Are Car Air Fresheners Harming Your Health?

Car air fresheners seem pretty harmless, right? Drivers all around the world use them, and the variation of fragrances are seemingly endless. New car, fresh linen, citrus, pine, coastal breeze… some people even like gas and oil air fresheners.

I recently learned that drivers with strong/negative olfactory senses when around fragrance-heavy products, especially inside smaller vehicles where airflow stays limited, can have strong negative reactions.

So, can car air fresheners actually be bad for your health? Learn what drivers, especially anyone who drives for work, commutes long distances, or roadtrip often, should know about car air fresheners and how to keep a vehicle fresh without overdoing it.

Why Some Car Air Fresheners Cause Symptoms

Mainstream car air fresheners in the U.S. are required to meet certain safety standards. However, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily “safe” or will be comfortable for everyone. In fact, a 2020 study by the CDC found that car air fresheners, including both regular and natural versions, emit numerous volatile chemicals, some classified as hazardous, many of which are not disclosed to the public.

“Car air freshener emissions are of particular concern, given that car interiors are small and enclosed spaces that can be subject to air pollutants from both outdoor and indoor sources, and thus air fresheners represent an additional source of pollutants and health risks,” the study says. “In addition, air fresheners, which add a chemical mixture into the air space, are designed to impart a scent or mask an odor, rather than to reduce air pollutants or health risks.”

Some air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. In a compact car with closed windows, occupants can inhale these chemicals without enough fresh air to clear them out. The CDC study also noted that vent clips could dispense “potentially hazardous VOCs into the enclosed space” because they attach directly to the car air vent.

According to the EPA, fragrances and scented products can contribute to indoor air pollution. Some drivers notice symptoms almost immediately.

The American Lung Association says people with asthma, allergies, migraines, or chemical sensitivities have stronger reactions, and that common irritation areas include the nose, throat, or eyes. Headaches, dizziness, coughing, brain fog, or light-headedness are also possible.

Anyone with children, pets, or elderly or immunosensitive passengers should be especially cautious.

Safer Ways To Keep A Car Smelling Fresh

Air fresheners, as the name implies, are normally used to freshen or “cleanse” stale air or bad odors. A better option over trying to mask that unpleasant smell would be to fix the cause of the stink. Common odors could include garbage, gym clothes, wet mats or seats, or a dirty cabin air filter that prevents the stale air from being cleansed by the vehicle.

If you’re insistent on using your favorite air freshener, opt for milder scents and periodically open the windows to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. The stronger formulas can be the biggest issue. Scents marketed as “extra strength” or “long-lasting” may work better in larger areas than inside a small vehicle cabin.

Also, only use one air freshener at a time and opt for ones that don’t clip to the vehicle’s vent. If a new air freshener is causing any symptoms, it’s likely too strong for the space and not worth the health impact.

As always, safety should always be priority number one when handling heavy machinery.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Volatile Chemical Emissions from Car Air Fresheners
• Environmental Protection Agency: “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality”
• American Lung Association: “Indoor Air Pollutants and Health

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11 Strategies to Stretch Every Gallon With Gas Prices Hitting New Highs

Gas Station Rewards

Most gas station chains offer savings rewards programs. They’re free to join and can save anywhere from a few cents up to more than $1 per gallon. For example, 7-Eleven’s 7Rewards offers an automatic $0.11 off per gallon, additional discounts through text promotions and $0.50 off per gallon on the seventh and eleventh days of the month.

Combined, all of those discounts truly add up, says Matt Mauney, a Denver-based public relations professional. “I live in Colorado, where gas is over $5 in some places, and I filled up today for $2.70 per gallon after rewards and promo codes,” he says.

Pro-tip: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can link your account to BP’s Earnify rewards for an extra $0.10 off per gallon.

Supermarket Rewards

Many grocery store food rewards programs automatically deliver gas discounts as well. For example, Kroger stores (including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers and others) give $0.10 off per gallon for every $100 spent in the store.

“That means a $1,000 monthly grocery haul could quite effectively pay for a full tank of gas,” says auto blogger Renee Martin. Also, if you’re a member of a warehouse club, such as Costco, filling up at those pumps can be significantly cheaper.

