How an Old Airwick Stick Sparked a Wave of Nostalgia

While helping a friend clear out her grandmother’s garage, I spotted something unusual hanging beneath an old coffee table. It was a small round object, which I first thought might be a hidden latch or secret compartment. Instead, it was an old Airwick Stick air freshener, and seeing it instantly brought back a flood of memories.

If you grew up between the 60s and 80s, you probably remember these little white plastic disks. Each had a screw-top cap covering a scented felt pad inside. Twist it slightly, and a soft scent like lavender or lemon would fill the room. Twist it fully, and the whole space was filled with a strong pine cleaner aroma. My mom always had one tucked behind the bathroom toilet. It wasn’t subtle, but it worked perfectly. Every time someone opened that bathroom door, the unmistakable “Fresh Linen” scent would greet them.