TCP Inc. Fresh2

Though indicating initial skepticism, several reviews say the TCP Inc. Fresh2 compact fluorescent light bulbs reduce or eliminate cooking and bathroom odors in as little as 10 minutes. The 23-watt bulbs, which deliver the same brightness as a 100-watt incandescent bulb and thus are more energy-efficient, are coated with titanium dioxide. When the light is on, a chemical reaction produces oxidizers that break down odors. The harsher the odor, the longer the process takes -- one review says it took one day to eliminate the stink of three cat-litter boxes. The odor-reducing function works for only about two years, while the lighting life expectancy is about nine years. Like other CFL bulbs, they don't work with dimmers and reach full brightness gradually. If most parts of your home are generally odor-free, reviews say the N:Vision Soft White (*Est. $8 for four) is the best compact fluorescent bulb for ordinary use.

The-Gadgeteer.com tests the odor-killing claims of the Fresh2 light bulb on musty laundry, and there are some reader comments as well. A blog run by a former Wired magazine executive editor offers a brief review by a contributor who performs the litter-box test. GearLive.com tests the Fresh2 in the kitchen and bathroom.