The process of buying an air freshener for your car might seem like a piece of cake task, and the idea of reading a thorough product review might overwhelm you, right? Well, let us tell you a short story about; there was once a guy who purchased the wrong type of air freshener for his car and he ended up burning his car’s interior.
So, do you want to be that guy? If not, then reading this product review can be your final hope for a successful air freshener purchase.
There are a lot of air fresheners that contain a huge block of chemicals. As you know, your vehicle’s interior is constructed with plenty of delicate and highly-dense materials – plastics, leathers, and others – so it is important for you to be careful in the process of purchasing an air freshener that you can stick to your car’s interior.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve created a list of the best air fresheners for your car that will eliminate stick and spread joy all around.
Best Car Air Fresheners Buying Guide
1. Mosu Natural Air Purifying Bag
Specs
- Weight: 12.6 oz
- Model: MB2579
- Brand: Mosu Natural
Before you start reading this review, keep the story of the “melted dashboard” in mind. The story sounds bad, right? And you don’t want anything like that to happen to your car’s interior, so say hello to the Mosu Natural Air purifying bag. This air freshener is the most trusted product in this list of air fresheners for cars.
This air freshener is a chemical-free and all-natural product that removes all kinds of bad odors from your car. It is basically a linen bag that features natural bamboo charcoal scent and nothing more.
When the charcoal is activated, it eliminates the excessive moisture-filled air that causes like bacteria, mildew, mold, which in turn produces bad odors. With the help of the Mosu all-natural air freshener for your car, you can get rid of the bad odors to an extent never to attack your car again.
it comes to caring, just take the air freshener out from your car once a month and leave it under the direct sunlight to re-ignite. After two years of usage, do not throw the bag away, just take out the charcoal from the bag and sprinkle it onto your most favorite plant to turn it into a nutritious plant diet.
Isn’t that amazing?
2. Car Purified, FRiEQ Car Air Freshener, and Amazing Air Purifier
Specs
- Weight: 1.44 oz
- Model: AP-C
- Brand: FRiEQ
When you take a look at this gorgeous piece of gadget, it looks like it’s a part of the USS agency, right? The FRiEQ air freshener works on the same principle as the Mosu Air freshener, but that is it.
Just like the charcoal-based air freshener we reviewed above, this one eliminates the source of bad odors before they can start to drench your car’s interior with terrible odors. Other than that, it produces negatively charged particles into your car’s interior, and these ions play a vital role in removing or destroying bad particles that cause stink – like mold or bacteria.
In addition to this, this car air freshener also has the tendency to eliminate cigarette smoke that sticks for a really long time. This product works in a very miraculous way, as it is built on the rules of science and technology.
When we talk about its usage, you can operate this product by plugging it to a 12-volt charger available in your car. In addition to this, the FRiEQ car air freshener does not feature any additional refills or filters in its working lifespan.
3. Meguiar’s G16402 Whole Car Air Refresher
Specs
- Model: G16402
- Weight: 2.56
- Brand: Meguiar’s
We all love the smell of a brand new car, and when the smell goes away, we feel disappointed, right? If you are a new-car smell lover, then you are definitely going to love this product.
You must know, this air freshener is a spray can and the first one on this list, but it functions on the same principle as the above two. The spray is a formula of special compounds that are efficient in removing bad odors from the car. It functions on molecular formula, so it targets the nasty mold and bacterial spores to eliminate terrible smell quickly.
Just as a spray, it features the advantage of passing through your vehicle’s vent system, which makes it go through all the crannies ad nooks to gather out the bad smell sources.
In conclusion, this air freshener leaves your car’s cabin with the all-new car scent.
4. Chemical Guys Air_101_16 New Premium Air Freshener
Specs
- Weight: 1.19 lbs
- Brand: Chemical Guys
- Model: AIR_101_16
When you witness the term “premium” attached to a product name, we tend to get a bit judgmental. It is easy to understand that the presence of such a word indicates the high value, and if that value is not achieved, what’s the point of being all “premium”?
The good news is, the Chemical Guys are the best manufactured air fresheners, and you can trust them on the word “premium.”
Without a doubt, this is a very premium air freshener, we can assure you. It features all-natural enzymes that perform the sole function of an air freshener – removes all the junk smell from your car’s cabin. In addition to this, it features a very smart formula that brings back that new car smell to your car.
As this is a very premium product, its price tag is premium as well. However, you must know that this product is an offset, concentrated air freshener, but you can dilute it with water. Needless to say, this product is both economically and effectively great.