Pro-tip: Don’t buy more groceries than you had already planned on, just to chase gas rewards points, or you’ll cancel out your savings, says Gordon.

Credit Card Rewards

Instead of using cash or debit cards at the pump, use a credit card that offers cash back returns. For example, if you have a card with a 5% return, you’ll save $.25 per gallon when gas is $5 per gallon, and $.20 when it’s $4 per gallon. Just make sure to check your card’s terms, since some rewards cards don’t count gas at grocery store pumps or warehouse clubs as qualifying purchases, says Martin.

Pro-tip: Only use a credit card to fill up if you know you can pay off the balance in full at the end of the month. Otherwise interest payments will erase fuel savings and more.

Fuel Price Apps

The price of gas can vary by $.50 or more, depending on the station. “With how volatile fuel prices have been recently, on a 15-gallon fill up, that can mean a savings of around $7.50 just by choosing a different station,” says transportation expert Broderic Fernow.

To find the best deals, try gas price-comparing apps such as Upside, GasBuddy and Way. Some apps also offer additional gas discounts, plus cash back on fill-ups restaurants and convenience stores. Way can also help you find the best parking prices and EV charging stations.

Combine trips

Numerous little trips can really add up with mileage. So, before leaving the house, make a grocery list for the week, plus list of your errands, so you can plan the most efficient route. Combine tasks such as shopping and taking the kids to activities, and avoid high-traffic areas where you’re likely to idle more, especially during rush hour.

“Even reducing weekly driving by 20 to 30 miles can save hundreds of dollars a year when you factor in fuel, vehicle wear and impulse purchases,” says Gordon.

Pro-tip: Some GPS apps have modes to help you choose the most fuel-efficient route.

Skip the Snacks

When filling up, don’t be tempted to run into the convenience store to pick up an energy drink or bag of chips. Those will likely run you 20% to 50% more than in the grocery store. Instead, keep your visit focused on the gas. Your body will also thank you for skipping the corn syrup and ultra processed food from that impulse buy!

Driving Habits

How you drive your car can affect your gas mileage by 20% or more. Especially avoid aggressive driving and hard acceleration. “Actually, this is driving 101,” says Martin. “When the light turns green or the traffic begins to move, start driving again, smooth and easy.”

Also, speed matters. Especially on long commutes, speeding is a major waste of gas, says driver’s education specialist Laura Adams. “Every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like spending an extra $0.25 per gallon. Instead, just leave a few minutes early so you don’t have to speed.”

Pro-tip: Shut off your engine when you know you’ll be stationary for a bit. “Depending on the size of your engine and if you are running the air conditioner or not, you can waste up to a half gallon of fuel in an hour,” says Adams.

Carpooling and Public Transportation

These options feel like a hassle to many of us, but the key to making them work is to not strive for perfection, says Adams. “A lot of people don’t like the idea of carpooling because schedules are not identical,” she says. “But even sharing two days a week reduces fuel use and vehicle wear, and one or two public transit days weekly still lowers fuel costs substantially.”

Streamline Your Car

Weight reduces gas mileage, so remove any items you don’t need from your car. “Check inside your trunk and on the floor for anything that weighs the car down like books, sporting equipment, and excess clothing,” says Adams. “Every 100 pounds of junk you remove increases your fuel efficiency by 1 to 2%.”

Also, remove your roof rack and storage box if you don’t often use them. In some cases, that extra aerodynamic drag can decrease your mileage by almost 20%.

Take Vehicles Maintenance Seriously

“When you keep your vehicle properly maintained from top to bottom, you’ll see it run at its maximum fuel efficiency,” says Adams. That includes tasks like keeping tires properly inflated, regularly changing your oil and following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual with items like spark plugs and air filters. Keeping up on vehicle maintenance also saves money by preventing more costly repairs down the line.

Re-Evaluate Other Bills

An easy way to save extra money is to examine household expenses beyond gas. Cancel subscriptions and streaming services you don’t use, cut back on frequent small retail purchases and get new quotes for home and auto insurance.

