Bakhoor: what it is and how to use it

Bakhoor is scented wood in chips or pressed bricks, often perfumed with oils or aromatic blends. It is heated on charcoal or a suitable electric burner to release fragrance into a space.

A tradition of scenting spaces

Bakhoor is traditionally used to scent the home and, indirectly, clothes or hair. Let the fragrance disperse through a ventilated room; do not hold hair, skin or fabric over a hot burner. Follow the product and burner instructions, and keep smoke away from your face.

How to use a burner safely

Place the appropriate burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and other flammable materials. Use only the amount and heating method specified by the maker. Ventilate, never leave it unattended and keep it away from children and pets. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide: never use it in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space. Let everything cool fully before handling or disposal.

Bakhoor, oud chips and incense sticks

Bakhoor is perfumed wood or a scented pressed blend. Oud chips are pieces of resinous agarwood, whose own aroma is released by heat; they are not automatically the same as a perfumed bakhoor blend. Incense sticks are aromatic material shaped into a stick, sometimes around a bamboo core. Their form and heating method differ; follow the instructions for each.

Your questions

What is bakhoor?

Bakhoor is scented wood chips or pressed bricks heated on charcoal or a suitable electric burner to release fragrance. Blends vary; read the maker’s description and instructions.

Can I use bakhoor for clothes or hair?

It is traditionally used for indirect scenting. Keep clothes and hair away from heat and flames, never lean over the burner and allow the scent to disperse in a ventilated space.

Is bakhoor the same as oud wood or incense sticks?

No. Bakhoor is a perfumed wood or pressed blend, oud chips are resinous agarwood, and incense sticks have a different form. Their composition and heating instructions differ.

What safety precautions matter?

Ventilate well, use a stable heat-resistant surface, never leave the burner unattended and keep it away from children, pets and flammable materials. Never burn charcoal in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, and let the burner cool fully.

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