Why You Should Avoid Using Air Fresheners

April 27, 2025, 12:40 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

A fresh scent in your home sounds enticing. However, reaching for the spray bottle to combat unpleasant odors could harm your health. myHOMEBOOK explains why particularly sensitive individuals should be cautious and which alternatives truly help.

Air fresheners are meant to provide a pleasant scent but pose health risks. The Consumer Center NRW warns against their use — especially for people with allergies or respiratory conditions, who should avoid room sprays.

Air Fresheners Only Masks Odor — and Brings Risks

When organic waste or shoe racks smell unpleasant, many reach for air fresheners. However, according to the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia, this is not a good idea: These products do not eliminate the source of the odor but merely cover it up. It is advisable to avoid using them.

Moreover, many air fresheners pollute the air with chemical substances. Consumer advocates warn: Allergy sufferers and asthmatics should be particularly cautious. For sensitive individuals, the fragrances contained can trigger health issues such as breathing difficulties, coughing, watery eyes, and headaches.

Fresh Air Instead of Artificial Scents

Instead of perfuming the indoor air with air fresheners, the Consumer Center NRW advises regular ventilation and addressing the actual source of unpleasant odors — such as promptly disposing of organic waste. This not only helps against bad smells but also prevents mold growth.

Bad Odor Musty-Smelling Bed Linen in the Wardrobe? What You Can Do

Summer or winter clothes stored in the cellar usually also take on a musty smell - what can you do about it?

Not Just Ventilating Tips for Getting Rid of Musty Odors in the Cellar

Popular household remedy What You Can Use Coffee Grounds for in Your Home and Garden

Home Remedies for Bad Odors in the Shoe Rack

Unpleasant odors quickly develop in shoe cabinets. According to “Ökotest,” simple home remedies can help: Baking soda or lemon peels naturally neutralize odors. The freezer can also be useful, according to the report, to neutralize unpleasant smells in shoes. For long-term prevention, the Consumer Center NRW suggests placing “a bowl of baking soda” — it absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors sustainably.

With material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.