# Do air freshener gels actually do anything? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 26, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194 "2024-12-26T15:45:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/1 "2024-12-26T15:45:55Z")
I mean [THESE](https://www.shopatdean.com/cdn/shop/files/renuzit-1980003667-raspberry-solid-adjustables-air-freshener-170379.jpg?v=1730577917&width=1800) stupid things. Mrs. Beitz insists on having them in all three of our bathrooms (not in the weird piss closet in the garage, though). I know they’re only a buck but I don’t detect them doing a darn thing. Unless you hold them right up to your schnoz you detect nothing. Show me some scientific proof they control odor. I prefer to bomb the room with spray after I’ve done my business. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/2 "2024-12-26T15:52:11Z")
According to an [old Straight Dope column](https://www.straightdope.com/21341351/do-air-fresheners-work-by-numbing-out-your-nose), some air fresheners use nasal anesthetic. In other words it works by numbing your nose, not eliminating the bad smells. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/3 "2024-12-26T16:09:54Z")
Yes, I remember that. But I still doubt these things work, if they’re even using that technology today. Plus, at the end of the month they look hideous. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/4 "2024-12-26T17:04:44Z")
As mentioned they may have contents that reduce the ability to smell odors, or maybe sometimes to encapsulate the particles we smell (not sure that describes what happens). I assume they emit fragrances that will hide unwanted odors for others. I assume they don’t oxygen generators or the like to actual neutralize odor particulates in the air. I think those are the only means air fresheners use that aren’t moving the air in or out of a room. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/5 "2024-12-26T17:13:28Z")
Or maybe they just don’t do anything and they’re bullshit? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/6 "2024-12-26T17:18:02Z")
In that case you could return them and get your money back. Products sold must be capable of performing their intended function. Of course if they just emit some kind of additional masking odor you have no case. It’s much easier not to buy them in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/7 "2024-12-26T18:25:46Z")
They make money for the companies that produce and market them. That is no small thing and is something. Scented canles and oils make more sense to me. At least I can that they are having an effect. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/8 "2024-12-26T18:34:52Z")
If the goal is to eliminate odors after someone used the toilet, there are [sprays](https://www.pooph.com/) designed for that purpose, rather than [masking the odor with artificial stinks](https://www.renuzit.com/). Or just run the exhaust fan and open the door or window; the odor will dissipate shortly. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/9 "2024-12-26T19:18:31Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > [sprays](https://www.pooph.com/) _**[Aaugh!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-with-the-annoying-commercials/790089/3441)**_ :runs off: ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/10 "2024-12-26T20:01:27Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > they’re bullshit? I haven’t seen that particular aroma. It’s possible that your sense of smell isn’t as sensitive as your wife’s. If so, that would mean both that you don’t detect the subtle aromas they provide, and also that you don’t detect the subtle unpleasant odors that they cover up. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/11 "2024-12-26T23:22:19Z")
My experience is those things usually stink. Both Mrs Fluffy and myself are pretty sensitive to fragrances and nothing scented comes into our home. I hate those things, but they definitely emit a odor to me. A spray air freshener is going to be more effective in a bathroom as you dose the room when it is needed after an event, rather than relying on some continuous release. If there is no window or fan I still prefer to light a match it seems to work very well and doesn’t smell like a chemical flower. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/12 "2024-12-26T23:23:06Z")
They’re good at morphing into a shrunken hard mass. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/13 "2024-12-26T23:24:46Z")
Right? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/14 "2024-12-26T23:34:54Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > Or maybe they just don’t do anything and they’re bullshit? Mostly they just produce another smell to cover the “bad” smells. Some kill you sense of smell. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > If the goal is to eliminate odors after someone used the toilet, there are [sprays](https://www.pooph.com/) Which just kills your sense of smell. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2024, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/15 "2024-12-26T23:55:42Z")
My experience is that they simply add another odor to the room. We have a pine-scented deodorizer in the storage room at the library where I volunteer, and it’s a pleasant natural odor. Our director brought one in a while back that she said was the floral scent she used at home, and it was giving everyone else headaches and even permeated my sinus cavities, so she took it back home. I’ve never been to her house. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/16 "2024-12-27T00:00:23Z")
I HATE those things, they smell terrible. I prefer decent ventilation to freshen the air in a bathroom. But if your wife likes them, and you don’t notice any effect at all, and they are cheap, the obvious right answer is to use them. Neither the cost nor the effect bothers you, and she likes them. So using them is a clear win. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/17 "2024-12-28T15:42:39Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > But if your wife likes them, and you don’t notice any effect at all, and they are cheap, the obvious right answer is to use them. Neither the cost nor the effect bothers you, and she likes them. So using them is a clear win. But this isn’t about me winning or my marriage. It’s about whether those stupid things actually do anything except turn ugly. And I was sitting on the throne when I conceived this thread. The hideous clump of old gel next to me was my inspiration! 😄 ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/18 "2024-12-28T16:03:50Z")
Well, IMHO, they absolutely “do something” other than look ugly. They stink. And yes, they also look ugly. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/19 "2024-12-31T00:18:10Z")
Interesting bit: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/02/22/air-freshener-indoor-air-quality/](https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/02/22/air-freshener-indoor-air-quality/) Also the story with Febreze as the first odor eliminator was that no smell did not sell. People with cat smell houses that made others gag acclimated to it and did not smell it themselves. The perfume was required to convince them it was doing something. But, they probably are bad for us. Not just ugly ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194/20 "2024-12-31T00:24:00Z")
The Febreze story is told in [this New York Times Magazine story](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?unlocked_article_code=1.lk4.uutA.HoD0UZMN7SbZ&smid=url-share) (gift link). Personally, I _want_ to buy the unscented version of Febreze but I can’t really find it any longer. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194.md?page=2)