Buzz
Cleaning hacks that promise multitasking benefits often sound appealing, which explains why a new social media trend is gaining traction. This trend suggests freshening your home's scent while vacuuming, but the method promoted in these videos could harm your vacuum. Here's why you should avoid this approach for a clean and pleasant-smelling home.
The downside of the essential oil vacuum trend
While the creators of these videos have good intentions—after all, who doesn’t enjoy a fresh-smelling home?—their advice, as seen in videos like this one on Instagram Reels, is problematic. The trend involves soaking cotton balls in essential oils and placing them inside the vacuum bag or canister. The idea is that the warm air from the vacuum will disperse the scent throughout the room. Although this might create a pleasant aroma, it’s not worth the risk. Many commenters who tried this hack reported that the oils damaged their vacuums, causing cracks. Essential oils are known to corrode plastic, and even manufacturers warn against storing them in plastic containers. This makes it clear that exposing your vacuum to these oils is a bad idea.
To confirm, I contacted Dyson to inquire about this trend. Monika Stuczen, a research scientist at the company, emphasizes that essential oils should never be used in vacuums—not only because they can harm the machine but also for other reasons: “While it might seem appealing to use scented sprays or essential oils to eliminate carpet odors, we advise against introducing liquids unnecessarily. Moisture can lead to mold and bacterial growth, which may cause unpleasant smells over time.” In fact, this hack could eventually make your home smell worse.
To prevent odors from developing, Stuczen suggests the following tips:
Choose a vacuum with strong suction and take your time, allowing the brushes to reach deep into the carpet fibers.
Pass over the same area multiple times (though Dyson’s research indicates that more than two or three passes is excessive).
Address stains immediately before they dry, as dried stains can attract odor-causing bacteria.
Clean and dry your pets when they come indoors to prevent dirt or moisture from settling into your carpets.
Products worth considering:
If you’re in the market for a new vacuum to keep your carpets fresh and clean, here are some excellent choices.
Dyson V8 Origin+ Cordless Vacuum
Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Tips for creating a fresh-smelling room
While the above advice helps prevent odors, if you were drawn to the essential oil hack, you’re likely seeking ways to freshen a room’s scent. Here are some alternative methods:
Eliminate unpleasant smells by placing a small bowl of vinegar in a discreet spot, as it can neutralize odor molecules.
Bake a small dish of pure vanilla extract to fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
Use car vent air fresheners in your home’s vents for a continuous fresh scent.
Sprinkle baking soda on your floors before vacuuming to absorb odors. (You can also opt for scented baking soda designed for this purpose.)
