Tired of your car smelling a little less fresh than you’d like?
There are myriad ways in which a car can acquire a funky smell – spilled drinks and food, sweat, dampness, pets, and plain old age. But there’s no need to just suck it up and suffer through the stink. One small accessory can make a world of difference and transform that funkiness into fabulous freshness: the humble car air freshener.
Our team has been busy putting dozens of air fresheners to the test and in this post we deliver the results. You’ll find reviews of the 9 great products along with all the info you need to choose the best option for your size of vehicle and the type of odors you’re dealing with.
At a Glance: Quick Recommendations
- Febreze Gain Vent Clips
- Best Overall
- Affordable, effective, and available in any scent you could possibly want!
- FRiEQ Air Purifier
- Best Purifier
- Actively improves the quality of the air in your vehicle.
- Meguiar’s Whole Air Re-Fresher
- Best For Mold and Mildew
- Great for anyone seeking to eliminate odors rather than simply mask them.
- Glade PlugIns Starter Kit
- Best Value
- Long lasting and available in a wide array of scents.
- Chemical Guys New Car Smell
- Best Spray Air Freshener
- Easy to use and effectively neutralizes odors with a fresh, invigorating scent.
- MOSO NATURAL Purifying Bag
- Honorable Mention
- Fair-Trade Certified and made with all-natural ingredients and materials.
- Air Spencer CS-X3
- Most Versatile
- Boasts adjustable output and can be mounted anywhere in your vehicle.
- LITTLE TREES Auto Air Freshener
- Best Budget
- Not the most powerful option but reasonably effective for the price.
- Yankee Candle Car Jar
- Best Scent
- A car air freshener you’ll want to take to bed with you!
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 At a Glance: Quick Recommendations
- 2 Review of Our Top Recommendations
- 2.1 Febreze Gain Vent Clips
- 2.2 FRiEQ Car Air Purifier
- 2.3 Meguiar’s 1 Pack Whole Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator
- 2.4 Glade Plug-Ins Car Air Freshener Starter Kit
- 2.5 Chemical Guys New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener and Odor Neutralizer
- 2.6 MOSO NATURAL Air Purifying Bag
- 2.7 Air Spencer Car Air Freshener and Refill Combo
- 2.8 Little Trees Auto Air Freshener
- 2.9 Yankee Candle Car Jar Ultimate Hanging Air Freshener
- 3 How to Choose a Car Air Freshener
- 4 Best Car Air Freshener: The Verdict
Review of Our Top Recommendations
We’ve fired all of this information at you about different types of car air fresheners to choose from, as well as what makes each type special and the downsides to them.
With that being said, don’t worry – we’re going to make it easy for you. We’ve reviewed some of the best car air fresheners on the market to save you some hassle and help you decide which ones are right for you.
Let’s check them out, shall we?
Febreze Gain Vent Clips
Looking for an affordable, powerful, and great-smelling destinking solution that’s available in multiple scents? If so, your search can end here.
The Febreze car air freshener combines all the effectiveness of Gain and Febreze home products into one highly potent package that’s custom-made for cars.
There are many things to love about these clips.
First and foremost, they smell great. We’re particularly big fans of the ‘Linen and Sky’ scent, but if Platinum Ice, Watermelon, Cranberry, Lavender, or Winter Spruce are more your bag, these clips have you covered. If not, there are dozens more options to choose from.
Secondly: effectiveness. Each clip gives you around 40 days of strong but not overpowering scent – an awesome return on investment compared to some competitor brands.
Finally, these vent clips offer solid value for money. Most of us want a fresh-smelling car but often find ourselves tolerating suboptimal odors once we’ve calculated the cost involved in curbing them. With the Febreze Gain Vent Clips, this shouldn’t be an issue.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Effective
- Long-lasting
- Available in dozens of scents
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t remove odors from fabric
Summary
Affordable, effective, long-lasting, and available in just about any scent you could possibly desire.
FRiEQ Car Air Purifier
You might look at this purifier and think it’s some kind of futuristic device that needs a 100-page manual to work, but it’s really not. It doesn’t just look cool, it’s also going to help you get rid of bad odors and bacteria in your vehicle.
Just plug it into a 12-volt power outlet and you’re ready to go.
It works by releasing negatively charged ions into your vehicle, which purifies the air from odors, bacteria, and mold. This means you get rid of the bad odor that’s spoiling your journey as well as tackling it at the source – something not all fresheners out there do.
It doesn’t mask the smell, it cleans the air instead. This could well be the preferred product for those with asthma and allergies.
The great thing about this product is that there are no filters to change on a regular basis. This purifier will work all by itself – just leave it to do its thing while you travel to your destination, and let it worry about the rest!
What We Like
- No maintenance or refills needed.