“You may be shocked by how much you’re overpaying,” says insurance expert Melanie Musson. “Insurance companies calculate how likely you are to remain a customer even if they raise your rates, and the longer you’ve been with a provider, the more likely you are to have a ‘loyalty surcharge.’”

Pro-tip: Look into family plans for cellphones, even if your kids are grown, and try the Goji Mobile app to find the most affordable phone provider and plan for your family.

About the Experts

• Renee Martin is an auto blogger for the Way.com app.
• Laura Adams is a senior driving analyst for Aceable, an online driver’s education company.
• Annam M. Gordon is a writer and independent commentator.
• Broderic Fernow is marketing manager at P-Fleet, a company that provides fuel cards for businesses.
• Melanie Musson is an insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com and AutoInsurance.org.
• Matt Mauney is a Denver-based public relations professional.

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What Every Homeowner Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

When it comes to fire safety, almost every home in the country now has at least one smoke detector — but about a quarter of us still haven’t installed fire extinguishers. That’s unfortunate, because they help prevent thousands of house fires every year.

“People often don’t want to invest a few dollars into a safety product. But a small investment can go a long way if you need it,” says home safety expert Philip Farina.

And it’s not enough just to buy a couple of fire extinguishers. In order for them to be effective, you also need to choose the proper type, place them in optimal locations and keep them maintained. It’s also vital to know when you should use a fire extinguisher and when to run. To help you understand all of these factors, here’s our guide to home fire extinguishers.

What Is a Home Fire Extinguisher?

A home fire extinguisher is a portable, pressurized container that dispenses either a dry powder or a wet chemical substance. Extinguishers are meant to put out small, contained fires in their early stages. While they’re not legally required in single-family homes, insurance companies often give discounts for installing them.

Types of Fire Extinguishers for Home Use

There are five classifications of fire extinguishers.

• Class A, for combustible materials like wood and paper.
• B, for flammable liquids, like gasoline and oil.
• C, for electrical fires.
• D, for combustible metals.
• K, for cooking oils.

For home use, safety experts generally recommend a combination ABC extinguisher, since those are designed to handle the most common home ignition sources. Additionally, fire extinguisher sizes range from 2.5 pounds to 10 pounds.

Where to Place Fire Extinguishers in Your Home

The most important places to keep fire extinguishers are the kitchen and garage/workshop. It’s also a good idea to have one on every floor, including in the master bedroom and laundry room. Make sure you have an extinguisher near your grill, as well.

Fire and safety expert Lo Choe recommends five-pound ABC units in general living areas, plus a separate class K extinguisher in the kitchen for grease fires. Consider upgrading to a 10-pound ABC model for the garage/workshop.

Mount fire extinguishers in visible, accessible locations, between three-and-a-half to five feet from the ground, near room exits. For the kitchen, keep them 10 to 15 feet away from the stove top. Never store them near a heat source, or a place that tends to get hot, such as the stove or in the trunk of a car.

“That’s where things get genuinely dangerous,” says home fire safety inspector Kameron Khan. “They can build internal pressure to the point of explosion.”

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

• Pull the pin on the top of the handle.
• Aim the nozzle low, toward the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle gently, which will begin discharging the chemicals.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side, continuing to aim at the base of the fire.

This method is known as PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep). “PASS has been around for over 50 years and is by far the easiest way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher correctly,” says Choe. “Remember to stand about six to eight feet away from the fire when you begin, and slowly back away while watching for flare-ups once you think it’s out.”

What do I do after using a fire extinguisher?

If there’s any question as to whether the fire is completely out, call the fire department to let them know you’ve used your extinguisher and want them to inspect for fire damage. Then:

• Open all windows. Dry chemicals from fire extinguishers can damage your lungs.
• Take pictures of the affected area.
• Replace the extinguisher promptly, or bring it to a service company for a recharge.
• Clean dry chemicals from electronics within 24 hours to prevent damage.
• Notify your insurance company within 72 hours.

When NOT to Fight a Fire Yourself

Only attempt to fight a fire if it is small, no taller than your chest, and you have a safe exit. If the fire is creating heavy smoke or if smoke is rising above half of the room, evacuate immediately. Shut the door and call 911 once outside.

