Would simmering vinegar, water, and cloves on the stove break down scent molecules in the air?

Question

I recently found a recipe for homemade air freshener that required simmering a pot on the stove with a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water with a teaspoon of whole cloves. I thought that the vinegar solution might remove scent molecules from the air or break them down, and wondered what the cloves would add, aside from scent.

Having tried it, I'd be inclined to weaken the vinegar solution. Also, I didn't enjoy the clove fragrance much.

Simmering acetic acid tends to be hard on the eyes and lungs, I suspect ...

Answer 1

Actually, vinegar absorbs the odors (similar to baking soda); so by "boiling off" the solution you are defeating its purpose.

Just set out a bowl of vinegar for several days to remove the odor. You can simmer your cloves separately if you would like to add any fragrance.

Answer 2

well i don't know what it would do the molecules but if u don't like the clove smell, try cinnamon or ginger with less vinegar.

Answer 3

AND I JUST SPRAY.