Do you like the smell of fresh air? What about the smell of flowers or citrus fruits? If you do, then plug-in air fresheners may be a great solution for your home.
These little devices can make any room smell wonderful. But are they safe to leave plugged in?
Yes, plug-in air fresheners are generally safe to leave plugged in. The majority of plug-in air fresheners contain a small amount of essential oils that evaporate slowly over time and are not flammable.
This means they pose no fire risk when used as directed.
Read on to learn more about these home devices and how to use them safely so that your home stays safe while smelling fresh and pleasant.
Should You Turn Off Your Plug-In Air Freshener?
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Plug-in air fresheners are designed to be used continuously. This means that you don’t need to turn them off when you leave your home or go to bed.
It is best, however, to unplug the device before going on vacation or leave it unattended for an extended period of time.
It’s unlikely that anything particularly bad will happen with the device when you leave, but it will run out of scent quicker if you leave it on.
The reason that air fresheners are overall safe is because of their low wattage, which is usually between 5 and 15 watts.
This level of electricity is not enough to cause a fire, especially with the small amount of essential oils contained in these types of plug-in air fresheners.
Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so it may be beneficial to unplug your device when leaving home for an extended
Do Plug-In Air Fresheners Cause House Fires?
No, properly functioning air fresheners won’t be a fire hazard or cause a house fire. However, some faulty factors that could lead to fire include:
• Using plug-in air fresheners with higher wattages than intended.
• Cords that are worn, frayed, or otherwise damaged.
• Air fresheners placed too close to flammable materials like curtains or blankets.
If you use your device sensibly and pay attention to any signs of damage or malfunctioning, you can ensure that your plug-in air freshener is safe in your home.
How To Use Plug-In Air Fresheners Safely
Here are some tips to help you use plug-in air fresheners safely:
1. Buy High-Quality Plug-In Air Fresheners
Make sure that you’re only buying high-quality plug-in air fresheners from reputable brands. This will help ensure that your device has all the safety features necessary to use it safely and without any risk of fire.
Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and safety of a product. If many people have overheating or safety issues, then it’s better to steer clear of that brand.
2. Use Outlets that Are Not Near Flammable Materials
Make sure to place your plug-in air freshener in an outlet that isn’t near curtains, furniture, or other materials that can catch fire. Even though the device is safe, it’s still better to be on the cautious side and avoid any potential risks.
3. Always Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always read the instructions from the manufacturer to make sure you are using the device correctly and safely.
This will help ensure that your plug-in air freshener is used as intended and that it won’t malfunction or cause any issues.
Feel free to reach out to the manufacturer and ask any questions you may have about their product to make sure you’re using it correctly.
4. Inspect or Replace Air Fresheners Every 6 Months
It can be easy to forget about air fresheners since they’re low-profile and out of sight.
However, it’s important to inspect and replace your plug-in air fresheners every 6 months to make sure there are no broken parts or other signs of malfunctioning.
5. Keep Functional Fire Detectors in Each Room of Your Home
Finally, make sure to always have functional fire detectors in each room of your home. This will help alert you if there are any issues with the device or a risk of fire so that you can act quickly and safely.
Having a smoke alarm in each room is one of the best ways to ensure your home is safe and secure. This way, you can have a warning sign if there’s ever a risk of fire from the air freshener.
6. Use the Plug-Ins Sparingly
You’re going to have a greater risk of fire if you leave the plug-in air freshener plugged in for an extended period of time. Try to use your device sparingly and only when necessary to help reduce potential risks.
If you’re planning on leaving home for a few days, it’s best to unplug your device so that it doesn’t run out of scent or cause any problems while you’re away.
7. Keep Them Away from Children and Pets
As with any device, it’s important to keep plug-in air fresheners away from children and pets. This will help ensure that they’re not exposed to any potential risks or harm in case something were to malfunction.
Outlets are often close to the ground, so try to find a higher spot to place your air freshener so that it’s out of reach or block the outlet from reach with a large piece of furniture.
8. Only Use The Plugins Indoors
Finally, make sure to only use your plug-in air freshener wall plug indoors. This will help reduce potential risks by making sure that the device is not exposed to a lot of moisture or other elements that could cause it to malfunction.
An air freshener that is exposed to direct heat such as the sun may also run the risk of overheating.
What Are the Side Effects of Plug-in Air Fresheners?
Plug-in air fresheners can have a variety of side effects. Most commonly, these include headaches, nausea, eye irritation, respiratory problems, and asthma attacks.
Plug-in air fresheners contain various chemicals that may be harmful when inhaled or come in contact with the skin. Some of these chemicals may also be toxic if ingested.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to move away from the air freshener or unplug it entirely.
It is also important to note that some plug-in air fresheners may contain phthalates, which can be dangerous if they’re inhaled over long periods of time. Therefore, it’s best to avoid any air fresheners that contain phthalates.
Additionally, try to keep the room well-ventilated and limit how often you use the device to minimize potential issues.
Using an aerosol air freshener, making your own room deodorizer out of vinegar and essential oils, or using an essential oil diffuser might be safer alternatives to plug-in air fresheners when it comes to reducing unpleasant odors.
What Should I Do If My Glade Plug-In Malfunctions?
If your Glade plug-in air freshener malfunctions, it’s important to unplug it and move away from the area as soon as possible.
Additionally, you should open any windows or doors in the room to help ventilate the area and minimize potential health risks.
You may also want to contact a fire department representative to inspect the device and make sure that it is not a fire hazard.
Additionally, you should contact Glade’s customer service department to report any issues with their plug-in air fresheners.
The Bottom Line
Overall, plug-in air fresheners are safe as long as you use them correctly and take the necessary safety precautions to avoid a fire hazards. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the pleasant aromas of your favorite scents without any worries.