5. Air Spencer (000400) CS-X3 Squash Scent
Specs
- Weight: 45 gr
- Model: 000400
- Brand: Air Spencer
Now we’ve reached a very traditional air freshener for cars. It does not feature enzymes, it does not release negative ions to eliminate mold or bacterial spores – you can simply attach it to your dashboard or leave it in your cup holder to get the job done.
In clear words, this product does it all in a very simple manner. The Squash Scent air freshener has been in use for a really long time, and in the first smell, your senses will feel relaxed and carefree.
However, this is not the most powerful air freshener in this list, but it does offer a nice scent, which is enough to get you through a ride. In addition to this, it lasts for one month, and its refills and filters are very cheap, so this is definitely a long-term choice.
6. Ozium Smoke & Odors Elimi
No products found.
7. Little Trees U6P-60155 Black Ice Air Freshener
Specs
- Weight: 2.88 oz
- Brand: Little Trees
- Model: U6P-60155F
Feels a bit weird to see three icons on a car air freshener, right? Well, you should know, you’re really in for a treat with this car air freshener. You might think of it as a tree hanging onto you're rearview, and that’s exactly what it is.
This brand has been around for a really long time, and it might not feature some of the top best tech capabilities, but it certainly stands out when it comes to powerful bacteria targeting senses.
The trees are very small and cute. However, the major complaint about this air freshener is that it does not last for a really long time.
In addition to the above, these trees come in a pack of twenty-four products, so you can replace them easily when the fragrance fades away. Needless, to say, this is a very nice product that has been around for a long time.
8. Yankee Candle Gel Car Jar Ultimate Hanging Air Freshener
Specs
- Weight: 0.16 oz
- Brand: Yankee Candle
- Model: 1220877
Don’t be alarmed by the word ‘candle,’ as it is not going to burn your dashboard. Well, this might not be the most traditional Yankee candle, but it kind of is a gel-substance that can be hung from your car’s rearview mirror – but you can place it on other places as well.
While not being a candle, this product is the main reason why Yankee has received a lot of recognition. In addition to this, the fragrance that comes from these candles is amazing.
In conclusion, it eliminates bad odors and creates a breathable environment for the driver.
9. GerTong Aromatherapy Car Diffuser
Specs
- Weight: 0.96 oz
- Brand: GerTong
- Model: 9503901
If you’re planning a romantic evening with your partner, you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant just to set the mood. All you need is the GerTong Aromatherapy car diffuser to spice things up a bit. On the other hand, you have eleven choices of scent, so be sure to pick the right one.
The best description of the GerTong air freshener will be that it is kind of like a spa treatment for you and your partner. It helps you relax, and even get rid of some aches you might be having for a long time. Once again, the effects of the fragrance depend upon your choice from the eleven different essential oils that this product offers.
Furthermore, this air freshener is not only suitable or your car, but you can also add it to your home, travel cabin, or office. With this product, you don’t have to stress about bad odors ruining your moods.
10. Refresh Your Car Scented Gel Can
Specs
- Weight: 5.6 oz
- Brand: Refresh Your Car
- Model: 09964
When you combine tiny particles of ripped banana and the nutty freshness of tropical coconut dwelling in your nose, this car air freshener gives you a totally different aroma experience. With this air freshener, you’ll be traveling on mountains, islands, rainforests, and idyllic beaches.
You can choose between Summer Breeze and Pacific Rain and Hawaiian Sunrise and a couple of other fragrances refreshing your car and you can always add an element of happiness and joy to your every ride. In addition to this, you can get rid of bad smell odors and the source as well.
Whereas it is a bit difficult to handle the power of the scent that develops through conventional air fresheners. But, thanks to the Refresh Your Car air freshener, you can flood your car’s cabin with tropical aroma, with just the twist of a lid.
11. Little Trees Vent Wrap Air Freshener
Specs
- Weight: 0.8 oz
- Brand: Little Trees
- Model: CTK-52233-24
The problem with most air fresheners is that they demand to be placed in front of every air vent to enable the scent to spread around easily. Unfortunately, not every car owner likes to destroy the whole look of their car’s cabin by placing an air freshener on top of the vents.
And if you are one of those car owners, you would want something that blends in with your car’s interior.
Thanks to the Little Trees, you have a product to look forward to. Just by looking at the product, you can assume that it is the type of air freshener that can be hung on your rearview mirror or attached to your air vents.
