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If you travel in your car regularly, smoke and pollution may seep into the interiors, causing a bad smell. So, we have created a list of the best car air fresheners to help you choose the right one. Car air fresheners can enhance your vehicle’s interior and remove any accumulated odor to make the air inside your car more hygienic and healthy.
They are easy to install and start working immediately. These time-tested fresheners are available in unique fragrances to suit your preferences. The fresh scent will allow you to breathe easily and prevent you from feeling sick due to the pollutants. Available in various options and designs, it might be challenging to choose the right one for your car. So, check out our list of best-selling products and their features to choose one that meets your requirements.
Top Picks
Types Of Car Air Fresheners
There are several types of car air fresheners. Some are fancy and some are really simple but most of them are great at doing their job. Check out the different types of air fresheners here-
- Gel fresheners
The gel fresheners use gels containing essential oils that serve as great car air fresheners. Such types of air fresheners are easy to place and they usually come in glass or plastic containers and are placed on the dashboard of the car. - Vent sticks
These are generally clipping objects containing essential oils or perfumes that can be clipped on to the AC vents. Whenever the AC is switched on, the air diffuses with the fragrance and makes the entire car interior fragranced. - Oil wicks
Such car air fresheners are quite popular and are attached to the AC vents. These are small plastic containers that contain scented oils and wicks. When the AC is switched on, the air gets mixed with the fragrance and adds freshness. - Aerosols
One of the most popular types of air fresheners are aerosols. These are liquid or gaseous pressurized sprays. Such products work instantly and overpower the unpleasant odor. You just need to spray it in your car or any place, and the aroma flourishes. - Oil diffusers
The air fresheners that come with oil diffusers are quite profound. With a fusion of fragrances, these essential oil fragrance cartridges are attached to the AC vents through their wick. Since these diffusers come with an added modulator, you get to choose the level of fragrance you want to release at any given time. - Plug-ins
Simple to use, these car fresheners can be easily plugged into the power outlet of your car. The blend of essential oils is used in these air fresheners. As the car is on, the oil heats up and releases pleasant odor into the car. - Hanging cardboard air fresheners
The most commonly used car air fresheners are these scented cardboards. With merely hanging them on your rear view mirror or on the passenger seat handle, you can feel the fragrance freshening the car interior. These are cost effective and are considered one of the best car air fresheners. - Non-hanging paper air fresheners
These are paper air fresheners that do not hang. Made of paper fabrics, these air fresheners are loaded with oil and deliver fragrance.
After getting to know about so many types of air fresheners, surely you would love to explore the top brands leading the market. Have a look at this and choose as per your choice.
15 Best Car Air Fresheners
1. Best Long-Lasting:Yankee Candle Car Jar Hanging Air Freshener
The Yankee Candle Car Jar Air Freshener is one of a kind. As the name suggests, there is a scented formula in this jar that works when simply hung in the car. You just need to hang it up or fasten it to your car’s vent, and adjust the fragrance through the slider bar. It comes in 3 designs. Each kit contains a bangle, logo, and a fragrance-filled locket. The air freshener scent lasts up to four weeks and is quite strong.
Pros
- Long-lasting air freshener
- Easy-to-use
- 100% recyclable
- Good packaging
Cons
- Smell might be slightly strong for some
"I love Yankee candles and was thrilled to discover these safe versions of those for cars. They last for months and leave a tropical fragrance in my vehicle. Also, their compact bottles do not hinder visibility even when I hand them above my dashboard."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 29,083 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Point to consider2. Best Multipurpose:Little Trees – U6P-60155 Car Air Freshener
This Little Tree air freshener is shaped like a christmas tree and has a blended fragrance of bergamot, sandalwood and lemon. It surely adds great freshness that makes it everyone’s top choice. The car air freshener has undergone rigorous testing and is good to use at home, garages, or other areas. Available in 4 different fragrances, this air freshener uplifts your mood and sets an aromatic environment. This review video by a tester will help you understand the odor eliminator better.
Pros
- Unique design
- Multipurpose product
- Premium fragrance
- Ensures effective pet odor control
- Fits well in all cars
Cons
- Slightly less longevity
"I got multiple fragrances from this brand and love how they add a seasonal smell to my car. They're versatile, too–quickly freshening up my bathroom and closets. On the whole, they've been a practical choice for keeping my spaces pleasantly fragrant."
3. Best Powerful Spray:Chemical Guys AIR_101_16 Air Freshener And Odor neutralizer
This ultimate air freshener from Chemical Guys is made with a lot of effort to make your car odorless. It is loaded with unique fragrances that make your car smell just like a new car. This revolutionary formula is suitable for all types of cars and lasts for weeks. In just one spray, you can make your car smell wonderful. You can even dilute the formula by adding water to it up to 2 gallons. Check out the detailed review of the product in this video.
