How do odor eliminators like Fabreze work? Do they work?

[janeslogin]

How do odor eliminators like Fabreze work? Do they work? How long?

[GrandWino]

Need answer fast?

I don’t know how they work but I find it to be very effective in eliminating, not just covering, odors. A spray or two into an old pair of sneakers will do wonders.

[hajario]

According to Wikipedia,

The active ingredient in Febreze is Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin or HPβCD. Procter & Gamble claims that these molecules bind hydrocarbons within the doughnut shape, retaining malodorous molecules, which reduces their release into the air and thus the perception of their scent.

[Chefguy]

@hajario

According to Wikipedia,

In other words, it masks the odor just like any other deodorizer, until it dissipates.

[Chimera]

From a Toxicology report;

“HP-beta-CD has been shown to be well tolerated in humans, with the main adverse event being diarrhoea and there have been no adverse events on kidney function, documented to date.”

[ptr2void]

the main adverse event being diarrhoea

Well at least the smell will be covered!

[Sahirrnee]

@Chimera

From a Toxicology report;

“HP-beta-CD has been shown to be well tolerated in humans, with the main adverse event being diarrhoea and there have been no adverse events on kidney function, documented to date.”

So the stuff that eliminates odors can cause more odors, which causes you to need more stuff to eliminate the odors, which causes more odors?

[Mangetout]

@Chefguy

In other words, it masks the odor just like any other deodorizer, until it dissipates.

I wouldn’t describe that as ‘just masking’ - *masking *a smell consists of providing a stronger stimulus (such as a strong floral aroma) to overwhelm the sense of smell - so the original aroma is still there.

Chemically binding an aroma so that it is no longer volatile, is not the same thing as masking it.

[running_coach]

@sahirrnee

So the stuff that eliminates odors can cause more odors, which causes you to need more stuff to eliminate the odors, which causes more odors?

It’s odors all the way down.

[johnpost]

i wouldn’t necessarily say the odor is no longer volatile, though that may be true because its association with the destinker molecule.

the odor molecule can no longer trigger a nerve sensation because of its association with the destinker molecule.

[Mangetout]

@johnpost

i wouldn’t necessarily say the odor is no longer volatile, though that may be true because its association with the destinker molecule.

That is what hajaro’s cite claims.

[Greg_Charles]

Cecil answered this question, but 32 years ago (!), so it might be a bit out of date.

[johnpost]

@johnpost

i wouldn’t necessarily say the odor is no longer volatile, though that may be true because its association with the destinker molecule.

the odor molecule can no longer trigger a nerve sensation because of its association with the destinker molecule.

@Mangetout

That is what hajaro’s cite claims.

i was responding to your statement about it no longer being volatile. it could still be as volatile but be sterically hindered.

[Mangetout]

@johnpost

i was responding to your statement about it no longer being volatile. it could still be as volatile but be sterically hindered.

My statement about it no longer being volatile was in reference to the Wikipedia citation saying so.

But sure, there are other ways to tackle a bad smell, including what you said.

Also - not yet mentioned, but a technique utilised by some air fresheners; leave the odour molecules completely alone and just chemically disable the human sense of smell.

[Greg_Charles]

@Mangetout

Also - not yet mentioned, but a technique utilised by some air fresheners; leave the odour molecules completely alone and just chemically disable the human sense of smell.

It was mentioned, and in fact was the focus of Cecil’s article, which I linked to.

[Mangetout]

Fair enough - didn’t check out that link before posting #14.