- Can deal with strong odors, including smoke.
- Gets rid of mold, bacteria, and allergens.
- A preferred product for those with asthma and allergies.
- Attractive design.
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable if your power outlet is more than 12 volts.
Summary
Doesn’t just get rid of strong odors but actively improves the quality of the air in your vehicle.
Meguiar’s 1 Pack Whole Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator
Would you love to smell the fragrance of a new vehicle when you jump in the driver’s seat? If so, this product should be on your radar. It has that unique scent to it that is bound to revitalize your vehicle and rekindle old memories of when you hopped inside for the first time ever.
The aerosol spray mist can also effectively destroy odors at the molecular level. This includes cigarette smoke, bad food, as well as other unpleasant smells in your vehicle.
Even more, this product from Meguiar’s is very easy and straightforward to use. Just activate the locking trigger, turn on the vehicle’s AC and fans, close the doors, and leave the product to work its magic. This process spreads the formula around your vehicle easily and quickly.
After 10-15 minutes, remove the spent canister and air the vehicle out for the same amount of time.
What We Like
- Easy to store.
- Simple to use
- One use is all you usually need to effectively eliminate odors.
- Fresh Scent
What We Don’t Like
- Vehicle must be unoccupied and parked in the shade when it’s sprayed.
- Contains some ingredients that may cause side effects for those with allergies.
- Scent can be a bit too strong for some people’s liking.
- One-time use and not refillable might make it an uneconomical option for some.
Summary
Not the most budget-friendly option for repeated use but highly effective in eliminating (not just masking) ingrained odors.
Glade Plug-Ins Car Air Freshener Starter Kit
If you already use similar products around your home, we’re sure you’ve probably heard of Glade before. This famous company gets it right when it comes to vehicle air fresheners.
All you have to do is plug it into your vehicle’s power outlet and enjoy the fresh Hawaiian breeze fragrance! It’s as simple as that.
A feature we love (and don’t see on many other products) is the four adjustable fragrance settings. This allows you to have a good amount of control over how much of this product you use. This means you can put it on high to get rid of bad odors faster or use the low setting to get more value for money and maintain a subtle scent that gets it to last longer.
Plus, it only works when the engine is turned on, so it’s not wasted overnight. It’s also said to last up to 60 days before it needs to be refilled, which is longer than many other products on our list.
What We Like
- Gets rid of bad odors effectively.
- Lasts up to 60 days, longer than some of the other similar products out there.
- Refillable.
- Unique, energizing fragrance.
- Only works with the engine running, which means it lasts longer.
- Adjustable fragrance setting.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t help with moisture or bacteria.
- Not suitable for some people with asthma or allergies.
Summary
Not the most powerful option but nevertheless a good pick for cost-conscious buyers.
Chemical Guys New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener and Odor Neutralizer
If you like the smell of new cars, then you’re going to love this new air freshener spray from Chemical Guys. This brand is trusted when it comes to just about anything related to auto care, and you certainly won’t be let down by this product.
If you’ve got a bad odor on your carpets or upholstery, you can simply spray it directly onto the material for a temporary fix, until you manage to find some free time to address the problem for a proper fix.
It uses natural enzymes to get rid of strong odors and releases a pleasant scent.
It’s claimed that you only need one spray to help neutralize bad odors in a normal-sized vehicle, and the manufacturer also states that it can keep bad odors away for a good few weeks after you’ve used it. If there’s a downside, however, it’s that the scent can feel a little overpowering to some.
What We Like
- Large bottle, so should last longer.
- Can be diluted for a more subtle effect.
- Can be sprayed directly on carpet and upholstery.
- Naturally derived fragrances.
- Neutralizes bad odors using natural enzymes to leave your car smelling fresh
- Great fragrance.
What We Don’t Like
- Some people find the scent to be fairly strong if not diluted.
- Not effective for moisture or mildew control.
Summary
Combines an invigorating scent with natural odor-neutralizing capabilities and easy application.
MOSO NATURAL Air Purifying Bag
Not everyone enjoys a sweet fragrance in their vehicle, especially one that can be overpowering at times. Plus, some people can be allergic to certain chemicals which are used to create the scents, in which case all of these are best avoided.
If you’re one of those people, we recommend this awesome, fragrance-free product from MOSO Natural. It’s not going to strike you when you enter your vehicle, and it’s made from natural bamboo charcoal.
Despite its eco credentials, it remains very effective at getting rid of bad odors. If you’ve had pets in your vehicle or have a lingering odor, this bag can help.
The MOSO purifying bag even prevents mildew, mold, and excess moisture from building up in your vehicle. This means you won’t be inhaling anything unhealthy for you or your family, thanks to the charcoal which draws it all in like a magnet.