But, when you open its package, you’d be surprised to see what’s in it. In addition to this, you’d be asking yourself questions like; how can a tiny product like this blossom my car’s cabin?
Thanks to the patent StediScent technology, the Little Trees air freshener takes up a small portion of your car’s interior. In addition to this, it blends with your car’s cabin and makes it difficult for the passengers to guess where the amazing fragrance is coming from. Needless to say, this is the perfect tool to keep your car’s interior smelling fresh and lovely.
12. Nova 2.0 Powerful Ionic Car Air Purifier
No products found.
13. Carall Glare Luxury Car Air Freshener
Specs
- Weight: 3.84 oz
- Brand: Carall
- Model: 3085
Are you in search of a car air freshener that not only looks great but works well too? Well, look no further because you’ve hit the jackpot. The Carall Glare Luxury Car Air freshener is the best one around – it is elegant and simple to use.
It features a candy-like scent that lasts for about two months. In addition to this, it appears to be a shiny blue glass ball that adds an element of luxury to your car’s cabin. Also, the stainless steel complements the blue glass body and ensures elegant travel for you and your passenger.
However, you shouldn’t just take our word for it, try it yourself. You can even use this blue glass ball to increase the elegance of your home.
14. Humixx Car Air Freshener
No products found.
15. Team ProMark NFL Auto Air Freshener
Specs
- Weight: 0.16 oz
- Model: AFNF09
- Brand: Team ProMark
For those of you who love the NFL, this air freshener will definitely melt your hearts. However, the Team ProMark NFL Auto Air freshener is mostly used for decorative purposes, to represent NFL champions, and for the removal of bad odors.
On the other hand, there is some scent, but it doesn’t last for a long time. So, you are likely to be stuck in your car for hours without a strong scent to relax your mind and body.
As mentioned above, it is a great product for NFL gamers, but it is not the most ideal option for removing bad odors. Needles to say, it is just a collector’s item and not the kind you call to be an air freshener for your car.
The Perfect Car Air Freshener Buyer’s Guide
Types of Car Air Fresheners
One of the major things you must consider before you rush to the supermarket to buy an air freshener for your car is the kind of freshener. Usually, there are six different types of air fresheners for cars.
Plug-In
Plug-in air fresheners are known to be oil-based fresheners that are available in small bottles. You can plug these air fresheners into your cigarette lighter socket, which powers up the scent oils and spreads fragrance all over the area. Plug-in air fresheners are considered to be the most popular type of car air fresheners, especially when it comes to handling tough odors.
Cardboard
Cardboard air fresheners are considered to be the most affordable type of fresheners for your car. However, they only last for a week, while some high-end cardboard air fresheners have the ability to last for a whole month.
Cardboard air fresheners are mostly positioned on the rearview mirrors or anywhere inside the car. You must know that cardboard air fresheners do not eliminate strong odors.
Spray
As you can judge by the name, spray air fresheners are very easy to apply and use. Needless to say, spray air fresheners are ideal for cars. On the other hand, you would have to spray your cabin frequently because the fragrance doesn’t last for a long time. But, the good news is, you can spray the scent on any area that smells fishy.
Can
These types of air fresheners for cars are available in cans made of either metal or plastic. The fragrance is provided through the gel-like substance present in the can. The lid of the can contains several holes that can easily be controlled by twisting the top to enable your preferred number of holes to set.
For instance, if a can comes with six holes, you can reduce the holes by twisting the lid. With every twist of the lid, you can open a hole. So, the more holes you open, the more scent you get.
Diffusers or Vent Stickers
Vent stickers or diffusers can be easily clipped onto the slat of your vehicle’s AC vent. The airflow from the AC vents spreads fragrance all around your car. These types of air fresheners are the most preferable ones.
Sticky Gel
A sticky gel air freshener is a modernized version of the can air fresheners. Sticky gel air fresheners are only a block of fragrance instead of a whole can. You can stick the gel anywhere you want. Sadly, sticky gel air fresheners do not spread many scents and are terrible at handling bad odors.
Benefits of Car Air Fresheners
Honestly speaking, car air fresheners have been used for a really long time, and so have their types. In every country, land, air, or water, all will contain an air freshener in their personal spaces.
Furthermore, the most viable benefit of using a car air freshener is that it adds an element of enjoyment to your car ride; simply said, your car ride becomes less stressful.
However, there are not a lot of people in this world who can handle the smell of a smoke-filled cigarette area or even a moldy car, and not everyone will feel easy under the stink of pet urine on the car mats.
