Home Fragrance
Fragrance has always been part of the ambiance of the home, but in the last few years there has been a significant increase in the number of options available for altering the fragrance of your living spaces. There are numerous options available; you'll definitely be able to find a scent delivery system that works for you!
One thing to keep in mind is your budet. You can get reasonably good products in any of the below categories for not much money, but you will often get a better quality product if you spend a little extra. A better quality product will have a higher concentration of fragrance in most cases, but might also mean an electric air freshener with a fan or a particularly ornate oil warmer. Candles and reed diffusers tend to be the most expensive. Incense can be cheap (as little as $2 for a few dozen sticks) but higher-quality incense will cost more.
Whichever form of air freshener or fragrance you choose, make sure you follow the directions. Aromatic compounds can be volatile around a heat source; make sure to take appropriate safety precautions to avoid burns and fire. Consider buying a small barbecue lighter  for scented candles; it's easier to light a mostly-used jar candle if you don't have to stick your hand all the way in with the match.
Certain scents can have powerful effects on the psyche. Aromatherapy is only just starting to be acknowledged by the medical establishment, but it has long been known that the smell of your home or room can change your mindset. Most people find citrus, basil and mint scents to be stimulating, while vanilla and lilac are usually found to be relaxing. Lavender is different things to different people, and can be either stimulating or relaxing. Jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli, amber, musk and rose are consider sensual and can put you and your partner in a romantic mood. The most important thing, however, is that you like it -- if you happen to find citrus comforting, you don't have to listen to sources that say to use it only in the morning. Experiment to find the fragrance dispersal method that suits your lifestyle, and have fun.
Scented Candles
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Scented candles are another way to add a touch of perfume to the air in your home. They offer a much wider selection of fragrances than incense and don't create a smokey atmosphere.
There are several materials on the market. - Paraffin is the most common candle base. It is colorless and odorless, making it a good base for scented candles.
- Beeswax and bayberry wax are sometimes used untreated because they emit light, pleasant fragrances of their own.
- Beeswax is also used as an alternative to paraffin in some candles.
- Soy wax and other odorless vegetable waxes have become more popular as a more natural alternative to paraffin.
One of the main drawbacks of scented candles is that they can't be left "on" 24/7 -- you should never leave lit candles unattended.
Before commiting to a giant (and often expensive) 120 hour candle, try the same fragrance in a small candle (either tea light or travel size). You might have to try several fragrances, but at least you won't be stuck with a whole lot of something you don't like. |
Incense
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Incense is one of the oldest home fragrancing methods known. There are a wide variety of incenses used. - Direct Burning
- This is the more widely available variety of incense -- sold by street vendors, head shops, and numerous other retailers.
- Available in coils, cones, solid stick and cored stick.
- To release the fragrance, you ignite the tip and blow it out. As the incense smolders, it gives off fragrant smoke.
- Popular varieties include patchouli, sandalwood, ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, and cedar.
- Look for incense matches. They light like matches, smoulder like incense, and don't last very long -- perfect for a short burst of fragrance.
- Indirect Burning
- This is the kind of incense used in, among other places, Catholic churches.
- Instead of being burnt directly, the incense is suspended above hot coals or embers.
- Sold whole (large unprocessed pieces of raw material), powdered/granulated or as a paste.
- Frankincense and myrhh are two better known types in this category.
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Electric Air Freshener
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Electric air fresheners have been around for a while and have consistently grown in popularity. Glade is one of the top manufacturers and has been since they started the trend with Plug-Ins in 1989. Method, Febreeze, and other companies have also developed air fresheners that plug into outlets.
Popular Products
Some newer products include fans to spread the fragrance througout the home instead of concentrating it in one area. |
Fragrance Oil Warmers
Reed Diffusers
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Reed diffusers use essential oils in a different way from all the above methods. - Capillary action draws the oil up the reeed into the air, where the fine layer of oil can evaporate.
- A bottle can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size of the bottle.
- A new trend, this concept is popping up all over the place and is a great, low-maintenance way to scent your home.
- Unlike other fragrance oil products, reed diffusers don't require a heat source -- so you never have to worry about it accidentally catching fire.
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Comparison
Still confused about what you want? This quick comparison might help you make up your mind.
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Incense - Shouldn't be left unattended.
- No matter which fragrance you choose, there will always be a smokey smell as well.
- Fragrance is long-lasting and fairly strong; if you burn a lot of incense, your home will retain the fragrance.
- Frequently inexpensive, although high-quality incense will cost more.
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Scented Candles - Shouldn't be left unattended.
- Almost unlimited array of fragrances available, but fragrance tends to fade when candle is out.
- Adds warm, flickering candlelight to decor.
- Some candles are attractive even when not burning.
- Many shapes, sizes, and colors to suit any decor.
- Can be expensive.
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Electric Air Fresheners - Plugs into outlet; can be left unattended, but make sure your brand hasn't had a recall.
- Variety of fragrances has expanded in recent years.
- Generally inexpensive; refill prices can add up.
- Can be overpowering in small spaces.
- Fragrance is maintained constantly, but fades when unplugged.
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Oil Warmers/Burners - Shouldn't be left unattended when the candle is burning; you can leave the oil in the bowl to lightly fragrance the room.
- Wide variety of home fragrances available as oils.
- You can easily combine fragrances for a customized blend.
- Fragrance lingers even when candle is out, since warm oils will continue to smell good.
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Reed Diffusers - Since there is no heat or electricity involved, can be left indefinitely with no supervision.
- Diffuses a fragrance lightly but continuously.
- A fairly new way of fragrancing the home; considered very trendy right now.
- As with oil warmers, you can combine oils to make your own scent.
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Other Options
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Air Sprays Some sprays mask odors; others, like Oust and Lysol, kill bacteria that cause bad odors. |
Linen Sprays Scent your sheets for a relaxing bedtime experience. |
Potpourri Put it in a bowl and turn it once in a while. You can also buy refreshing oils if you want to keep the same batch or make your own. |
Vacuum Fresheners Put them in your vacuum or on your carpet for a fragrant vacuuming experience. |
Popular Brands
Incense | Candles | Air Fresheners | Home Fragrance Oils |
External Links- iVillage.com -- some suggestions for deodorizing (not necessarily fragrancing) your home.
- CandleFind.com -- reviews of candles by brand and fragrance category.
- Wikipedia.org -- article about incense. The article on aromatherapy includes some suggested uses.
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