“Fire needs oxygen to sustain itself, and if you are caught trying to fight a fire with limited visibility, you will have less than a minute before you are disoriented and pass out,” says Choe.

How to Choose the Right Extinguisher

• Choose models displaying UL certification on the label.
• Buy ones with a metal valve, not plastic.
• Verify that the pressure gauge needle is in the green zone.
• Look for ABC-class extinguishers, which are generally optimal for most home situations.
• Consider a class K for the kitchen.

“Stay away from disposable extinguishers with plastic heads, as they have shorter service lives than metal-head rechargeable units,” says Choe.

How to Train Yourself

Local fire departments sometimes offer fire extinguisher training events. Also, some companies offer fire safety classes. Even if you skip attending one of these, teach everyone in your home the PASS method, and regularly practice unmounting your extinguisher and locating the pin.

“Pulling the pin and aiming the nozzle takes most people several seconds,” says Choe. “That’s all it takes for an average stovetop fire to travel up the cabinets.”

When to Replace

Disposable home fire extinguishers are good for eight to 12 years from the manufacturing date printed on the bottom of the unit, and they should absolutely be replaced on time, says Choe. Rechargeable models can last 12 to 15 years, but should be serviced regularly by a professional, according to manufacturer recommendations.

Also, examine your extinguishers once a month or so. Check the gauge to make sure the needle is still in the green, the pin is still in place and the seal is intact. If the canister is dented or has corrosion past the thickness of your nail, it should be replaced and taken to a household hazardous waste disposal site.

FAQ

How many fire extinguishers does a home need?

It depends on the size of the home, but the general rule is at least two, and more is safer. Ideally, place one on each floor, including in the kitchen, laundry room, master bedroom and garage. Also, keep one near areas with fire risks, such as fireplaces and outdoor grills.

“I’d go one per 1,000 square feet on larger houses, and keep travel distance to any extinguisher 40 feet or less,” says Choe.

Do fire extinguishers expire?

Yes. Depending on the model, they expire between eight and 15 years. That’s because the pressurized gas leaks out from the valve seals over time. Also, the rubber O-rings will dry out and the chemical agent inside will harden on the bottom.

“This is why you should have annual professional servicing, and not just a visual inspection,” says equipment leasing expert Cal Singh. “A technician empties the unit, inspects the condition of the agent and recharges it appropriately.”

Can a fire extinguisher explode?

Yes, but it’s rare because modern extinguishers have safety valves to vent pressure. Still, never store them in places above 120°F, keeping in mind that interior car temperatures can reach upward of 160°F in the summer. Corrosion also increases the chance of an explosion.

“Dropping your fire extinguisher from four or more feet onto a hard surface can also breach the valve stem,” says Choe. “These cases are rare, but don’t let that lead you to thinking they can’t happen.”

Where should you not store a fire extinguisher?

Avoid direct sunlight, hot attics, car trunks, non-insulated garages or any other areas that can reach over 120°F or under -40°F. Also, avoid damp basements and other rust-prone environments, or places that aren’t visible or easily accessible. “Locked up, behind furniture or stored higher than six feet are contrary to the point of owning one,” says Choe. “Also, where you mount your fire extinguisher matters. If it can roll away when grabbed, it will.”

About the Experts

• Lo Choe is a licensed fire and electrical safety contractor, and owner of Aura Fire Safety in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has nearly three decades of experience with fire safety and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
• Philip Farina is founder and chief security and safety advisor for Risky Business consultants, and is well-known for his expertise on home security, safety and disaster preparedness.
• Kameron Khan is founder and managing director of SilverWater Plumbing, which also performs fire safety inspections at residential properties.
• Cal Singh is head of marketing and partnerships at Equipment Leasing Canada, where he works with businesses that lease and finance heavy equipment in the construction, manufacturing and agriculture industries.

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Thousands of Pennsylvania Drivers Told to Re-Test Months After Passing Driver’s Exam

One of the rites of passage here in the United States is getting your driver’s license. It grants you an added level of independence; as long as you have access to a car, you’re now in charge of your own travel plans.