Our major point of discussion is, you cannot avoid unpleasant molecules from floating around in your car, but you can do something to lessen the effects. In that case, an air freshener comes to the rescue. With the help of car air fresheners, you can enhance the odor of your cabin.
Furthermore, there is one other benefit of using an air freshener for your car. As a lot of air fresheners are oil-based, so that helps a driver feel calm and comfortable while driving.
With that being said, if you are suffering from some kind of pain, the essential oils will keep your elevated and deviated from the pain and add a sense of comfort to your lungs. So, think of air fresheners as more of therapy treatments.
There are some air fresheners that do more than just adding a nice odor to your cabin; they help to normalize the source of the terrible smell.
Without a doubt, car air fresheners are the best products ever invented as they are simple solutions to bad odors. In addition to this, air fresheners are healing masters.
If you can get rid of the real source of bad odor, then you can save your lungs from digesting these terrible odors and feeling sick afterward. In case of allergies, you’ll be doing yourself a real favor by adding car air fresheners to your car cabins.
FAQs – Best Air Freshener for Cars
What if the smell is too terrible or if I’m allergic?
It is easy for you to live under the delusion that all car air fresheners do is spread nice air and don’t contain any allergens that can trigger your allergies, but that is not true.
According to an American College of Allergy study, immunology and Asthma displayed a positive connection in the variety of respiratory issues and the production of air fresheners and scented candles available in your home.
The main concept we gathered from this study is that there are a lot of people who purchase scented products, and this leads to an increase in people with respiratory issues.
As you know, car air fresheners are typically scented products, there is a strong chance for it to trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in those who are frequently exposed to these products.
However, for those who already suffer from allergies, the presence of car air fresheners can worsen the situation of allergies and asthma. This can even cause severe life-threatening scenarios, so be cautious.
Furthermore, this same report proved that those who suffer from asthma reported terrible health conditions in the presence of air fresheners. And these conditions are not just caused by air fresheners.
Infected organic substances are widely known to trigger allergic reactions or even elevate allergy and asthma conditions. Some of the most volatile components used in a lot of air fresheners these days include esters, limonene, alcohols, petroleum distillates, and formaldehyde.
Needless to say, it is not safe for allergic or asthma-suffering people to use air fresheners.
When should I change my air freshener?
There are a lot of different air freshener manufacturers in this world, and not to mention, the variety of air fresheners is countless. For instance, the type of air fresheners available can last for a longer time period than other air fresheners.
So, the changing of your air freshener depends on the type of air freshener you are using for your car. In addition to this, other factors come into consideration as well, such as the temperature or humidity of your cabin. Interior temperatures can lessen the lifespan of an air freshener, so this can lead to a lot of air freshener changing.
How can I increase the lifespan of my car freshener?
It is a bit tricky to increase the lifespan of a car air freshener, but with our help, you can do it. The type of air freshener you use is also the main point to consider.
If you are using a gel-type air freshener, then keep the lid open as long as you can. Do not open the whole thing, just open the lid.
But, if you are using a cardboard air freshener, you can’t do much to make it last for a long time. But, you can prefer to recharge the air freshener by drenching it in your favorite scent. This is more of a recycling technique rather than increasing the lifespan of it.
If you are using liquid air freshener for your car, the best way to increase their lifespan is by exposing them just a little bit, especially if you live in a cold environment. So, if there is an odor you strongly want to get rid of, just open the air freshener to the fullest.
Our Best Pick
There are some air fresheners for cars mentioned in our top 15 best car fresheners that really deserve your attention. We started our reviews with a short story of a guy who, unfortunately, destroyed his dashboard only because they used the wrong type of air freshener for his car. So, our best pick is the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag.
It is the best in every manner. Moso is a natural healer that attacks the nasty odors and eliminates them forever in its strong and natural bamboo charcoal scent. In addition to this, it does not feature any harmful chemicals or substances that can damage your vehicle’s interior, and the linen bag is also made from car-safe technology.
Moreover, the most satisfying part about the Mosu car air freshener is that you only have to purchase it once every two years. One simple bag contains the best number of features to remove infected odors from your cabin, and it only requires sunlight charging every month.
However, it comes with some other fragrances as well. Needles to say, the Mosu car air freshener lets you retain the pure smell of your car’s cabin and not an artificial scent that can irritate your lungs.
In conclusion, picking the best air freshener for your car depends on what you like. Do you want to neutralize your car with pleasant odors or just get rid of the nasty smell? The choice is yours.