Once you've eliminated the source of nasty odors in your home, add the final touch -- scent.

Scenting the air is nothing new. Potpourri in various forms has been around for centuries. So have scented oils and various types of incense.

But scented air fresheners really took off in 1956 when SC Johnson Brands introduced Glade spray air fresheners in evergreen and blossom scents and promised it "makes indoor air as fresh as all outdoors."

In 1974, the company introduced the first solid air fresheners and other manufacturers followed suit. Since then, thousands of scented fresheners have appeared on store shelves worldwide -- plug-ins, fragrance fans, diffusers and now flashing light shows -- each pricier and more sophisticated than the one before.

Potpourri and candles have evolved, too. Instead of setting out bowls of scented petals and other plant materials to gently perfume, we can now add potpourri to water in special pots which heat it by electricity or a candle. The steam carries the scent throughout the house -- but don't let the pot go dry. Scorched potpourri is no perfume.

Candles come in all shapes, sizes and scents, including sugar cookie dough, pineapple and spice. With scents like those, it's hard to tell if you're in a kitchen store or one selling gifts and home decor.

Usually candles burn slowly, releasing their scent over a period of hours or days. But in 2005, SC Johnson introduced scented oil candles. Once the wick is lighted these unique candles melt into a puddle of scented oil in minutes, though the oil will continue to burn -- and scent the air -- for nearly three hours.

The latest innovation in air fresheners -- again from SC Johnson Brands -- combines scent with light. Plug in the unit and, in addition to perfuming the air, it'll throw a wash of ever-changing light against the wall. Two buttons allow you to select the speed the colors change and the brightness.

Whatever your preference, shoppers looking to brighten their air have plenty of options. A New York Times story this month on air fresheners reported that, according to the Productscan Online service of Datamonitor, more than 1,000 new fresheners hit the market last year, exceeding the number for 2005 and 2004 combined.

With so many to choose from, how do you find yours? Susie Coelho, SC Johnson representative and author of Secrets of a Style Diva: Get-Inspired Guide to Your Creative Side, suggests you pay attention to aromas around you.

Think about how they make you feel and take note which you enjoy. Then, at the store, find similar fragrances "so you can bring the experience home."

* Reporter Loretto J. Hulse can be reached at 582-1513 or via e-mail at lhulse@tricityherald.com.