The prep work for it can feel like a lot at times. You’ve generally got to pass a written exam to obtain your permit, take driver’s education classes, log a certain amount of supervised driving hours, and ultimately pass a road test. Getting to have your license after all of that work is incredibly rewarding, but roughly 2500 people in Pennsylvania just found out that they aren’t properly licensed after all.

According to Jalopnik, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) incorrectly administered thousands of road tests. Now the impacted drivers reportedly have to retake the test or start over from scratch.

How Did Pennsylvania Mess Up These Road Tests?

Per Jalopnik’s report, roughly 2500 new drivers who’d taken their road test between October 2024 and November 2025 received a letter that their license was invalid due to “‘irregularities’ in the amount of time lapsed in each of the problematic exams.” One driver who went in to retest “was told there was an issue with an examiner and ‘possible fraud.'”

Theories about what specifically that entails abound, but at the time of this writing there hasn’t been confirmation of anything beyond “irregularities with time” and “possible fraud.” Jalopnik did report that the irregularities could “be traced to one specific location..the PennDOT licensing center on South 70th Street in Philadelphia.” So it seems less like a system-wide issue and more like problems with just the one location.

What Do These Drivers Have to Do?

PennDOT is warning the affected drivers that they need to schedule a retest as soon as possible or they’ll lose their license and have to revert to a learner’s permit. If this happens, these drivers are now looking at having to retake the written test as well as the road test.

Jalopnik also reports that while the fee for “an initial permit to drive and a four-year license costs $45.50,” so far PennDOT hasn’t said if they’re waiving this fee for the drivers who have to retake the exam or not. There’s a chance that these drivers will have to pay for their retesting out of pocket, even though they weren’t responsible for the error.

Source:

PennDOT Screwed Up Thousands Of Road Tests And Is Making Drivers Retake It, Jalopnik, 2026.

RELATED:

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

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Here’s Why You Should Never Sweep Mouse Droppings

Yes, there is a wrong way to clean up mouse droppings, and unfortunately, it’s the way that most people are likely to do it. When they see droppings in a closet, a drawer or a corner of the basement, folks tend to reach for a broom or vacuum to get rid of them. But according to pest control expert Kyle Turner, “sweeping or vacuuming is the worst thing you can do.”

Why? That’s what this post explores, along with an explanation of the hazards that mouse droppings create. We also explain the proper way to clean up droppings, and because it involves getting down and dirty with them, it might be the method you are least likely to choose.

Diseases Linked to Rodent Waste

Rats and mice don’t deserve the full blame for the spread of bubonic plague (aka The Black Death) during the Middle Ages, but they definitely helped, because they carried the fleas that actually infected people with the Yersinia pestis bacterium. Rodents don’t need fleas to spread other pathogenic bacteria, however, including Salmonellosis and Leptospirosis, as well as viral infections like Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) and Hantavirus. They spread these diseases through their droppings.

Hantavirus is a particularly serious infection, according to the CDC. Some 38 percent of the people who develop severe symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) end up dying. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest.

Why Sweeping or Vacuuming Mouse Droppings Is a Bad Idea

When you sweep or vacuum dry mouse droppings, you raise dust, and that’s dangerous. “Hantavirus spreads through inhalation of contaminated dust, and it’s not something to mess around with,” warns Turner. It isn’t just the droppings you have to worry about; it’s also dried urine and any nesting materials that happen to be around. Some nesting materials may be too small to see and lightweight enough to fly around when agitated. That increases the likelihood of inhalation.

Safe Cleanup Steps

Ventilate the area

“Ventilate the space first, at least 30 minutes before you touch anything,” advises Turner. Open windows and doors to create a cross-draft. If you need a fan, run it only at low speed to avoid raising dust.

Use proper protective gear

“Gloves and a mask the whole time,” says Turner.

Saturate the droppings

Turner’s advice: “Wet the droppings down with a disinfectant.” If you’re wondering which disinfectant to use, the CDC recommends any preferred disinfectant cleaner, and it provides a link to an EPA site that explains the meaning of “preferred,” but without mentioning any brands. You can save yourself a ton of research by using a 10:1 bleach solution (10 parts water, one part bleach), which the CDC also recommends.

