Are you looking for the best candle alternatives for dorms?
Candles are on the list of prohibited items for most college dorms.
In fact, I mentioned candles in my guide of what NOT to bring to college because this is such a common item that is banned in dorms.
Candles are not allowed in most college dorms because they can be a fire hazard.
You might be thinking this is a ridiculous rule to have, especially since all college students are over the age of 18 and legal adults, but unfortunately, if you are living in a college dorm or other type of college housing, you will likely have to follow this rule about no candles.
Whether or not you agree with this rule, most college dorms do not allow candles, and you can be fined or even kicked out of college housing for violations.
So what can you bring instead?
Fortunately, there are many candle alternatives for dorms that will make your room smell great and don’t involve an open flame.
Here are the best candle alternatives for dorms to use instead:
1. Candle Warmer
A candle warmer is one of the best candle alternatives for dorms if you have a lot of candles that you still want to use without actually burning them.
Rather than letting your candles go to waste, a candle warmer safely releases the scent of a candle without having to light it. The candle warmer plugs into an electrical outlet and heats the candle enough to release the scent.
You can also get a candle warmer like this that looks more aesthetically pleasing.
Just be sure to double-check that candle warmers are allowed in your dorm because some colleges ban candle warmers in addition to candles. However, this can be a good “loophole” if they’re allowed in your dorm because you can still use your candles without actually lighting them.
2. Essential Oil Diffuser
Another of the best candle alternatives for dorms is an essential oil diffuser.
This is something that will still make your dorm room smell great, but that doesn’t pose any type of fire hazard. You simply pour concentrated oils into your diffuser and it releases the scent throughout your room.
This essential oil diffuser has several different modes and a smart remote control that allows you to set it on a timer so it will automatically turn off after a set period of time.
3. Room Spray
Room spray is a simple alternative to candles that will still make your dorm smell good. You can get room spray in a wide variety of scents.
This lemon verbena room spray is great if you are looking for a light scent that always smells fresh and clean. Another option is this green tea and linen room spray which will keep your dorm room smelling great all the time.
You can choose different scents based on your mood (for example, some scents are good for focusing and studying while others are better for sleep and relaxing.)
4. Plug-In Air Freshener
Another candle alternative for dorms is a plug-in air freshener. This is another great option that does not involve having an open flame in your dorm room.
A plug-in air fresherner does exactly what it says: you plug it into an electrical outlet in the wall, and every so often it sprays the room with a fresh scent.
This lavender and chamomile air freshener is a nice option. Or you can use a really subtle scent like this fresh linen air freshener.
5. Scented Trash Bags
Scented trash bags are an underrated option, but one that works great for keeping your dorm room smelling fresh and clean.
In most college dorm rooms, you will have a trash can right inside your door. Since it’s such a small space, you obviously don’t want your trash can to smell bad. That’s where scented trash bags come in handy.
Scented trash bags will mask any odors and keep your dorm smelling fresh. My college roommate and I always used these in addition to air freshener.
6. Air Purifier
If you aren’t one for strong scents like florals or citrus, you may want to consider an air purifier for making your dorm room smell good.
Rather than adding a scent to the room, an air purifier simply cleans the air by filtering out dust and other particles. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, many of which can smell musty and old.
This can be a great alternative if you are sensitive to fragrances. Even a subtle scent from something like an essential oil diffuser or an air freshener can be irritating if you have a sensitive nose.
7. Scented All-Purpose Cleaner
Finally, one of the best candle alternatives for dorms is scented all-purpose cleaner. This is a cleaning product with the added benefit of making your room smell good.
Not only does it smell nice, but it also keeps your dorm clean! It’s a good idea to wipe down high-touch surfaces in your room like handles, doorknobs, kitchen appliances, and your desktop regularly with an all-purpose cleaner.
This scented all-purpose cleaner has a light and fresh scent of peonies. It’s the perfect way to keep your dorm smelling great without using a candle.
Best Candle Alternative For Dorms
This post showed you the best candle alternatives for dorms.
If you live in an on-campus dorm or other college housing, you will likely have to follow the no candles rule.
Although it is a little frustrating that candles are banned in most college dorms, there are fortunately plenty of alternatives that you can use to keep your room smelling good.
And pretty soon you’ll be able to live in an off-campus house or apartment where no one can stop you from lighting all the candles you want! But until then, be sure to grab one of these candle alternatives for your dorm.
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