Pros
- Powerful spray
- Superior quality
- Long-lasting fragrance
- Prevents occurrence of new odors
Cons
- Contains chemicals
Yankee Candle Car Jar Hanging Air Freshener Best Long-Lasting | Little Trees - U6P-60155 Car Air Freshener Best Multipurpose | Chemical Guys AIR_101_16 Air Freshener And Odor neutralizer Best Powerful Spray | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | White | Black Ice | Clear |
| Weight | 2.08 ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 3.5 x 5.4 inches | 7.5 x 2.38 x 3 inches | 2.95 x 5.71 x 7.09 inches |
| Weight | - | 2.88 Ounces | 1.12 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 29,083 | 5,620 | 8,223 |
| Price | $10.99 | $19.48 | $14.44 |
4. Best For Removing Odor:Febreze Car Air Freshener
Image: Febreze Known for its odor clear technology, Febreze air freshener cleans away odor perfectly. It releases a fine scent that lasts up to 30 days. This effective air freshener comes in a pack of two, with different varieties—Gain Original and Gain Island Fresh. Both the varieties are great for scenting your car. While Gain original gives a fresh scintillating scent, Gain Island Fresh leads to a fruity fragrance. The air freshener is easy to attach and it also lets you choose the level of intensity of perfume in your car. This product testing and review video can help you learn more about this air freshener.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Fine quality
- Removes odor
- Works even when the AC is off
Cons
- Scent might be too sweet for some
"I’ve always been a fan of the fragrances offered by Febreze, and I am glad that these also matched my expectations. They were also straightforward to set up, and the adjustable fragrance levels come in handy when traveling with someone with a more sensitive nose."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 8,223 positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Chemical-Free:Purggo Car Air Freshener
The unique composition of this product makes it worth using. Purggo is free from artificial fragrance or any type of plastic. Made with pure bamboo and hemp, this odor absorber naturally freshens up the ambiance. With no use of harmful chemicals, this product is super healthy and great to use in your car. Its odor-masking ability lends freshness to your car and is safe for pets and family. People with allergies can also use this product in their car without any risk.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- Sustainable product
- Recharges in direct sunlight
- Lasts more than 365 days
- Eliminates odor rather than covering it
Cons
- Works best only when completely dry
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 5,776 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
6. Best Easy-To-Use:Air Jungles Honey Peach Car Air Freshener
When looking for an easy, tried-and-tested option that clips onto your car and makes it odorless, this is the best care freshener for you. It is easy to clip on the car vents, and it removes odors, including cigarette smoke smell. A vent clip keeps the car free from odor for around 30 days. Each pack includes six air vent clips, which means you can keep your car odorless for around 180 days. Also, it has a slider bar for you to choose the intensity of the fragrance.
Pros
- Small size
- Easy-to-use
- Minimizes car smell
- Mild honey peach scent
Cons
- The fragrance fades faster.
"Once positioned correctly, these pods eliminate all kinds of odors from my car. Its honey scent is also delightful, and the little tabs allow me to adjust the intensity without a hitch. Plus, their small size keeps them from becoming an eyesore."
Quick tip7. Best Easy-To-Install:PureFlow Cabin Filter Air Freshener
Featuring a discreet and patented design, the PureFlow cabin filter air freshener is compatible with cars with a pleated cabin air filter. This effective air freshener is easy to install–it needs to be directly snapped into the car’s cabin air filter. It blends natural scents with an odor neutralizer, offering a fragrant, refreshing atmosphere. Also, the air freshener lasts three times longer (up to 90 days) than a traditional car freshener.
Pros
- Available in different fragrances
- Slow-release technology
- Spreads the scent evenly
- Long-lasting air freshener
- Provides a refreshing new car smell
Cons
- Air freshener scent might be mild for some
- May be difficult to add a refill
"The highlight of this freshener is that it automatically starts working the minute I start my car. Its aroma is also very clean and brings that coveted new car smell. Moreover, its small size and unique installation keep it from taking up too much dashboard space."
8. Best Eco-Friendly:California Scents Spillproof Organic Air Freshener
This organic car air freshener is known for its long-lasting coronado cherry fragrance. While generally, car fresheners last for 30 days, this one lasts for 60 days or more. It is formulated in the USA and does a great job at odor masking and keeping your car or home odor-free. The product is suitable for compact places where smell tends to reside long. It comes in a handy canister packaging that can be easily placed in small spaces to make them clean and fresh. The best part is its eco-friendliness.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Great design
- Organic formula
- Smells fruity
Cons
- Product fragrance might fade quickly
"Their fragrance is long-lasting and enjoyable, and the spray-free design is kind to my senses. Even though I was skeptical that the fiber pads would cause a mess, the container has kept that from happening. Hence, they get a thumbs-up from me!"
