Length of Use 60 days
Refillable Yes
Control Settings Yes

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4 / 5
Scent Duration
4 / 5
Customizability
3.5 / 5
Safety
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

User Experience

After trying out this product, I found that it does last longer than most car fresheners, needing a replacement only once every 6 weeks or so. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering, making it enjoyable for both me and my passengers. However, I did notice that it needs to be placed in a very specific way to work, which can be a bit tricky. While it wasn't as fragrant as I expected, its longevity made up for it, lasting over a month with just the first fill.

Star Moon Plug-In Fragrance Oil Wax Melt

Best for Bathroom

Let’s face it — the bathroom can be one of the stinkiest rooms in the house. It’s a good idea to freshen it up with a plug-in air freshener.

The Star Moon Plug-In Wax Melt unit takes a wax melt, which can be purchased on Amazon or a local candle store! Just pop it into the device and see it quickly melt. The lovely aroma will spread through your bathroom, covering up any bad smells.

It also functions as a night light, so if you have midnight trips to the bathroom, you don’t have to strain your eyes in the dark. Plus, it’s very aesthetic and good decoration.

This is a flame-free alternative to candles. While it does use 15 watts of energy, and therefore more than your average air freshener, it’s safe to use around kids.

Caution

Just be careful kids don’t knock it in case hot wax spills out.

Pros

  • Can use any scented or unscented wax melts.
  • Decorative and acts as a night light.
  • Flame-free design.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Doubles as a night light.

Cons

  • Uses 15 watts of energy.
  • Light bulb prone to failing.

Product Specs

Safe for Pets Depends on the oils in the wax melts
Scent Your choice! You can use fragrance oils or essential oils
Length of Use Until the wax has melted
Refillable Yes, add new melt whenever
Control Settings None

Our Ratings

Scent Quality
4 / 5
Scent Duration
4 / 5
Customizability
5 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

This product is well-made and effectively keeps the entire upstairs smelling fresh, even helping with catbox odors. The plug rotates 360 degrees for easy installation, and it provides a pleasant ambiance at night with its soft light. However, the wax melting bowl is a bit shallow, so be cautious not to bump into it and cause a wax mess.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Safe for Pets Length of Use Refillable/Replaceable
Febreze Plug Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener Overall Yes 50 days Yes
Everlasting Comfort Diffuser For Office Depends on oil 13 hours Yes
Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Warmer Scent Depends on oil 30 days Yes
Febreze Lavender Air Freshener Odor-Eliminating Plug-In Air Freshener Yes 50 days Yes
Renuzit Snuggle Oil Air Freshener For Bedroom Depends on oil 90 days Yes
Air Wick Oil Starter Kit Long-Lasting Plug-In Air Freshener No 360 days Yes
Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator For Commercial Use Not with them in the room 180 min Yes
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Freshener for Smoke Yes 3 months Yes
Glade Car Air Freshener For the Car Not specified 60 days Yes
Star Moon Fragrance Oil Wax Melt For Bathroom Depends on oil Until wax melts Yes

How to Choose the Best Plug-In Air Fresheners

No two plugin air fresheners are the same — so there are important details to consider. This will help you choose the best and safest one for you and your family.

Pet Safety

One of the most important things to consider is whether you have pets. Many air fresheners are used with essential oils, which can be toxic to pets (3). Even if you’re not rubbing it onto your pet’s skin, essential oils in the air can still be dangerous.

Some oils toxic to cats include citrus, pine, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, tea tree, and lavender (4).

Oils toxic to dogs include wintergreen, citrus, ylang-ylang, pine, pennyroyal, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), cinnamon, and peppermint (5).

We’ll let you know whether each air freshener is safe for your fur babies.

Keep

There are more essential oils that are toxic to pets. Always do your research on an oil before using it in a home you share with your pet!

Scent

It’s important to think about the scent in general. Is it something you’ll enjoy? Will it be refreshing in the house? Is it made with essential oils?

We always recommend essential oils over synthetic oils. They’re natural and have many health benefits, such as stress relief or support for your immune system.

Similar Articles
A hand of a person making homemade air freshener at tableEnhancing Your Home's Scent with Homemade Air Fresheners

Length of Freshener

It’s best if the plug-in air freshener lasts a long time. If it only lasts a few days, you’ll be changing it constantly. We recommend looking for one that lasts at least 30 days to get a good month out of your freshener!

Refillable

If a plug-in air freshener is refillable, that’s a good choice! You can learn to refill it yourself or buy refills. This saves you money and waste.

Control Settings

Lastly, look at the control settings. We recommend using higher settings for bigger rooms so that the scent can distribute evenly. But if you want the air freshener to last longer, keep it on the lowest setting.


FAQs

Do Plug-In Air Fresheners Use a Lot of Electricity?

They don’t use a lot of energy compared to bigger appliances. Plus, they are reusable, so you aren’t wasting aerosol cans. But also, many use sensors that save energy when you’re away or in a different room (6).

On the other hand, if you’re looking to save energy, cutting out plug-in air fresheners is fair. A popular plug-in air freshener made by Glade uses 2.1 watts of energy.

A more eco-friendly option is to use an essential oil candle — or just don’t run your air freshener 24/7.

Are Plug-In Air Fresheners Safe To Leave On?

If you buy from a reputable company and not a knock-off, then yes, they are safe to leave on.

However, plug-in air fresheners might not be safe for you if you have asthma or allergies because many are made using chemicals. Most include a chemical called naphthalene, which can be hazardous to health (7).

Are Air Wick and Glade Plugins Interchangeable?

Nope! These two products are designed uniquely, and their parts don’t fit together. Some customers jam the refill bit into the opposing brand’s body — but it doesn’t fit perfectly. So this could cause spills.

Are Scented Plug-Ins a Fire Hazard?

Most electrical products pose a fire hazard. While plug-in air fresheners are generally safe to use, even some manufacturers, like Air Wick, state on their website that there is a fire hazard with their products.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions when starting with a plug-in air freshener. Also, make sure not to plug in anything above an air freshener.

Why Can’t I Smell My Plug-in?

The reason why you can’t smell your plug-in is because it may be reacting with oil residue from your old plug-in air freshener. Cleaning the oil warmer removes ghost residues and allows the new fragrance to freshen the air.

Can Plug-In Air Fresheners Cause Sinus Problems?

Plug-in air fresheners can cause sinus problems because they contain chemicals that can irritate nasal passages and your respiratory tract.


Live In Fresh Air

With the best plug-in air fresheners, you can get clean, fresh air without doing hard work. Just plug them into the appropriate outlet and then forget about them. Be sure to follow any safety advice from the manufacturer.

Lastly, always think about your pet’s safety if you have animals. Besides that, it’s important to consider the scent, length of use, control settings, and whether the item is refillable. When in doubt, our best overall pick is the Febreze Plug Odor-Eliminating Air Freshener which is safe for pets and lasts up to 50 days!

Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?
Headshot of Beth McCallum

About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!