Wipe instead of sweeping

“Let it sit,” advises Turner, “and wipe it up with paper towels…don’t forget the urine trails you can’t see.”

Disinfect

Using your preferred disinfectant spray or a 10:1 bleach solution in a spray bottle, spray the area around the droppings and any surrounding places you think mice or rats might have visited.

When DIY Cleanup Is Not Enough

To get rid of mouse droppings, you have to get rid of mice, and if your DIY efforts are failing in that regard, it may be time to get professional help. Before you do that, though, check out these helpful mouse control ideas.

FAQ

What qualifies as an infestation?

If you see a mouse in your home, it’s unlikely to be alone, and that itself is a good indication of an infestation. In the absence of an actual mouse sighting, droppings in several places, gnawed woodwork and the sounds of scurrying animals inside the walls are also signs of mice taking up residence in your residence.

How can I keep mice from returning to my home?

Prevent access to what attracts mice. Clean eating areas assiduously, store food in sealed containers and stop rodents from getting into the house by sealing holes in the foundation, baseboards, and any other small gaps you can find. And “small” means about the size of a dime.

About the Expert

• Kyle Turner is the Founder, President, and CEO of Pro Active Pest Control, based in Rancho Cordova, CA.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): How Plague Spreads; (2024)
• CDC: About Hantavirus; (2024)
• CDC: How to Clean Up After Rodents; (2024)
• PCI Pest Control: What Size Hole Can a Mouse or Rat Fit Through? Entry Points to Seal in Washington Homes; (2026)

Related:

• How To Get Rid of Pet Hair in Your Home
• 5 Tips for Getting Dog Smell Out of Your House
• How To Clean a Dog Bed

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Why People Are Cutting Their Grass With Scythes

Having a lawn means taking on all kinds of yard work. Mowing, fertilizing, and watering are all important parts of your lawn’s health. With summer just around the corner and the weather heating up, you might be thinking about getting an early start to your yard work on your weekend mornings.

But if you’re worried about the noise a lawn mower makes, fear not. Many people on Reddit have shared that they’re now cutting grass with scythes instead. It’s quieter, cheaper, and it’s often better for your local habitat.

Is It Hard to Cut Grass by Hand?

The Reddit post claims that mowing by hand ” is easy to learn and takes little physical strength.” As proof, the poster cites that “it takes two old people (we’re 50f, 55m) 2 days to cut half a hectare of wildflower meadow.” You could probably cut faster, but the poster explains that these are “two slow days where we don’t overexert ourselves and take a nice long break at noon to avoid the heat.”

The couple also spaces out their cuts. They don’t cut the second half of the meadow until “the grass on the first half has recovered.” For them, this is an environmental choice. They have two orchards and do these cuts twice a year. They space out the cuts between the meadow halves “to make sure that we’re not taking all cover and food for wildlife away at once.”

What Are the Benefits of Cutting Grass With a Scythe?

According to the Reddit post, cutting grass with a scythe is relatively affordable and eco-friendly. If you’re in the market for one, “a good scythe costs 70 bucks and lasts a lifetime. No fossil fuels needed.” You won’t have to shell out for a gas-powered mower and your winterization process will go much faster.

The poster also says that mowing by hand is both peaceful and quiet, so you can start earlier in the day if you have noise ordinances, and you may even find it to be somewhat relaxing once you settle into the rhythm. Sure, your mileage may vary, but easy, repetitive tasks are often a good way to give yourself a bit of a mental break.

Finally, the post says that cutting grass with a scythe is “gentle for everything living in the grass.” You’re moving slower than a gas mower, so the local critters have more time to move out of the way. This saves both you and them the trauma of a lawn mower-related death. You’ll still need to be careful, but you’ve started stacking the odds in your favor.

This method may not work for everyone, but it’s worth giving it a try to see if this routine is right for you and your lawn. Besides, at the very least, having a scythe around means you’re set for Halloween decorations and costume contests for years to come.