Caution9. Best Adjustable Fragrance Settings:Glade PlugIns Car Air Freshener
Designed to eliminate odors from your car, this air freshener is quite effective. It is loaded with a variety of light scents of essential oils. You can easily plug it into the car and it starts working as soon as you start the car. Plus, its functioning can be denoted with a glowing blue light. It lasts for around 60 days and needs a refill after that. The odor eliminator comes with four adjustable fragrance settings, which help you control the functioning of this freshener when driving.
Pros
- Easy to plug in
- Fresh fragrance
- Available in 4 scents
- High quality
Cons
- Doesn’t function when the car is off
"Having used this air freshener for a few weeks, I have to say I'm impressed with the lovely aroma that it fills my car with. Its black hue is also the perfect match for my car’s interiors, and the plug-in design keeps it from depleting too fast."
10. Best With LED:4WDKING Car Air Purifier
4WDKING Ionic Air Purifier is suitable for intense odor elimination as it can release up to 5.6 million negative ions per cm3. This immediately targets odor and eliminates it from the car. Not just smell, it also works on smoke, dust, and pollen and keeps the car clean. The odor eliminator also comes with dual 2.1 A USB ports that can charge your phones. Induced with a blur LED that makes your car design stylish and helps you find the air freshener in the dark, this car deodorizer is truly unique.
Pros
- Fancy design
- Easy to operate
- Comes with 1 year warranty
- Also works as a car accessory
Cons
- Has a very slight humming sound
"This freshener has effectively eliminated unpleasant odors from my cars, even after a ride with my pets. Its blue light indicator is a bit bright but is a small trade-off for clean air. Besides, it doubles as a USB charger, which is pretty convenient."
11. Best Solar-Powered:QBUC Car Air Freshener
The QBUC aromatherapy diffuser is an air freshener that is made of plastic material and operates with a solar fan blade. Its easy installation process makes neutralizing odors hassle-free. The diffuser comes along a solar aromatherapy diffuser and 1 aromatherapy ring. You can find 4 types of this diffuser and pick one as per your choice. It works in an interesting manner; the solar wind leaf rotates under the sunshine and diffuses aroma. This effective air freshener suits both cars and homes. The liquid fragrance usually lasts up to a month and then the fragrance weakens. You just need to place the scent in the QBUC solar air diffuser and you are good to go.
Pros
- No alcoholic liquids used
- Improves air quality
- Resists high temperature
- Works on solar energy
- Safe for pregnant women and infants
Cons
- Blades rotate only under sunlight
"Although sleek, this solar-powered air freshener instantly spreads a refreshing fragrance throughout my car. While I wish its fragrance capacity were a bit higher, the diffuser doubling as a statement decor piece has made that hassle worth it."
12. Best Natural Deodorizer:Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
Lay your hands on this air-purifying bag made of natural ingredients to get rid of awful odors in minutes. This bag enables natural air purification as it contains bamboo charcoal that absorbs unpleasant odors as well as air pollutants and moisture, thus effectively deodorizing your car while also making the air safer to breathe.
Pros
- Lasts up to two years
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Chemical-free
- Cruelty-free and non-toxic formula
- One sachet covers an area of 90 sq ft
Cons
- May not work on strong odors
"The scent-free formulation of these bags pushed me to get them. They’ve proven versatile, too, working excellently at eliminating odors from cars, closets, and shoe racks. They sometimes need to be placed under the sun, but that's a small trade-off for their unscented build."
13. Best Universal Fit:Astronaut Car Air Freshener
When looking for a car freshener that needs the least of your efforts and still works great, choose this one from Fresh Fresheners. This air freshener option has the power to keep your car interiorsfresh and let you enjoy a pleasing drive. With this pack you get 3 fresheners— Black Diamond, Ocean Breeze, and Jasmine. All three are quite strongly aromatic. In order to use, simply remove the plastic wrapper and place the air freshener on your rear-view mirror.
Pros
- Easy placement
- Universal fit
- Good fragrance
- Eco-friendly product
Cons
- Fragrance might not last long
"In addition to making my car smell pleasant, these astronaut-shaped air fresheners add a touch of fun to its interiors. Some could find its diffusion process slow, but it works well for my sensitive nose and lasts for months. Overall, it has been the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics."
