How do odor absorbing gels work

Electronic: These air purifiers use a fan to suck air through filters and return the air to the room free of odors. Electronic odor eliminators are simple to set up and require minimal maintenance, but one will add a bit to your electric bill and might not be as effective in large rooms.

Ingredients: Popular odor-eliminating ingredients include activated charcoal, natural enzymes, and extracts like lime, pine, and cedarwood. Each works in a slightly different way. For example, activated charcoal absorbs odors from the air, while enzymes break down the organic compounds that cause the odor in the first place.

Some work better than others on certain types of odors. Choose one that you enjoy because you could be smelling it frequently. Ease of use: All odor eliminators are pretty easy to use, but some require more effort on your part.

Sprays, for example, might have to be reapplied periodically. Electronic air purifiers are the most expensive. This is part one of a three-part article about odor control jars. People notice a bad smell. As a result, in many facilities, people may walk right by inconspicuous little containers filled with marble-sized gel beads.

People may not even notice that where once there was an odor, now there is not. Gel-bead odor control jars were previously viewed by many in the cleaning industry as retail items.

Some do not work, causing the foul smell to linger, while others will neutralize the odor but create another problem; leaving behind a strong and irritating scent. This is what odor absorbing gel promises. The gels are impregnated with a pleasing fragrance, which is slowly released into the air.

Over time, the fragrance molecules outnumber those of the foul smell, thus leaving your home or facility smelling pleasant. As the fragrance is released, the gel continues to evaporate. Odor neutralizing gels are usually made from natural ingredients, with the smell control agents being water, essential oils extracted from plants, and plant fragrances, for example, those extracted from flowers or fruits. Using odor absorbing gel is quite easy.

Although some odor eliminators contain ingredients that kill bacteria, others merely trap odors. If you want to be sure your odor eliminator or surface cleaner kills bacteria, look for cleaners with antimicrobial ingredients.

In this case, you should check the label of the product before using it to ensure that it can be used on your desired surfaces. This article was researched and written by Madeleine Burry , a freelance writer who has covered a variety of home topics for The Spruce. To make this list, she considered each pick's type, scent, and effectiveness, as well as insight from product testers and the American Chemical Society.

Facts About Formaldehyde. United States Environmental Protection Agency. US EPA ". Consumer Reports. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The 10 Best Odor Eliminators of For when you want to get rid of bad smells fast. By Madeleine Burry. Madeleine Burry. Madeleine Burry is a health and wellness writer for The Spruce. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as Women's Health, Livestrong.

She has been writing for over 5 years. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. These charcoal bags are one of the most self-sustaining odor eliminating options you can buy without spending a lot.

Best Gel:. This natural product absorbs and neutralizes even the foulest of odors, all without synthetic perfumes or phthalates. Best for Smoke:. A little bit goes a long way with this spray, which works well in cars, on carpets, and in the home. Best Air Purifier:. This air purifier includes three different filters that combat smoke, mold, and other odors plus allergens and dust. Best for Pet Odor:. It's a dual enzyme-powered stain and odor solution for when pets leave their mark—and it's pet-safe, too.