You really don’t want any nasty odors or unwanted scents to accompany you on your daily commute, which is precisely why car air fresheners are a thing to begin with. People realized long ago that the inside of their cars can develop unpleasant odors over time and that these odors are pretty hard to remove once they set in. A good way to avoid that is to have a constant scented presence in the form of an air freshening/purifying gadget of your choosing.
In this respect, the market has a lot to offer nowadays, from inconspicuous devices to mountable air fresheners of a wide variety. The decision is usually made in relation to convenience or personal preference because most popular fresheners share a similar efficiency. With that out of the way, you also have to decide whether you want a scented or unscented air freshener, with most people going for the scented option for obvious reasons.
The next step is choosing an air freshener from the rich variety available these days, a task that seems easy enough until you are faced with the sheer number of products to choose from. In this respect, it mostly comes down to whichever smells better, even if it may seem like a superficial metric when it comes to making a decision. To give you a better idea of what’s out there, we put together a list of the ten best car air fresheners money can buy.
Best Car Air Fresheners – Reviews
10Little Trees Black Ice Fiber Can Air Freshener
If you’re looking to have your car smelling fresh and masculine at the same time, the Little Trees Black Ice Fiber Can Air Freshener will do the job. It is small and compact and can be placed anywhere inside the vehicle. At the same time, the scent is a perfect mix of sandalwood, lemon, and bergamot which leaves the inside of the car smelling fresh. It can also be utilized at home, in the toilet, kitchen, and other rooms. Not only that but it also lasts for a very long time and provides a quite classic scent in the process
9Yankee Candle Car Jar Ultimate Hanging Air Freshener
The Yankee Candle Car Jar Ultimate Hanging Air Freshener is a convenient product that keeps your car smelling fresh and helps cover foul odors easily. These tiny jars can be hung from anywhere and produce a sweet scent to fill the space and leave you relaxed. Apart from inside the car, these air fresheners can be used inside the house as well. They last for up to 2-4 weeks and come in a number of different scents to give you exactly what you want and like.
8Five-of-Five Premium Aromatherapy Essential Oil Car Diffuser
The Five-of-Five Premium Aromatherapy Essential Oil Car Diffuser is a useful car air freshener because of its small size and effective odor cover. With it, you get 2 vent clip diffusers along with 22 felt pads. The diffuser locket looks stunning and adds a bit of style to your vehicle. At the same time, these products are made from premium quality stainless steel and have a strong magnetic hold. The felt pads are 3mm in diameter and easily absorb the essential oil of your liking as it diffuses it through the vehicle.
7Febreze Car Air Freshener
Undoubtedly one of the best air fresheners in the market, the Febreze Car Air Freshener is specifically designed for cars and it works wonders. It is compact in size and is easy to attach to the ac vents. Once clipped on, these tiny air fresheners release a calming scent that fills the car and covers any foul odors. They are easily installed and can be easily removed when they are empty. Each of the Febreze air fresheners lasts for approximately 150 days which is quite impressive.
6Sensible Needs 100% Natural Air Purifier Bag
The Sensible Needs 100% Natural Air Purifier Bag is possibly one of the easiest ways to have your vehicle smelling fresh and clean. By absorbing any foul odor, this tiny bag ensures your vehicle is always odor-free. Along with its subtle deodorizing effects, you will be left relaxed every time you enter your vehicle. Because it is 100% natural and chemical free, you are kept safe even when you touch it. We should also point out that this product lasts for up to 2 years and works efficiently.
5Turtle Wax 50819 Power Out!
When it comes to car air fresheners, few are as popular as the Turtle Wax 50819 Power Out. This is definitely one of the most effective air fresheners available and can easily remove any odor from your vehicle within seconds and replace it with a scent that is more appealing. They are affordable and come in a wide range of scents to suit your liking for you to choose from. You can even choose the size you want from multiple choices, each with a specific designated purpose. Not only that but it also has a strong scent and can be a bit overpowering if you have a sensitive nose, but it is great for masking unpleasant smells nonetheless.
4RoyAroma Wooden Acorn Essential Oil Car Diffuser
With a Wooden Acorn scent, this air freshener will leave you feeling relaxed every time you step into your car. The amount of scent released is adjustable so that no wastage occurs. This air freshener doesn’t require any outlets, batteries, or power because it consists of 98% biodegradable gel that produces a subtle and sweet scent in any surrounding. Furthermore, each air freshener comes with 6 adjustable cones for you to employ at will.
3Air Spencer Squash Scent Air Freshener
Leaving your vehicle filled with a subtle and pleasant squash scent, the Air Spencer Car Air Freshener is a handy product that comes from Japan. The cartridge is small and can be placed anywhere in the vehicle with the help of the provided glue. Although the size of the cartridge is quite tiny, it packs a lot of scent in it, which lasts for a minimum of 3 weeks and can often last for months together. This car freshener is quite reasonable as well which makes it easy to refill and use around the house.
