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Image: MomJunction Design Team
Make your home smell like a spa with the best plug-in air fresheners. These fresheners and deodorizers do not require much maintenance and are available in different fragrances. They can be used in any room in your home, and also cars–connect it to a power outlet and let it do its magic. This article has some tried-and-tested options that you can consider buying. Read on to pick the best scented plug-in air fresheners based on your preferences.
Top Picks
8 Best Plugin Air Fresheners
1. Best Essential Oil Infusion:Glade Plugins Refills Air Freshener
Image: Glade® 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 21,662 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
This electric air freshener has the authentic and soothing aromas of vanilla and lavender. Glade air freshener is an adjustable fragrance warmer that promises regular diffused fragrance for up to 50 days. With several positive reviews, you can use this plug-in anywhere in the house to make your space feel fresh and lovely. The air freshener is infused with essential oils and comes in a set of three refills.
Pros
- Designed for different spaces
- Adjustable for vertical and horizontal outlets
- Offers the convenience of customizing intensity
- Lasts long
Cons
- May not be ideal for a bigger space
"The cozy allure of this scent creates a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. It is strong enough for my sizable living room, though it fades faster than promised. I enjoy the subtle scent it emanates on the lower setting and find it great for regular use."
Quick fact2. Best Long-Lasting Freshness:Air Wick Pure Freshmatic Automatic Spray Starter Kit
Image: Airwick Air Wick promises an exciting aroma that combines white flowers and melon with subtle vanilla notes. This plug-in air freshener includes a diffuser, two refills, and two AA batteries and lasts long. Air Wick’s air freshener is designed to neutralize odors and refresh the spaces, infusing the advantages of natural essential oils. Take a look at this video about a reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Lasts up to 60 days on low settings
- Offers elevated and wide fragrance dispersion
- Elegant design to blend in with different decors
- Diffuser comes with three different settings
Cons
- May irritate the eyes
3. Best No-Mask Freshness:Febreze Plugin Air Freshener And Odor Eliminator
Image: Febreze Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 15,245 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
Febreze plug-in air freshener can remove odors instead of simply masking them and leaving a faint fresh smell. All you need to do is plug it into a power outlet and eliminate the unpleasant smell in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. This is the best electric air freshener for home use and can run for about 1200 hours on low settings.
Pros
- Comes with three refills
- Refills are compatible with different Febreze warmers
- Easy-to-use air freshener
- Compact design
- Has a pleasant smell
Cons
- May not be effective to deal with strong odors
"I love the variety of refreshing scents and prefer changing it depending on the season. It subtly freshens up the space even on the lowest setting. I appreciate the warmer's compatibility, and the indicator light is a useful addition. I'm pretty satisfied with this product."
Do rememberGlade Plugins Refills Air Freshener | Air Wick Pure Freshmatic Automatic Spray Starter Kit | Febreze Plugin Air Freshener And Odor Eliminator | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Multi | White | Cranberry |
| Dimensions | 1.99 x 6.1 x 5.75 inches | 3.19 x 8.44 x 7.75 inches | 2.12 x 8.3 x 6.51 inches |
| Weight | 4.23 Ounces | 1.7 Pounds | 2.72 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,662 | 17,464 | 15,245 |
| Price | $7.49 | $14.99 | $12.97 |
4. Best Ocean-Inspired Fragrance:Febreze Plug-In Ocean Scent Air Freshener
Image: Febreze The ocean-scented plug-in air freshener by Febreze comes in a combo pack that comprises two refills and one warmer. Each refill provides a pleasant fragrance for over 50 days. Featuring a scent that is a mix of water lily, hinoki, and ginger, this tried-and-tested freshener can combat strong odors without being overpowering to the senses.
Pros
- Low-level indicator light
- Built-in fade defy technology
- Compact and sleek design
- Long-lasting effect
Cons
- May not be suitable for larger rooms
- May leak if not plugged properly
"These plug-in air fresheners keep my home consistently fresh. They've been very easy to use, with adjustable settings and practical refill indicators. I like that the fragrance is not overwhelming. Overall, a good option."
5. Best Eco-Friendly Packaging:Botanica By Air Wick Plugin Scented Oil Starter Kit
Botanica Room Sprays contain natural essential oils to enhance the smell of your house. The instant aroma makes your home always exude a pleasant and fresh smell. Infused with lavender essential oil and honey blossoms, this is a set of two warmers and two plug-in refills, which are packed in a fully recyclable box. The lavender essential oil in this perfume is responsibly sourced from local farmers in southern France.
Pros
- Free from dyes and phthalates
- Completely natural
- Not tested on animals
- Offers aromatherapy benefits
- Lasts for up to 60 days on low setting
Cons
- Scent may be faint
"This plug-in diffuser has been a good addition to my home. It is effective throughout the house on a low setting, and the natural ingredients make it a healthier alternative to regular options. Long-lasting and adjustable, I also got it for my office space."
6. Best Aromatherapy Blend:Scent Fill Eucalyptus Spearmint Plug-In Air Freshener Starter Kit
Image: Scent Fill This earthy and refreshing air freshener by Scent Fill contains notes of cedarwood oil, eucalyptus, spearmint, citrus peel, pine, and camphor to make your home or office smell inviting and refreshing. As per reviews, the adjustable settings of the plug-in diffuser allow you to tweak the fragrance throw according to the size of the room. This air freshener starter kit includes a diffuser and two refills and makes an ideal housewarming gift.