Another strong point about this car air freshener is that it can last for up to two years. This is one of the best on our list in terms of longevity, and this means value for your money spent, too.
Plus, it works on areas up to 90 square feet, which is great for big vehicles.
What We Like
- Long lifespan.
- Non-toxic and fragrance-free.
- Prevents mildew, mold, and excess moisture build-up.
- Re-usable for up to two years.
- Eliminates bad odors by absorption.
- Should work well in larger vehicles, too.
What We Don’t Like
- Not for people that want fragrances.
- Some maintenance required.
- On display in your vehicle.
Summary
Non-toxic, fragrance-free, Fair-Trade Certified, and effective in eliminating funky odors, mold, and mildew.
Air Spencer Car Air Freshener and Refill Combo
This product stands out from the rest because of its versatility.
It comes with a case that has double-sided tape, which means it can be mounted anywhere in your vehicle. You can attach it to the dashboard, underneath a seat, or even to your door. The case also looks attractive, with a black and chrome design and blue accents.
The scent is another strong point. It’s fresh and citrusy, which is a breath of fresh air compared to some other mainstream products.
It’s going to help get rid of any bad odors lingering inside your vehicle, and you can use the sliding louver to adjust the strength of fragrance as you wish.
The case is also refillable, which means that you only have to purchase refill cartridges. This makes this product a more economical choice for many.
What We Like
- Fresh citrus smell.
- Gets rid of bad odors.
- Refillable.
- Can adjust fragrance strength.
- Can be mounted anywhere you like.
What We Don’t Like
- It may mark your plastic surfaces.
- Doesn’t absorb moisture or bacteria.
Summary
A great choice if you want the ability to adjust output and mount your air freshener anywhere in your vehicle.
Little Trees Auto Air Freshener
If there’s one vehicle air freshener that everyone instantly recognizes, it’s Little Trees. Even if you haven’t heard of the name before, you’re going to recognize it as soon as you see it.
Of course, this is the famous scented cardboard tree that everyone knows. These scented car air fresheners are made in the USA, and this particular option boasts a revitalizing blend of citrus and woods. This might give your vehicle just the clean, crisp scent it needs.
It’s easy to hang this product on your rearview mirror and the fragrance should spread around the vehicle instantly.
We like that this air freshener works constantly, whether you’re driving or when you’ve got the vehicle parked. It’s not like there’s some sort of button you’ll have to press to turn it on and off.
Although each one doesn’t last very long, the pack includes 24, which will see you through quite a few months or possibly even several vehicles!
What We Like
- Pack contains 24 Little Tree products.
- Masks car smells quickly
- Easy to hang up.
- Black color won’t clash with most interiors.
What We Don’t Like
- One only lasts up to 30 days.
- Won’t help with some of the strongest odors.
- Doesn’t deal with moisture or mildew.
- One only isn’t effective for bigger vehicles.
Summary
The definition of “cheap and cheerful”!
Yankee Candle Car Jar Ultimate Hanging Air Freshener
Yankee Candle is world-famous for its amazing array of fragranced candles. So, if you’re a particular fan of using those in your house, you’ll probably be interested in finding out more about their car air fresheners.
We’re definitely fans of the lovely scents these air fresheners have, being subtle yet relaxing at the same time. In particular, these three fragrances have a summer theme, which is pretty cool if you’re driving around on a cold, rainy day and you’re someone who associates more with warm summer days and sunny locations.
They also come in attractive pastel colors, which blend in beautifully with your vehicle’s interior.
This product is gel-based and shaped like one of the famous Yankee Candle jars. For a gel-based product, it’s pretty effective in getting rid of odors in your vehicle, so don’t let the form it comes in put you off for any reason.
If you happen to travel with pets often or you’ve had fresh food go bad in your vehicle recently, this option might be just the help you need.
It’s also very easy to hang up on the rearview mirror. It comes very neatly sized, which means it’s not distracting and the string is securely attached for hanging.
What We Like
- Compact size.
- Easy to hang up.
- Eliminates odors.
- Energizing summer fragrances.
- Three pack of air fresheners.
What We Don’t Like
- Only last for two to four weeks.
Summary
Pricey, but a good option for anyone with a more discerning sense of smell.
How to Choose a Car Air Freshener
Different Types of Vehicle Air Fresheners
There are several different types of car air fresheners to choose from. We’ve given a summary of the most common types below.
Plug-Ins
Just as the name suggests, plug-ins are inserted into the power outlet in your vehicle.
They usually consist of a plug and a small plastic or glass bottle that holds a fragrant oil. The idea is that this oil heats up and then creates a pleasant aroma that is circulated around in the atmosphere.
Normally, plug-ins work pretty quickly and they can be very effective at getting rid of odors, which also includes strong odors that other types don’t do well at eliminating.