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• 7 Reasons Why Your Houseplants Might Stink
• 8 Must-Know Tips to Drought-Proof Your Lawn
• Tired of Raking Leaves? Plant These Trees Instead

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Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro Review: A Smart Upgrade for Pool Owners

As a Florida homeowner, I have a love-hate relationship with my in-ground pool. The cool, refreshing water is a must-have amenity for swampy summer days, but I dread trying to keep it clean. After all, even though I live a solid 20 minutes from the beach, there’s still sand pretty much everywhere. And trying to keep the pool free of those tiny grains feels like a Sisyphean task.

Well, it did until the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro came along. This robot pool cleaner has been a total game-changer for keeping the pool clean. Read on for my full review.

VIA MERCHANT

Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro

This Beatbot pool cleaner uses intelligent navigation to map and clean pools of all shapes up to 3,875 square feet.

Shop on Beatbot

What is the Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro?

The Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro is a cordless, robotic pool cleaner. It uses intelligent navigation to map and clean both in-ground and above-ground pools up to 3,875 square feet. With a runtime of up to 10 hours for surface cleaning and up to five hours for floor, wall and waterline cleaning, it’s often able to get the job done in one go.

The Beatbot Aquasense Pro also comes with an easy-to-use app and a clarifying agent kit. The included ClearWater Natural Clarification is listed as skin-safe and eco-friendly, and does not have to be added with every use.

Beatbot Pool Vacuum Features

The Beatbot pool vacuum is loaded with intelligent features that make it one of the best pool vacuums on the market.

• Intelligent navigation: The Beatbot pool cleaner uses the brand’s CleverNav Smart Navigation System and SonicSense Ultrasonic Pool Mapping and Obstacle Avoidance. This advanced navigation system allows the robot to clean pools of all shapes, including rectangular, round, kidney and freeform. Just keep in mind that if the bottom and walls of your pool are curved, ultrasonic waves may be reflected upwards at the bend and cannot be received by the machine. In these cases, the Beatbot may not be able to draw a map.
• 5G/2.4G WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity: Users can remotely control the Beatbot pool cleaner through the app. However, this feature can only be used on water surface cleaning.
• Multiple cleaning coverage areas: This pool vacuum cleans the water surface, floor, walls and waterline. The two-layer filter can capture everything from leaves and insects to hair and sand.
• Automatic surface parking: When it finishes a cleaning cycle, the Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro parks itself at the surface of your pool for easy removal.
• Water Clarification: ClearWater Natural Clarification kit is skin-safe and eco-friendly. It’s designed to remove dead algae, fine debris and other organic particles, turning your water from cloudy to crystal clear.

How We Tested It

I have been using the Beatbot Aquasense Pro since May, 2025. Our house is on a large piece of property in a dirt road community. Although the pool is enclosed in a lanai, I still end up with tons of dirt and sand on the patio and, of course, in the pool.

During the spring, there are also obscene amounts of pollen that settle on top of the water. Depending on the season, the Beatbot goes in the pool at least once or twice a week in addition to my weekly pool cleaning service.

Set-Up and First Impressions

As soon as I opened the box, I was impressed by the Beatbot. It’s clearly a well-built machine, and I was excited to see it in action. Unboxing and assembling the robot only took a few minutes. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I didn’t need to look up any additional videos or tutorials. It was fully charged and ready for use in under three hours.

Since I had recently had the pool professionally cleaned and treated ahead of the hot season, the water was already crystal clear. Therefore, I did not use the clarifying agent on that first deployment. I also did not use the app initially. It’s worth noting that the Beatbot can only be controlled through the app when on the water surface. You cannot use the app for underwater cleaning.

The Beatbot has several settings. Since I have a filter that catches large debris, I opted to have it clean the bottom and sides of the pool. This takes several hours to complete, but the results make it worth the wait. This robot does a great job of sucking up small sand particles and other small debris. Overall, it left the bottom and sides of the pool super clean!

