Do Plug-In Air Fresheners Cause House Fires [You'll Be Surprised]

Published on May 12th, 2023

The answer to whether scented plug-in air fresheners can cause home fires problems is yes. Plug-in air fresheners are a convenient way of eliminating unpleasant odors from pets, such as cats, and making your home smell pleasant with various scents, like bamboo, candles, or other aromatic things. However, some potential health risks and dangers are associated with plug-in air fresheners, including exposure to toxins like benzene, VOCs, formaldehyde, scented compounds, phthalates, dizziness, headaches, nausea, skin irritation, and lethargy. In fact, researchers have debated whether some ingredients in these fresheners could be linked to health effects on humans and even cancer. Furthermore, there is a legitimate concern that they can be a fire hazard, which can impact air quality and contribute to air pollution.

The most common type of air freshener is the plug-in variety that sits on your countertop or in your bathroom. These products use a heating element, fragrance oils, and water to produce a vapor you can smell when you walk into their room. They don't pose any danger when working correctly and can make your home smell good. Still, it's always a good idea to ask questions and seek advice from experts, like gas and air quality researchers, to ensure their safe use, especially for health-conscious consumers. Before making a purchase, consider researching and testing different brands to find the best option for your needs and lifestyle.

However, there have been reports of them catching fire after overheating or being left on for too long. Some experts say that these incidents are rare but still possible and should be taken seriously if you're using an electric air freshener in your home. Watch out for signs of overheating or malfunction to minimize potential risks.

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What Percentage Of House Fires Are Caused By Plug-In Air Fresheners

A lot more than most people realize!

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), about 1,900 reported fires were caused by plug-in air fresheners between 20010 and 2021. During that same period, more than 7 million plug-in air freshener units were sold throughout the United States.

How Do Plug-In Air Fresheners Actually Cause A Fire?

The most common cause of a plug-in air freshener fire is the heat generated by the light bulb. These bulbs are hot and can easily ignite if they come into contact with flammable materials such as clothing, upholstery, or paper products.

Another common cause is the use of aerosol sprays to coat the wicks. The spray can become trapped inside the unit, which can ignite once it comes into contact with the heat source.

Excessive heat and moisture in a room also contribute to increased fire risk. If you notice condensation on your air freshener, move it away from any potential heat sources (like lamps).

Yes, plug-in air fresheners can catch fire, and it depends on the type of air freshener you have.

There are three main plug-in air fresheners: aerosols, solid waxes, and liquids. Aerosol air fresheners are pressurized cans that spray out liquid fragrance when you press down on them with your thumb or finger. Solid waxes contain wax beads or granules that melt when heated by an electric element inside the device; liquid devices have a heating element that heats the liquid within its chamber until it vaporizes into a misty cloud of fragrance.

The most common reason for fires caused by plug-in air fresheners is overloading a circuit. It occurs when there are too many devices plugged into a single outlet. These devices must share the power from the outlet, and when one device draws more energy than it should, it can cause the circuit to overload and trip out. When this happens, you will cut off all the devices plugged into that outlet from power until the problem is resolved (by unplugging one or more devices or resetting the circuit breaker).

Another way fires can occur with plug-in air fresheners is if they are not properly vented, which allows heat generated by the unit to build up inside. If there is no ventilation for heat dissipation, this can lead to overheating and potentially even a fire if there is enough heat buildup in your unit.

It's a question we get asked regularly, and people want to know if plug-in air fresheners, which come in a number of types, are safe to leave plugged in without fear of a house fire or toxic hazards. The answer is simple: yes, plug-in air fresheners are entirely safe to leave plugged in, as long as they are used correctly and stored at room temperature. However, in some cases, a person may experience symptoms such as eye irritation or a rash due to certain fragrances, like lemon, found in some brands, or their content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The reason is simple: the electrical current going through an outlet is far more powerful than that coming from an air freshener plugged into it. Manufacturers produce these products, ensuring they have safe levels of solids and ozone emissions, taking care not to harm the lungs or create other health hazards with the ingredients in the plants used for fragrances. Always ensure that you're using the plug-in air fresheners according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines to prevent any potential risks, including adverse effects on your health. In any case, it's essential to keep flammable items away from your outlets, such as rugs and curtains. One friend shared their reaction to room sprays containing lavender; they got a headache due to certain fragrance ingredients like xylene, which can be a carcinogen. The chemical substances present in some of these fragrances can irritate the nose, and eyes, and cause other health issues. Research indicates the importance of being aware of and taking care when dealing with these artificial fragrances, as they may contain pollutants and toxic elements. Always check the list of ingredients in air fresheners for potentially harmful substances.

Firefighters recommend having at least one smoke alarm per floor of your home and that they are tested once a month. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, even if they are working correctly when installing them or replacing batteries regularly.

This is a question that has been asked many times, and there are a lot of different opinions on the subject. The answer is yes, and no.

One study showed that most users of plug-in air fresheners, such as Glade Plugins, do not leave them plugged in when they leave their homes for extended periods, but some people do. That means that if you use these products, you need to ensure that you unplug them before leaving your home for an extended period. Leaving an item plugged in when not in use can cause a fire hazard if it overheats or shorts out from being overworked by the electrical current.

Another study found that when people used plug-ins at least once a week, they were less likely to have respiratory problems like allergies or asthma than those who did not use them. The reason for this is unclear, but it may be because these fragrance devices are designed to release small amounts of fragrance into the air, which helps reduce dust mites and other allergens from collecting on your furniture and carpets.

While it's possible that a faulty plug-in could start a fire, the majority of complaints about Febreze were due to poor design or misuse of the product by users. In other words, the issue wasn't with the product itself but how people used it. Before jumping to conclusions, take a look at various alternatives like essential oil diffusers or flower-based air fresheners. Many companies are dedicated to creating safer ways of enjoying a pleasant aroma in your home, without the risk of chemicals found in some cleaning products.

The most common complaint is that people leave their Febreze plugged in overnight or for several days. This allows all the liquid in the container to evaporate, leaving behind just an empty container filled with hot air from your heater or air conditioner. When this happens, you'll notice that it doesn't smell like anything anymore because there isn't any liquid left inside!

Safety tips for reducing Plug-in Air Fresheners Cause House Fires:

Make sure you buy high-quality plug-in air fresheners

If you do not know the brand, ask friends or family members for recommendations.

Use natural ingredients plug-in air fresheners

Choose an air freshener with natural ingredients, such as essential oils, wood chips, and other organic materials like flowers. These fresheners do not contain any toxic chemicals that can cause harm to the environment and your health when burned regularly. Look into gels or other plug-in alternatives as well.

Do not overuse plug-in air fresheners in your home

Some people use these products every day because they like their smell, but this is not recommended because it could lead to a fire hazard if there is too much smoke in your home at one time. A better solution is to use these products once every two weeks or less often, ensuring that there will be less smoke in your home at any given time.

Keep children away from plug-in air fresheners

Keep children and pets, like dogs, away from plug-in air fresheners at all times, so they don't start playing with them or knock them over by accident while they are on display in your home or office space. Don't leave plugged-in air fresheners unattended for extended periods (more than two hours); they can overheat and start smoking, which could lead to a fire.

Other Things That Cause Fires

• Fans
• Dryers
• Plugin Air Fresheners
• Mice
• Toasters
• Christmas Lights
• Furnaces

• Squirrels
• Smart Meters
• Space Heaters
• Crock Pots
• Lightning
• Fireworks
• Gas Fireplaces

• Electric Blankets
• Solar Panels
• Cigarettes'
• Batteries
• LED Lights
• Candles