Some homes smell so strongly of plug-ins, candles or scented oils that it gives people a headache walking in. It’s common in homes that were just sold or rented, because heavy fragrance is an easy way to cover other smells. Here’s how to clear it out, and why it’s worth knowing what’s underneath.
Why Fragrance Smells Linger
Scented products leave an oily residue. Months or years of plug-ins, wax melts, reed diffusers, scented candles and sprays build up on walls, ceilings, carpet, curtains and the AC filter and ducts. Florida heat and humidity keep releasing that smell long after the products are gone.
If You Just Moved In: What Was It Covering?
Heavy fragrance during showings or at move-in isn’t always a red flag. But sellers and tenants sometimes use it to mask pet urine, cigarette smoke or a musty smell from moisture. Once the fragrance fades, pay attention to what’s left. See just moved in and the house smells.
How to Get Rid of Air Freshener Smell
- Remove every source. Check outlets behind furniture, closets, bathrooms, the garage and under sinks for plug-ins, wax warmers, diffusers and scent sachets.
- Change the AC filter and wipe the return grille and vents. Some homes have scent pads clipped right onto the vents or filter.
- Wash walls and hard surfaces with warm water and a mild degreasing cleaner, especially near where plug-ins and candles were.
- Wash or replace fabrics. Curtains, blinds, rugs and anything that hung near a diffuser hold the most scent.
- Deep-clean carpet with an unscented cleaner. Many carpet cleaners add fragrance, so ask for unscented. See how to get a smell out of carpet.
- Run the AC and give it time. Activated charcoal and open boxes of baking soda help absorb what’s left. Most people notice a big difference within a week or two.
What If a Different Smell Shows Up?
- Urine or pet smell: see how to remove pet odor from your whole house.
- Stale smoke: see cigarette smoke smell.
- Musty or earthy: that usually points to moisture. See musty smell in your house. We offer a free visual inspection with moisture readings and an infrared (thermal) camera. Lab testing is separate if it’s needed. Florida licenses: Mold Assessor MRSA4035, Mold Remediator MRSR4158.
When the Smell Is Through the Whole House
If fragrance, or the smell it was hiding, is still in the air after cleaning, our whole-home odor removal treatment treats the air throughout the entire home, including one AC system and an attached garage. You’ll be out for about 8 hours, pets included. It’s an odor treatment only. If there’s a moisture or mold problem, that gets fixed first. Smell something else? See our smell-by-smell guide.
Whole-Home Odor Removal in South Florida: $997
Our Whole-Home Odor Removal Treatment is $997 and includes one AC system ($550 for each additional AC unit). You can buy and schedule it online, or call 877-224-2532 to request a free visual inspection. We answer 24/7; when you call, we’ll tell you honestly when a technician can be there based on that day’s schedule. Hablamos español.
About the author: James Rice-Peña is the owner of FL Cleanup and a Florida-licensed Mold Assessor (MRSA4035) and Mold Remediator (MRSR4158). He has worked in property restoration in South Florida since 2012, and FL Cleanup has earned 200+ five-star Google reviews.
