By Alex Thorne | Odor Control and Wellness Specialist
Understanding terpenes and aromatics
Terpenes are a large family of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that give plants distinctive scents. Cannabis terpenes like myrcene and limonene are responsible for earthy or citrus notes, but when they build up indoors they can make a room feel saturated. The U.S. EPA notes that VOCs can accumulate and persist in indoor air, which is why simply adding more fragrance is not a reliable fix (EPA).
How enzyme-based sprays approach terpene odor
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific reactions and lower the energy needed to break chemical bonds (NIH/NCBI). In odor care, enzyme-forward formulations focus on residue and soft-surface buildup where terpenes and other organics tend to cling. By helping break down those deposits, sprays can reduce the source that keeps releasing terpene odor back into the room.
Selectivity: reduce what is loud, keep what feels natural
The goal is not to overpower your space with a louder scent. It is to lower the terpene load that makes a room feel heavy, while keeping the air neutral and comfortable. That is why Modest & Co. designs for low-VOC, non-toxic performance and a subtle finish. When the odor load is reduced, any pleasant background aroma you choose to keep in your space is easier to perceive without competition.
Where sprays work best
- Textiles: upholstery, car seats, drapes, rugs, and pet beds. Fabrics hold onto terpenes and other VOCs; treating the surface helps stop re-emission.
- High-contact zones: soft storage, gym bags, entryway benches, and curtains near open windows.
- Air-adjacent surfaces: lampshades, acoustic panels, and other porous materials that keep a room smelling stale.
Why not just mask with fragrance
Masking creates a competing aroma that can briefly distract from the underlying odor. But once fragrance dissipates, the buildup returns. Because VOCs can persist indoors, chemistry that reduces the source is the more durable approach (American Lung Association).
Layering for balanced results
For best outcomes, combine surface treatment and ambient maintenance:
- Step 1: Lightly clean visible soil from fabrics per care label.
- Step 2: Spot-test, then apply a neutralizing spray to the textile and allow to dry.
- Step 3: Use a clean-burning coconut apricot wax candle to help maintain a comfortable baseline without heavy perfume.
Pet-safe and non-toxic by design
Modest & Co. prioritizes low-VOC, non-toxic choices suitable for typical home use when used as directed. Our approach is to reduce what is loud, keep air breathable, and avoid unnecessary additives.
FAQs
Will sprays remove all cannabis aroma?
They are designed to reduce terpene-heavy odor where it builds up most, especially on textiles. That reduction is what makes a room feel fresh without a perfume fog.
Do they clash with essential oils?
No. The objective is a lighter baseline. If you enjoy a subtle diffuser or candle, lowering the terpene load helps those pleasant notes read more clearly.
Are Modest products safe around pets?
They are formulated to be non-toxic for typical home use when used as directed. Always ventilate, follow labels, and spot-test fabrics first.
The bottom line
When terpene odor builds up, masking rarely solves it. Reducing the load on surfaces and in stagnant air is what restores balance. That is why Modest & Co. pairs surface sprays built on enzyme-forward chemistry with clean-burning candles for ambient comfort. Explore the full lineup of sprays and candles to build a routine that fits your space.