Would you really, really want an air freshener that completely got rid of bad smells, even if the cause of them were still there?

No. I would rather find the source of the smell and get rid of that.

I am sure you have them where you are, but I don’t get these air freshener things that at regular intervals give a spray of air freshener (or worse insecticide!) to get rid of smells or bugs. Why would anyone want to do that to the air they breath?

@Dutchess_III That’s the same thing that goes through my mind when I see those commercials. Clean that up, why not !! Wash that dog !! Leave those shoes outside!

No.

No. And those cover-up smells may have ingredients themselves that can do other things to some sensitive individuals; making a bad situation worse.

Sometimes the things making those smells are necessary, like cooking or a garbage can, or are very difficult to clean, like shoes or a gym bag. There’s also the issue that you may be smelling something that no one else can. My ex was like that. He had a ridiculously keen sense of smell so he could smell rotting food even when there was none around. It was most likely from the dishwasher or particles left in the sink. If I could definitely deal with the thing causing the smell, sure, I’d prefer that, but it’s not always an option.

I can see it when you’re temporarily in a situation where you can’t really do much about it for a while. Stinky wet dogs, like when it’s been raining for one thing. Almost fruitless to deep clean until every thing dries out, even if you have the time.

Other than that…yes, things smell bad for a good reason.