Cleaning and Care

The maintenance on the Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro is, for the most part, a piece of cake. It has a double-filter debris basket that really works well and is easy to clean after every use. The only hitch is that debris doesn’t always make it into the basket and settles in the space between the basket and the compartment. When this happens, I just take the Beatbot over to the hose and quickly clean it out.

When not in use, the Beatbot just lives on the charging station on the lanai. So while it is outside all year long, it’s out of the sun and elements. Other than some pollen and dust on the outside, the Beatbot still looks like it’s in mint condition.

Longterm Use

After a year of continuous use in my Florida pool, the one word that comes to mind is “convenience.” The Beatbot is incredibly simple to use. All I have to do is remove it from the charging station and set it on the ground for a few seconds of self-calibration. Then plop it into the pool and let it do its thing. Once it’s finished, take it out of the pool, clear out the filter basket and set it back on the charger.

I’m always impressed by how well this robot cleans the pool. No matter how much sand makes it into the pool, the Beatbot gets it all. No debris is ever left behind.

The only thing my Beatbot doesn’t clean is the steps. While it can clean steps, mine are too small for the Beatbot Aquasense Pro.

During testing, I did overcome my aversion to technology and download the app. Imagine my childlike excitement when I discovered that I could drive the Beatbot on the surface with my phone like a little motorboat. But excitement aside, this feature is worth its weight in gold during the spring when the pool has a thick layer of pollen on the surface. Yuck!

I also tried the clarifying agent that came with the robot, but unfortunately, I didn’t notice much of a difference. However, that could be because someone comes every Monday to treat the pool and give it a quick clean.

The only downside is that you have to physically move the Beatbot from the charging station to the ground, give it a few seconds to self-calibrate, then move it back into the water. When it’s finished cleaning, you have to physically pull it out of the pool and put it back on the charger. And, as mentioned above, there are times when I have to carry it out of the lanai and across the yard to the hose. At just over 25 pounds, some users may have difficulty moving it from place to place.

Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with the Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro after a year of regular use. It’s an easy and effective way to keep the pool clean. Best of all, the machine itself doesn’t require any maintenance. There are no cleaning cycles to run or filters to change.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Effectively cleans the bottom, sides and surface of the pool
• Sucks up tiny sand particles as well as larger debris
• Can be used in any shape pool
• Suitable for in-ground and above-ground pools
• Long runtime
• Generous three-year warranty

Cons

• Must physically move it to and from the charging station and the water

Final Verdict

If you only want the best for your backyard oasis, I highly recommend the Beatbot. It’s a durable machine that keeps your pool squeaky clean with minimal effort on your part. After a year of regular use, I couldn’t be happier with the unit and anticipate continued use for years to come. At over $2,000, the Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro is a significant investment. Then again, so is your pool.

Where to Buy

VIA MERCHANT

Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro

This Beatbot pool vacuum cleans everything from leaves and insects to gravel and fine sand.

Shop on Beatbot

The Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro retails for $2,299, but this model does occasionally go on sale. When it does, you can save upwards of $500. It is available on the brand’s website as well as on Amazon and Walmart. Skip the tedious pool cleaning this summer—Beatbot has it handled!

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 FAQ

How do you reset a Beatbot Aquasense Pro?

To reset your Beatbot Aquasense Pro, press and hold the three control settings—power, standard mode and pro mode—for 10 seconds. This will restore the Beatbot to factory settings.

How do you use Beatbot?

You must physically move the Beatbot from the charger to the ground and wait a few seconds for it to self-calibrate. Once it calibrates, move it from the ground to the pool and let it complete the cleaning cycle. Once it’s finished, the Beatbot will park itself on the surface until you come to take it out of the water. After removing it from the pool, clean out the debris basket and place it back on the charging dock until the next cleaning.

Are Beatbot pool cleaners good?

Yes! I have been using the Beatbot consistently for one year and have been impressed by its performance.

How much is a Beatbot pool cleaner?

Beatbot makes several different robotic pool cleaners. Some models, like the entry-level Sora 10, retail for $699. Others, like the new Aquasense X, will set you back a cool $4,250. The Beatbot Aquasense 2 Pro retails for $2,299 but often goes on sale, making it a great middle-of-the-road pick.

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