While visiting with my oldest daughter one day I noticed the smell of fruit circulating throughout the apartment. It was a wonderful aroma and I knew I wanted one of this product for my home. I commented about how I enjoyed the fragrance and she showed me her new (Papaya & Mango), Air Wick Fresh Matic Ultra. I bought it and I love it. The Fresh Matic dispenser is approximately a foot tall and is encased in white plastic. There are three settings that will automatically shoot out a sufficient spray of air freshener at your choice of nine, eighteen, or thirty-six minutes. There is also an off setting if for some reason you care to stop the dispenser from spraying. The Ultra runs on batteries which are supplied by the manufacturer. There is an electric timer eye which lets you know that the dispenser is still doing it’s job to make your home fresh and sweet smelling.
The Fresh Matic starter kit comes complete with one dispenser, a can of deodorizer and two batteries. There are currently six fragrances to choose from. My favorite is the (Papaya & Mango) though I also like the (Harvest Spice), which has the fragrance of cinnamon and apple. There is (Sparkling Citrus) a blend of orange, lemon and grapefuit and (Fresh Water) which is a bit too heavy for my taste. For those of you who like (Lavender) you can have the smell of heady lilacs all year around. The aroma of the (Lavender) is also a bit sweet and heavy for me.
There is a small amount of set-up involved with the Ultra, but if you follow the instructions carefully it is simple and quick to do. There is an easy open button on the top of the dispenser case. The batteries that come with the system must be inserted first. The Ultra comes with a fragrance canister capped with a plasic top. The cap should be removed and the can set in place. You may then proceed to set the timer which you must do on the inside of the dispenser after you have put in the aroma can. You snap the outer door closed and you are ready to place the Ultra where ever you would like a burst of scent. I recommend a spot that is out of reach of children. The dispenser will also work best if set in an area that is well-ventilated.
I find that the Ultra Fresh Matic will last for a time, depending on your preference of the minute setting that you have chosen. I originally picked the setting for every nine minutes, but found that my Fresh Matic lasted only about three weeks. I now keep it on the thirty-six minute setting and it freshens up my living room to my liking. You may buy refills at most all drug stores, department stores or grocery stores. The starter kit including the first can of deodorizer will cost around $10 if on sale and up to $13.00 or so at regular price. I bought a value pack on sale which contained two dispensers, two refills and four batteries on sale at the same cost as one package would normally be.The refill costs much less and will run you between $4 and $5.
I like everything about the Ultra Fresh Matic. I do wish that they would come up with a few more choices of fragrance. An Orange combination would be nice for the summer. I also think that another time setting might be helpfull. I find that nine minutes is too frequent, as is the thirty-six minute setting. A one hour setting could be a good option. It would also be nice if they would make available, two different fragrances in the same ‘Value Pack’
The Ultra Fresh Matic cannot be used close to babies, birds or fish. This product is also advised to be kept out of the reach of children and pets. It is listed on the package to be flammable and harmful or even fatal if swallowed.
