Air Fresheners

The frequency your air freshener will need to be checked will depend on your chosen dispenser, it's usage, and the footfall of the area the dispenser is located in.

Place nappy bins in baby changing areas within easy reach of changing tables, ensuring convenient and hygienic disposal.

Each air freshener will need to be tailored to suit the footfall of the area.On many air freshener dispensers you can adjust settings based on odour levels and footfall.

Standard aerosol air fresheners should not be used directly in food preparation areas or over food contact surfaces. For kitchen and food service environments, use enzyme-based odour neutralisers or ensure any air freshener is positioned away from food handling areas and used only when food is not present or uncovered.

An air freshener releases fragrance to mask odours. An odour neutraliser uses chemistry (typically enzymes or activated carbon) to break down or absorb the odour-causing compounds. Neutralisers address the source of the smell; air fresheners overlay it with fragrance. For persistent washroom odours, an enzyme-based drain treatment paired with an air freshener delivers better results than fragrance alone.

Use high-concentration refills and set dispensers to the longest interval that maintains acceptable air quality. Consider zone-based placement, focus dispensers on high-odour areas such as toilet cubicles and near waste bins rather than distributing them evenly throughout a building. Passive gel or liquid wick dispensers in lower-use areas cost less per day than aerosol units.

No. Air fresheners mask odours temporarily but do not remove the bacteria or organic deposits that cause persistent washroom smells. Effective odour control requires regular cleaning with appropriate washroom cleaners, descaling to remove uric scale in urinals, drain maintenance, and then air freshening as a final layer on top of a clean environment.

Battery-operated aerosol dispensers do not require PAT testing as they are not mains-powered electrical equipment. Mains-powered air purification units with plug-in connections do fall within PAT testing scope and should be included in your electrical equipment inspection schedule.