14. Best Non-Toxic:Carall Glare Marine Squash Car Air Freshener
This Glare Marine car freshener from Carall is made in Japan. It is a gel type formula that instantly freshens up the car. The gel formula is in a glass jar that can be easily placed in compact places like car corners, kitchen cabinets, etc. Gel is extracted from fruits like apples, lemons, peaches and is non-toxic in nature. The formula is powerful enough to enhance the freshness of any type of environment.
Pros
- Nice fragrance
- Strong aroma
- Unique formula
- Gives a relaxing feel
Cons
- Doesn’t last more than a month
"Thanks to the durable yet compact casing, I can place these air fresheners in the corners of my car. While their scent is potent enough to freshen the car's interior, I’d recommend keeping it upright to enhance longevity and performance."
15. Best Compostable: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Air Freshener Sachets
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day air freshener sachets are made of essential oils and repurposed wood and are completely compostable after use, making them a sustainable solution to your car freshener needs. Available in multiple fragrances, these sachets are great to use in your car, locker, wardrobe and gym bag to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Pros
- Phthalate-free
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Garden-inspired scents
- Fragrance lasts for 60 days
Cons
- Scent can be overpowering initially
"Impressed by the lavender scent of these fresheners, I use them to keep my cars and closet smelling fresh. Although they do not have an electric mechanism, their reach is commendable, and the chemical-free formulation is much appreciated."
How To Choose The Right Car Air Freshener?
Consider the following points before choosing an air freshener for your care-
1. Uniform choice
A car is not just yours but it belongs to an entire family. So, while choosing fragrances choose something that pleases your entire family and doesn’t irritate your family members. You can discuss it with everyone and then opt for something.
2. Longevity
Long-lasting products are highly preferred. Thus, before choosing any air freshener, check its longevity. After all, no one likes to get a new air freshener every now and then.
3. Formula
Choose a formula that is non-irritable or worsen allergies. Products that contain chemicals can lead to such issues. So, opt for something organic and non-overwhelming.
4. Choose a pleasing fragrance
An air freshener has to be very calming for the body. If the aroma is strong, staying in it for long hours can be really bad for health. Thus, choose a car scent that is relaxing. Choose floral fragrances or fruity aromas that you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I use a car air freshener if I suffer from strong allergies?
No, you should not use a car air freshener if you suffer from strong allergies. This is because car fresheners have volatile fragrances that might cause irritation.
2. Do I need an air conditioner to achieve the best results from a car air freshener?
No, there are many car fresheners that can help you achieve the best results without having to use air conditioning.
3.Are car air fresheners safe for infants and adults?
Not all car air fresheners are safe for the health of infants and adults. Thus, it is suggested to invest in a high quality car freshener that is organic or devoid of harmful chemicals.
4. How long do car air fresheners last?
Car air fresheners come with a shelf life of one to two years. However, if the freshener is in use, it lasts only four to six weeks. Subsequently, you may need to spend your money on replacement.
5. How do car air fresheners work?
Car air fresheners work through evaporation. And this evaporated fragrance masks the odor, giving away a fresh, pleasant scent.
6. What are car air fresheners made of?
Car fresheners are generally made of disinfectants, surfactants, aerosol propellants, solvents, preservatives, and glycol ethers.
7. Is hanging a car air freshener from the rearview mirror illegal?
Hanging air fresheners from the rearview mirror can distract you while you try to focus on the roads. If the air freshener is heavy, it can pull away the windshield.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an electronic and automobile expert. He has channeled his interest into compiling a list of the best aromatic car air fresheners for you. He brings you this selection of air fresheners after conducting extensive research on the products available in the market. He also explains the types of air fresheners available and how to choose the right one to suit your and your family’s needs.
The Bottom Line
Those who spend a lot of time in their cars understand the importance of having a car freshener that instantly removes smoke, pollution, and weird smells. Car fresheners can make every journey more pleasant by enhancing the feel of the interiors. Choosing the right car freshener can be a challenge, though, since you need to choose one that suits the entire family while considering the longevity and non-irritability of the formula. Our top choices are the Little Trees Car Air Freshener, a multi-purpose odor-control solution; the Astronaut Car Air Freshener with a universal fit; and the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, which is cruelty-free and infused with pure bamboo charcoal. So, choose a powerful, long-lasting, easy-to-use formula to make every trip pleasant and refreshing.
Infographic: How To Keep Your Car Odor-Free?
Car air fresheners are an effective way to keep your car’s interiors smelling fresh and pleasant. However, following certain precautions can prevent foul smells from developing in the car in the first place. Refer to the infographic below to discover ways to prevent and eliminate odor-causing agents. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Odorant substances that trigger headaches in migraine patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23832131/
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