How to Choose a Commercial Air Freshener for Your Facility

Start with the space

Consider the size and use of the area. A washroom, staff room, retail entrance, warehouse and automotive shop each have different sources of odour and different levels of traffic. A product used in a small room may be too strong or inconvenient for a large, frequently used space.

Also consider who uses the area. Staff and visitors may spend only a few minutes in a hallway, but they may work for an entire shift in a shop or office. In occupied spaces, a noticeable fragrance can become distracting, especially if it is applied too often or too heavily.

Identify the source of the odour

Before choosing a scent, find the source of a persistent smell. It may be an unemptied garbage container, a floor drain, a damp surface, food waste or a cleaning task that needs attention.

An air freshener can support a cleaning routine, but fragrance alone may only cover an odour temporarily if its source remains. Address the source with the appropriate cleaning procedure first. If the smell continues, investigate whether the area needs more frequent cleaning, better ventilation or attention to a maintenance issue.

Our guide to using concentrated air freshener in a commercial facility covers why source control and correct application matter.

Match the product to how often the area is used

Think about when the odour appears and how often staff can address it. A garbage area may need attention during regular cleaning rounds, while a shared washroom may require checks throughout the day. A product that works well as part of a cleaning routine may not suit a space that needs continuous fragrance between scheduled cleanings.

Consider who will apply the product, how often they can do so and whether the routine is realistic across all shifts. Clear instructions can help staff use a consistent amount and avoid over-application.

Choose a scent that fits the setting

Scent preference is personal, so a strong fragrance is not always the safest choice for a shared space. Consider who uses the area, what activities take place there, and whether the scent will mix with other products or food.

A lighter or familiar scent may be more appropriate in a customer-facing area, while some workplaces may prefer minimal fragrance. If several people share responsibility for cleaning, establish a standard scent and application method rather than letting each person decide how much to use.

Consider the format and application method

Commercial air fresheners may come in different formats, including concentrates and ready-to-use products. The right format depends on where you'll apply it and how your team works.

A concentrated product may be useful when it is approved for several tasks in the facility, but staff need to follow the label directions for each use. For example, Econo-Chem’s Fresh Scent product information lists different dilution amounts for room deodorizing, mop buckets, automatic scrubbers and garbage receptacles. Those directions are specific to the product and application, so do not assume one dilution works for every task.

Before selecting a format, check whether the product suits the surface or equipment, how it needs to be diluted, and what tools staff need to apply it properly.

Build it into the staff routine

A product is only useful if staff know when and how to use it. Add the task to the cleaning schedule and make sure the product is stored, diluted and labelled according to its instructions. Train staff to use the specified amount and avoid mixing products unless the label permits it.

It can also help to note where and when the product is used. If an odour returns quickly, the team can check whether the source needs more attention instead of simply increasing the fragrance amount.

Choose based on the job, not the scent alone

A good commercial air freshener should fit the space, address the relevant odour-control task and work with your team’s cleaning routine. Start by identifying the source and frequency of the odour, then compare product format, scent and application directions.