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Fresh Wave Natural Odor Neutralizers

Price: $3.98 to $50 (at Ace Hardware)

What it does: Freshens stale air throughout your home and car

How it makes your life easier: The expansive line of Fresh Wave odor neutralizers works minor miracles to combat stagnant air and unpleasant odors in your home. In the kitchen, burn either the small, soy-based travel candle ($11.99) or the larger kitchen candle ($17.99) while cooking to reduce odors from onions, fish and other foods. A jar of Fresh Wave crystals ($12.99 for 15 ounces or $49.99 for the 64 ounce Super Gel) tucked into an obscure room corner is a great way to absorb stubborn odors such as mildew, tobacco and paint in the pantry, bathroom, closet, nursery, pet areas, basements and more. The neutralizing air sprays ($3.98 for 2 ounces; $8.99 for 8 ounces) are great for freshening just before company arrives. To freshen carpets, sprinkle the Carpet Shake powder ($13.99) on the floor and vacuum. (My husband asked what smelled so good when he came home). Overall, I was impressed with the Fresh Wave line. (I did not test the products specifically designed to combat pet odors or the all-purpose cleaning additive.) The products -- which are nontoxic and made from natural extracts of lime, pine, clove, aniseed, cedar and soy -- smell impeccably fresh and pack quite a punch upon opening, but their power seems to fade after a day or two. Jiggling the crystals/gels or reapplying the carpet powder seems to rerelease the scent. The only products that I thought fell short were the vacuum pearls ($10.99) and closet/car pearl sachets ($12.99 for 5). Some of the products are pricey, but Fresh Wave is a natural winner.

Who would use it: Bachelors, homeowners, real estate agents, home cooks, college students, housekeepers and many others.

Where to get it: Ace Hardware and True Value stores; www.fresh-wave.com.

joyce clark hicks

joyce.hicks@newsobserver.com or 919-829-8908

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