FIRE DANGER, please be aware.

Ginger, I had heard about this too a long time ago and forgot what the outcome of the story was.  I just checked it out on Snopes.com, a great place to find out the truth behind a lot of urban legends (think the various chocolate chip cookie recipe stories that aren't true). 

Here is the link snopes.com air freshener.  Apparently there was a recall some time ago of a certain style of plug in because of the chance of a fire hazzard.  No actual fires were reported.  Still, it's a good idea to unplug unused appliances like hairdryers, toasters, space heaters and air fresheners when no one is using them or when no one is around.  Better to be safe.  Glad you posted this.  We all need to be reminded of these things.

GInger- Tanya and I like to use these instead of the plug in

Ginger I had heard that, and also cell phone chargers or other cordless appliance chargers.  But maybe its a good thing because those plug in scent things also spew toxic fumes into the air! So we not only get the pleasing scent but we also get the toxic fumes!

It is always good to be conscientious about these things! Thanks Gals!

I had heard the same thing years ago from an agent and I have told many sellers to be careful with them, especially leaving them all over a vacant home. True or not it is better not to the experience.

Ginger ~ Thanks for bringing up this topic.  Is it really true we should unplug appliances?  I've never, ever done this and am somewhat skeptical.  What do the experts say?

Ginger,

Every time I smell a plug-in I wonder what they're covering up?  Thanks for the news.

Thanks for the email heads up.  I had heard this as well but there were quite a few commentors on my post about smoke smells that did suggest the plug-ins.  I need to read that article.  Thanks for the link.

Ginger, Thanks for the reminder!  We just completed a vacant home staging last week and it had a "locked up" kind of odor throughout the home.  Since the Open House was scheduled in a couple of days, I didn't want to overpower the visitors with a barrage of scents, so I used a lightly scented Febreeze.  It smelled great!  The REA said she loved it....not over-powering.  Like Susan said, an over-powering scent makes you wonder about "cover ups."  Great post...thanks!

Good reminder - thanks for the post. I recall hearing this, and actually never use the plug-ins.

Mauren and Ginger, a few years ago there was an article about the dangers or possibility of dangers in leaving small electric appliances plugged in when not in use.  It cited fires started in offices from plugged in coffee makers, toasters and toaster ovens.  In these cases the coffee maker was one that is left on and has a timer to make the coffee in the morning.  The toasters and ovens were heavily used and crumbs and build up from toaster pastries, etc were contributing factors.  Are these stories true?  I checked snopes.com and didn't see anything on the subject so who knows?  It's not necessary to have these things plugged in when not in use so better to be safe and unplug them.  As for major appliances in an occupied home it wouldn't seem necessary or practical. 

Thank you for the heads up! I don't use them in my stagings but do in my own home. appreciate it. Kym

sorry, I wasn't signed in, that comment above was from me:)

This was a reported possible problem a few years ago.  I've had one plugged in at our house for over a year (love the relaxing scent in the bathroom), I change the container when it goes dry, and yes....it's warm, but we're not worried about a fire.  Both my husband and I are firefighters and have never heard of one of these actually starting a fire.  Personally, I wouldn't worry about it too much.