Pros
- Infused with authentic essential oils
- Devoid of synthetic dyes
- Releases a minty fragrance
- Cruelty-free and non-toxic
Cons
- Device may get warm on prolonged usage
- May be not leakproof
"I am quite impressed with this plug-in air freshener, and it provides a strong fragrance that instantly lifts my mood. Though it lasted less than three weeks for me, the adjustable strength is a nice touch. It's definitely an option worth trying for a lovely aromatic experience."
7. Best Pet And Child-Friendly Option:Environscent Plug Hub Starter Kit
Image: Enviroscent Environscent plug-in air fresheners are ideal for those seeking liquid-free and spill-free odor-removing products. The rejuvenating fragrance comes enclosed in a pod that neatly fits into the plug-in warmer, making them suitable for homes with pets and children. This two-piece lemon leaf and thyme air freshener set include a compact plug-in pod warmer and a long-lasting refill pod that can freshen your space for a minimum of 45 days.
Pros
- Leakproof design
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Uses patented scent technology
- Not tested on animals
- Safe for pets
Cons
- May not be compatible with other diffusers
- May take time to show results
"I enjoy this freshener's natural scents, like lemon thyme and balsam fir. The non-toxic formula is a plus, but remember that the intensity can be a bit strong in smaller spaces. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you are a pet owner."
8. Best All-Room Versatility:Renuzit Snuggle Scented Oil Refill For Plugin Air Freshener
Image: Renuzit Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 2,795 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
This fragrance dispenser is one of the best plugin air fresheners featuring the aroma of white floral notes and can be used in any room in your house. The air freshener is infused with pure essential oils that promise a soothing scent.
Pros
- Lasts up to 90 days on low setting
- Offers long-lasting freshness
- Made of essential oils
- Makes a great choice for every room in the house
Cons
- May not fit with Air Wick warmers
Quick tipHow To Choose The Right Plugin Air Fresheners?
We have listed below essential features that you must keep in mind as you choose the best plug-in air fresheners and sprays.
- Scent: This is the essential feature to check. Always choose your favorite scent that soothes you, be it something floral or the smell of fresh laundry. If possible, choose one that has the aroma of natural essential oils.
- Longevity: You must consider buying air fresheners that last long. Air fresheners for houses that last more than 30 days are considered to be a good choice.
- Control settings: The best air fresheners have control settings that can help you set the diffuser according to the size of the room and the intensity of the fragrance.
Janna Robinson, an interior designer and lifestyle technology design expert, says, “I would suggest using plug-in fresheners for small spaces or single rooms. As these products are intended for short-term use and can often have irritants that may affect some people, always read the ingredients and fine print. If you are looking to diffuse scent to a larger space and for long-term use, a better option may be an electric fragrance or oil diffuser, which also gives control over the concentration and the time for releasing the fragrance.”
- Refills: Air fresheners that are refillable are always a better choice. You can fill them yourself, or you can purchase refills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do plugin air fresheners use a lot of electricity?
No, a plug-in air freshener uses a minimal amount of power–approximately four watts.
2. Are scented plugin fresheners a fire hazard?
Although a scented plugin freshener is not inherently a fire hazard, it can spark a fire if the wiring in the house is faulty.
3. Are plugin air fresheners safe?
While most brands have done away with toxic chemicals in the fresheners, some continue using them. Thus, ensure the air freshener you purchase is free of phthalates, formaldehyde, and naphthalene.
4. Can automatic air fresheners cause breathing problems?
Some people may experience breathing problems or allergic reactions when exposed to the chemicals in automatic air fresheners, especially if used for extended periods in a confined space.
5. How often should I use plugin air fresheners?
You may use plugin air fresheners to eliminate foul odor or freshen up your home, car, or any space. However, it is recommended that you do not leave them plugged in for more than two hours at a time.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, our in-house writer and reviewer of household products, has created this list of the best plugin air fresheners that can make any place smell heavenly. He has scoured through multiple websites and forums to recommend high-quality, durable products for you. The pros and cons of each air freshener has been taken from user reviews to give you an unbiased opinion. Wedetso has also included some practical tips and a buying guide to make this article handy for you.
The Bottom Line
When your room has a peculiar odor, a good-quality plug-in air freshener can make all the difference. The best thing about plug-in air fresheners is that you can use them at your convenience and expect them to transform your room to be fragrant in no time. For small spaces, we suggest the Glade Plugins Refills Air Freshener with an adjustable fragrance feature. They are long-lasting and infused with essential oils. You can also try the Air Wick Pure Freshmatic Spray Starter Kit, which features an elegant design and offers wide fragrance dispersion. These air fresheners also feature controls that let you optimize the strength of the fragrance. When you choose an air freshener with your favorite scent and one that lasts long, your time in your space will be a lot more pleasant.
Infographic: How To Use Plug-In Air Fresheners Safely?
Plug-in air fresheners offer easy installation and adjustable settings, creating a welcoming and pleasant ambiance. However, you need to use them in a prescribed manner to prevent the risk of electrical hazards. Check out the following infographic to learn how to use plug-in air fresheners safely.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Vanilla
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/vanilla - Environmental Health & Safety, Air Fresheners and Indoor Air Quality
https://ehs.umass.edu/air-fresheners-and-indoor-air-quality - Kandhasamy Sowndhararajan et al.; (2016); Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198031/
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