We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Does your car smell? If you’re looking to eliminate odor from your vehicle, take a look at our picks for the best car air freshener. Invest in one of these products to not only take care of that nasty aroma but also keep your car smelling fresh and new. That new car scent is only a click or two away.
No matter how careful you might be about keeping funky smells and terrible odors out of your car, every vehicle kind of develops its own unique fragrance over time. Sometimes stepping from the fresh outdoors and into your vehicle is enough to convince you that it’s time to invest in a decent car air freshener. Whether your interior has lost its new car scent, smells a bit stale, or is hanging onto lingering odors, there’s an air freshener that can eliminate the old and infuse a far more pleasant aroma. We’ve rounded up some of the best car air fresheners you can choose from right here.
Our Methodology
In order to determine which car air fresheners are worth your time and investment, we set out to compare the many types of products available, all of which promise to refresh and cleanse your interior air. We considered details and features like the application method, type of air freshener, strength of fragrance, and whether or not a product could effectively eliminate odors. In order to assess how well each product tackled existing odors and kept cars smelling nice, we turned to users’ real-life experiences in the form of reviews. The car air fresheners that made our top picks were those that were easiest to use, the most effective, and didn’t add frustration or mess.
Best Car Air Freshener Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Arotags Wooden Car Air Freshener
Best Value
Meguiar’s Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Mist
Easiest to Use
Febreze Air Freshener Clips
Best Hanging
Little Trees Car Air Freshener
Best for Smokers
Ozium Smoke and Odors Eliminator
Best Charcoal
Comfy Mate 5 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags with Hooks
Best Concentrated
Chemical Guys Chuy Bubble Gum Air Freshener
Best Natural
Purggo Car Air Freshener
Best Dual Scent
Refresh Your Car Air Freshener
Best No-Maintenance
California Scents Air Freshener
Our Verdict on Car Air Fresheners
The Arotags Wooden Car Air Freshener ranked highest as our pick for the best car air freshener overall. Affordable and long-lasting, this wooden option is a no-brainer for your nose. Choose Meguiar’s Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Mist if you’re looking for a value pick. Although it’s a one-time use freshener, it’s a powerful solution for bad odors.
Which car air fresheners do you prefer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
What to Consider When Buying a Car Air Freshener
It can be difficult to determine which car air fresheners are worth investing in. We’ve got your guide to picking out a quality air freshener that actually works, keeping your car odor-free and smelling pleasant.
Types of Car Air Fresheners
Scented Cardboard
One of the most common types of air fresheners, they typically hang on a string from the rearview mirror, releasing your favorite scent as they dangle. They’re not necessarily as long lasting as other types of car air fresheners, although some offer the ability to renew the scent via essential oils. These types of car air fresheners are also one of the cheapest to buy.
Natural (bamboo charcoal)
There’s an old wives’ tale that says you can put a bowl full of coffee beans in an odorous vehicle to soak up the stench. Whether or not that’s true, there are other natural ways to remove odors. The most common is to use bamboo charcoal to capture the smell. These premium air fresheners come in a burlap or mesh sack and often last longer than other types of car air fresheners.
Absorbent gel
As the name suggests, this type of car air freshener uses absorbent gel to remove bad smells. The gel comes packaged in a resealable container and works much like putting a box of baking soda in your fridge. Gel car air fresheners are meant to be placed beneath a seat or within a cup holder so they are unnoticeable. Many containers will have an adjustable setting to allow for prolonged use.
Spray
There are a variety of products meant to deodorize household rooms, and the car air freshening spray is just an extension of this same idea. Car air freshening sprays typically come in a multitude of scents and allow you to spray as little or as much as you want. These sprays work best on cloth interiors and typically absorb well into carpets.
Vent clips
An innovative way of dispersing scent, car air fresheners that clip onto your vehicle’s air vents provide odor relief within seconds. Cars that are particularly stinky will benefit from these types of air fresheners as they typically come in packs of multiple products. Place one vent clip in each air vent across your dashboard, and even in the second-row vents, for a blanketed approach. After they’ve stopped releasing a scent, you can simply unclip them and throw them away.
Car Air Freshener Pricing
Most car fresheners found at an auto parts store will be anywhere from $1 to $5, depending on the brand. Typically, these products will be scented cardboard that slowly releases scent over time. These air fresheners won’t last the longest but are inexpensive. If you’re looking for car vent clips or even a couple of hanging car air fresheners, budget $11 to $20 for a pack of anywhere from two to five products.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Depending on what type of air freshener you purchase, the product will last anywhere from a few weeks to about two years. Check the packaging for the products you’re considering. Oftentimes, manufacturers will list how long the product will last. If you invest in something like car air freshener gel or a similar product that releases a scent, the lifetime of that product can depend on the climate, how often you drive, and other factors.
A: The best rule of thumb for air fresheners is to change them when you no longer notice their scent. For example, if you remove a vent clip from your vehicle and sniff it, does it still give off the intended scent? If so, it’s still working.
A: Car air fresheners can irritate your allergies, so be cautious when making a purchase. If you know you’re allergic to most floral scents, for example, stay away from them. There are various alternative non-artificial-scented products on the market (such as the negative ion-producing air fresheners).
A: Car air fresheners work to reduce and/or remove bad odors from your vehicle. Enzymes, on the other hand, are used in order to remove mold or other hazardous contaminants that are the cause of such bad smells. Many vehicles that have been flooded benefit from an enzyme treatment. Car air fresheners should be used to maintain a good scent that’s already been established.
