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How To Get Rid Of Incense Smell (8 Ways)

Enjoying your incense? It's great for setting the mood and helping you relax.

But let's be honest – sometimes that smell can stick around longer than we'd like.

Maybe you've got friends coming over who aren't big fans of strong scents, or you're just ready for a change of atmosphere. Whatever the case, we've all been in that situation where we're wondering, "Okay, how do I get this incense smell out of here?"

Well, you're in luck! In this post, I’ll show you how to get rid of incense smell in your house.

#1 Let Some Fresh Air In

First things first, open those windows! 

It's the simplest way to get rid of that lingering incense smell. The fresh outdoor air can help clear the air inside, and you'll feel the difference immediately.

If you can, create a nice cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room. 

This creates better airflow, allowing stale air to escape while fresh air rushes in. 

Got a fan? Even better! Use it to help push that stale air out, making the process faster and more effective.

Try to keep the air flowing for at least 30 minutes, or longer if the weather permits. Even if it's a bit chilly outside, try to leave the windows open for a little while.

Also Read: Sweet Smell In House

#2 Use Baking Soda

Baking soda isn't just for baking - it can get rid of smells too! This simple kitchen staple is great at absorbing unwanted odors, including the lingering scent of incense.

Sprinkle some on carpets, furniture, or anywhere else that's holding onto that incense scent. 

It's a quick and easy way to neutralize odors without harsh chemicals. Just make sure to cover the entire area for best results.

Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight if you can), then vacuum it up. You’ll be amazed at how much the baking soda can absorb. You can also leave out some bowls of baking soda to absorb odors from the air.

Place them in corners or near where you usually burn incense. 

Oh and make sure to change the baking soda every few days for best results.

#3 Light Candles Or Diffuse Oils

Want to replace that incense smell with something else? Light up some scented candles or get an essential oil diffuser going to bring a fresh, new fragrance to your space.

Citrus scents like lemon or orange work great for this, but really, any scent you like will do the trick. 

Lavender, eucalyptus, or pine are also good choices for a fresh, clean smell. 

These scents are natural and refreshing, making them ideal for creating a peaceful, airy environment that completely overshadows the incense smell.

If you're using a diffuser, try a blend of oils for a more complex and interesting scent. 

Blending different oils lets you create a personalized fragrance that fits your mood, and it's an effective way to freshen up the air.

Also Read: How To Get Candle Wax Off Counter

#4 Try Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is another great odor absorber, and it’s especially effective for absorbing strong odors like incense. 

You can find it at most pet stores or order some online.

Just put some in a few bowls around your room, and it'll start working its magic on those incense smells. You won’t even notice it's there, but will trap and absorb all the scent molecules.

The cool thing about activated charcoal is that it doesn't just mask odors - it actually absorbs them at a molecular level. 

It’s a natural solution that’s also incredibly effective!

You can reuse it too - just set it out in the sun every month or so to "recharge" it. 

This process will refresh the charcoal, allowing it to continue absorbing odors for much longer, giving you long-term odor control.

#5 Spray Some Vinegar

I know, I know, vinegar doesn't smell great either. But trust me on this one! 

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then spritz it around the room. It sounds strange, but it works wonders.

The vinegar smell will disappear quickly, and it'll take the incense smell with it.

You can add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture if you want a pleasant scent. 

Lemon or tea tree oil work well too and have some antibacterial properties too, making this natural air freshener even more effective at purifying your space.

#6 Wash Your Fabrics

Fabrics love to hold onto smells. If your curtains, couch covers, or other fabrics are smelling like incense, give them a good wash. 

Don’t forget about smaller fabric items too—pillow covers, throws, or even clothing can trap the scent.

Can't wash them? Try hanging them outside for a few hours to air out. 

Also Read: Can You Mix Comet And Bleach?

Fresh air can work wonders on fabrics, helping to lift any trapped odors. The sun also helps eliminate bacteria and freshen up the fabric.

For items that can't be washed or easily aired out, like mattresses or large rugs, try sprinkling them with baking soda, letting it sit for a few hours, then vacuuming it up. 

This trick can help lift odors out of large, hard-to-clean items, restoring their freshness.

#7 Simmer Some Spices

Here's a fun one - simmer some spices on your stove! 

Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and lemon slices in a pot of water will make your whole place smell amazing and overpower any leftover incense scent.

You can also try other combinations like orange peels and vanilla extract, or rosemary and lemon. 

This is a simple and natural way to create an inviting atmosphere in your home, masking unwanted smells with sweet, spicy aromas that linger long after the simmering ends.

Just remember to keep an eye on the pot and add water as needed!

#8 Get An Air Purifier

If you burn incense often, an air purifier might be a good investment. 

It'll help clean the air and get rid of that incense smell, plus it's great for overall air quality.  

Look for one with a HEPA filter for best results, as these are great at capturing small particles. Some models even come with activated carbon filters, which are especially good at removing odors

Just make sure to change the filters regularly. Over time, the filters can get clogged, so keeping them clean is key to the purifier's effectiveness. 

Investing in one will help you maintain cleaner air all year long!

Bottom Line

Getting rid of that incense smell from your house doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a little airflow, a few household ingredients, and maybe even a scented candle or two, you can restore a clean, fresh atmosphere in your home.

Experiment with these methods, and find the ones that work best for you.