How Does Febreeze Work to Remove Smoke Odor?

Febreze works to remove smoke odors by trapping the odor molecules that the human nose recognizes inside molecules of a chemical called cyclodextrin, blocking the olfactory receptors in the nose from coming into contact with the odor. This deactivates smoke odors or replaces them with a different scent.

Febreze comes in scented and unscented varieties, and the unscented options simply trap odor molecules without applying any additional fragrance. Scented Febreze also traps unwanted smells, while allowing the scent included with the cyclodextrin to reach odor receptors in a person's olfactory system. Febreze continues to bind the molecules that cause odors as it dries. Once dried, the cyclodextrin washes away along with the trapped offensive odors as users add water or rinse objects.