Which Types Of Air Fresheners Last Longest?

If you are tired of coming home to weird or off-putting odors (thanks, pets), installing an air freshener can help. Of course, you will want to pick a product that lasts for hours and is powerful enough to eliminate all types of odors, from mustiness to pet and bathroom smells. Are you on the hunt for the best long-term air freshener? Plug-in products (specifically air purifiers) tend to last the longest, though it can be helpful to know what all the different types are so you can make an informed decision.

In terms of a long-lasting air freshener, you can't go wrong with a plug-in freshener. Plug-ins provide a continuous stream of fragrance (until you need to change the cartridge, that is). Some operate for up to 50 days or more, and they generally come with multiple refills. If you want to enjoy an ongoing scent, this is the type of product to get.

There are several different kinds of plug-in air fresheners. In terms of longevity and convenience, though, air purifiers tend to win out over other types of plug-ins. A top-rated air purifier actually eliminates odors rather than just covering them up, thus improving the quality of the air around you. The highest-quality filters are called HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, and these usually last six months or more (depending on the brand) before you have to change them out.

There are several other types of plug-ins from which to choose, including wax warmers, essential oil diffusers, and heated oils and sprays. Heated oils and sprays feature cartridges that last between 30 and 60 days. Wax warmers are a good alternative to candles, which can present a safety hazard. They last for up to 10 hours. Essential oil diffusers are lovely, producing strong streams of scented mist, though they generally only last for a number of hours.

When choosing the right type of air freshener for you, aside from longevity, it is also important to consider design and appearance, placement and location, and whether you want natural or synthetic aromas. Also consider that some air fresheners only need to be changed a few times a year, while others, like essential oil diffusers, require you to change their water reservoir every day. So if you don't want to worry about changing out a filter or reservoir regularly, air purifiers and heated oils and sprays are best in this regard as well.