This type normally lasts longer too, and you’ll likely only have to purchase refills.
Can Air Fresheners
These are easy to use – just twist the top of the can to release the scent. This gives you full control over when you want to release the contents.
You can also find this type in a jar instead of a can.
The fragrance can take a while to circulate around the vehicle, though, so keep that in mind.
Some of these products are also good at absorbing moisture, which may prevent mold and mildew from forming and creating bad odors.
Electronic Ionizers (aka Air Purifier)
This is a device you plug into the power outlet in your vehicle to cleanse the internal atmosphere. The idea is that it emits negatively charged ions using this electricity. The ions disperse and attach to positive particles in the atmosphere, such as cigarette smoke, bacteria, or allergens.
This is a great option for destroying the source of bad odors, and not just masking it with a fragrance temporarily. It essentially acts as a deodorizer and cleans the inside of the vehicle, which is good news for those who suffer from allergies.
While they can be more expensive than other types, they’re normally worth it.
Sticky Gel Air Fresheners
The main benefit these sticky gel products have is that they’re cheap and versatile. You can stick them to just about any dry surface, such as the dashboard.
They usually contain fragrant oil, which is known to greatly help improve the aroma in vehicles. They normally last longer than some other types as well, such as cardboard (which we’ll be talking about below).
However, they’re not always the best for combating the strongest of odors, and you may need more than one to make a substantial difference.
Air-Purifying Bag
An air-purifying bag will do all the hard work for you.
They normally contain natural ingredients that absorb bad odors, and they may also deal with excess moisture as well, getting rid of mold and mildew in the process.
Natural air fresheners are usually fragrance-free, which means they might be a better option for allergy sufferers.
Spray Air Fresheners
Sprays are the go-to choice of drivers everywhere for stubborn odors.
You simply spray to create a mist and you’ll be in control of how much fragrance you use until the smell goes away.
This also means you’re in control of how long the product lasts, assuming – of course – you don’t get something low quality that has you emptying 1/4 a spray can every time you need to deal with a nasty smell!
The one problem with some air freshener sprays, though, is that they’re only good for masking bad odors. This means that they might not get rid of the source of the bad smells altogether.
Cardboard Air Fresheners
The most popular and economical option.
Most are simply a shaped piece of colored card infused with a scent. They usually hang from the rearview mirror by a short elastic cord and come in hundreds of different shapes and aromas.
However, these usually only create a pleasant fragrance and don’t deal with moisture or strong odors. They also don’t last very long and need to be replaced frequently.
Contents
Recent studies have found that some of the ingredients used in air fresheners can be harmful to our health. This includes chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and petroleum solvents.
Trusting just about any car air freshener out there for being good for your health without doing some research about it beforehand is not the best of ideas.
So, it’s best to look for a product that’s as natural as possible. This will help you avoid toxic chemicals, which may be very dangerous in a confined space such as a car.
Suitability for Car Size
The size of your car can affect the effectiveness of whichever air freshener you choose.
For example, if you have a bigger vehicle, it’s best to go for oil-based and electric products. This allows the fragrance or clean air to spread around the vehicle more efficiently.
In a big vehicle, if you went for a basic cardboard option, you might need more than one – or else some areas in the car will still stink.
On the other hand, if you’ve got a small vehicle, you’ll have a lot more freedom when it comes to choices.
Long Lasting?
As with any type of product, the cheaper options are at that price point for a reason. For example, cardboard and gel types have a lower price tag, but they will only last a few weeks at the most.
Spray and can perfume types tend to last longer than sticky gel and cardboard options, but are usually more expensive. Meanwhile, plug-in fresheners require you to buy refills, but electronic ionizers don’t require you to do anything other than plug them in, although they’re usually pricey.
At the end of the day, there’s going to be some sort of trade-off involved no matter what type of air freshener you decide to go with.
Moisture and Bacteria Control
Some fresheners are able to tackle the source of a bad odor. This includes the electronic ionizer type, which can get rid of bacteria altogether. Certain can types will also be able to get rid of moisture in the atmosphere.
Other products, such as gel or cardboard, will simply mask bad odors temporarily.
Best Car Air Freshener: The Verdict
Having tried and tested dozens (upon dozens!) of car air fresheners, our top pick is the Febreze Gain Vent Clip. These fresheners are long-lasting, easy to use, effective, and come in enough scents to satisfy any car owner.
If you’re looking for something that will actively remove odors from your vehicle, we suggest opting for Meguiar’s Whole Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator. This product, more than any other we tried, is capable of restoring that new-car scent to your vehicle and is a winner when it comes to tackling mold and mildew odors.
Do you have a favorite car air freshener? Let us know in the comments below if there’s anything you tried and found worked well for you. Also, feel free to ask us any questions and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Product image credits: © Amazon.com