2Chemical Guys New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener
Everybody loves the smell of a new car and the Chemical Guys New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener delivers just that. It is formulated with fragrances that give your car a new car smell within seconds. As such, it effectively removes foul odors and replaces it with neutral scents and also reduces any other odors. Since it is a concentrate, it can be used sparingly or you can choose to dilute it in water before spraying the inside of the car. It also has to be said that the scent remains for weeks and it only requires a single spray.
1Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
Removing any signs of odor from your car, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag really stands out for what it brings to the table. Although it is fragrance-free, it removes any odor from your vehicle or any space it is placed in. It is chemical and toxic free and is made from bamboo charcoal which effectively removes any type of odor, pollutants, and allergens. It also prevents mold and bacteria from growing by absorbing excessive moisture. Considering its convenient packaging and ease of use, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call it one of the best the market has to offer.
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Car Air Freshener Buyer’s Guide
Buying a car air freshener should be fun right? Well, it isn’t always, especially if you open it up and are overwhelmed by a cloud of chemical scents. This doesn’t mean that only organic products made with real fruit are the way forward, but certain products are better than others.
There are various types of air refreshers designed for cars which make purchasing one that bit more confusing. To help add some clarity and make this an easy purchase, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In A Car Air Freshener
Pleasant Scent
For most people, it is easy to find a scent that you enjoy. Thankfully, most brands make numerous smells for a customer to choose from and this can be everything from vanilla or pine to something a little more exotic. Although they are not going to be so natural smelling, something that is not so chemical-smelling is best.
Longevity
Unless purchasing a multipack of car air fresheners that last a week and always have something to hand when the scent wears off, it is important to find a brand that is known for its lasting smell. This can be down to the type of air freshener as a can is going to last longer than a spray or cardboard product.
Safe Ingredients
Anyone with allergies should be quite particular about what product they buy as some are not so suitable and can cause irritations. This can be dangerous when driving so it can be useful to test the freshener before you get going. Look for non-toxic ingredients and a product that has been tested for allergies.
Compact Size
The last thing anyone wants is for a massive card to be swinging in front of their face as they serve around a roundabout. There is no reason why the car air freshener you choose should take over the front of the car so a compact size is key.
Strong Odor Elimination
The effectiveness of the air freshener for cars is not just down to how long it lasts, but the coverage it offers. A strong scent such as a wet dog can linger for days which is why it is is important that you purchase a product that has the power to mask a strong odor.
Value
A lot of people opt for the cheapest product available and whilst this can save money, it will usually result in a product that doesn’t last so long. Because of this, there is something to be said for a product that offers a balance between price and longevity.
Safe To Use
Certain types of car air freshener are better than others when it. comes to safety so it is important to choose wisely. Some do not do so well when left in the heat which is where a gel might become hot and dangerous if spilled. Speaking of the various types, here are some of the most common:
Different Types Of Car Air Freshener
Card
The traditional type that you may have seen in your parent’s car is still going strong. Hang it over the mirror and try not to be distracted by the (usually) tree-shaped design as the smell of fresh pine wafts around the front of the car. You know the type, and they are the most affordable type available. Still, they only last a few days when masking strong odors and after a few weeks they are often left swinging and scentless.
Can
A common sight in a lot of cars, the can is often filled with a gel-like substance with a fragrance that comes out of the vents that protect the gel. These are often twistable to open or close more of the vents for a stronger scent and will also come with a lid to make them last longer.
Plug-Ins
Much like a home air freshener that can be plugged in, these are usually oil-based and last a long time. When plugged into the cigarette lighter they are heated which helps the oil warm-up and gives it a better coverage than a lot of the alternatives.
Sticky Gel
A modern and almost strange approach but one that is fun and quite effective. The gel itself sticks to any surface so can be plashed around the dashboard and gives a scent that might not mask strong odors but is usually pleasant enough.
Spray
As the name suggests this involves spraying the scent into an enclosed area os it is not ideal when in transit. They work well with all types of odors but don;lt last so long. Arguably they work better when spraying in advance.
How Long Should A Car Air Freshener Last?
This depends on a multitude of factors, but mainly the type and brand. A gel can might last for several weeks, especially if used sparingly whereas a card air freshener may not offer such a lasting scent. There are some brands that have made car air fresheners that last for a few months but expect a month at most for an affordable brand.
How To Keep A Car Smelling Pleasant?
A lot of the time, it starts with keeping the car clean. Take out any trash when you gt home so that the smell doesn’t linger and a regular vacuum and valet is always going to help. Certain stains and strong-smelling foods can be a nightmare to mask, as can the smell of a dog. If you like to take your pooch with you, be sure to clean up and use a car air freshener to make it smell even better.
How Often Do I Need To Change A Car Air Freshener
Again, this will be down to the type that is used but a card product should be changed every 2-3 weeks depending on the quality of the brand. A gel can may last a couple of months at best but any time that you can sense a shift from the scent to an odor in the car, it can be a good time to change it.
