How does a mist spray bottle affect scent molecules?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction of mist spray bottles with scent molecules, particularly in the context of eliminating or masking odors. Participants explore the effects of water mist and essential oils on scent molecules, as well as comparing commercial air fresheners to water-based solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether water molecules in a mist spray bottle collide with scent molecules to bring them down, and how this changes if essential oils are mixed with the water.
  • Another participant asserts that air fresheners do not actually "freshen" the air but merely mask odors.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the effects of just water mist on scent molecules, implying uncertainty about its effectiveness.
  • One reply claims that water mist does not affect scent molecules and suggests that the primary function of such sprays is to introduce a stronger scent to mask unpleasant odors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of water mist and air fresheners in addressing odors, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the definitions of "freshening" and the mechanisms by which scent masking occurs, which are not fully explored or agreed upon in the discussion.

larry909
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Say you use a water mist spray bottle against a egg smell, do the water molecules crash into the scent molecules and bring them down?
What about if the water has mixed into it essential oil? How does the spray interact and affect the scent molecules?

Does a air freshener that you can buy in the store act on the scent molecules differently than water?
 
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larry909 said:
essential oil
Air "fresheners" do not "freshen" air --- they at most mask it.
 
If it's just a water mist you're spraying, how/does it affect the scent molecules?
 
larry909 said:
If it's just a water mist you're spraying, how/does it affect the scent molecules?

It doesn't.

What they really do is they add another scent, strong enough so that you stop smelling the initial stink.
 

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