The “new car smell” is something all car owners love, but unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. Over time, car interiors take on the smells of our lifestyles, from ballparks and beaches to drive-thrus and nights out. Regular cleaning and maintenance are the best way to keep a vehicle smelling clean and fresh, but car air fresheners are a great way to fight everyday odors. Keep in mind, not all car air fresheners are the same, and knowing which is the best car air freshener to fit your needs is crucial. 

Odor eliminating air freshener

Everyone has experienced a spray or air freshener that attempts to mask an unpleasant odor. Rather than making the space smell good, the pleasant aroma and the unwanted scent mix together into a new unpleasantness. Obviously, finding the odor source is the first step to a clean car smell, but choosing the right air freshener will help.

Like other Febreze products, the Febreze One Aqua air freshener doesn’t mask odors. Instead, it actively deodorizes, removing odors for good. The Febreze One is also an attractive option. The barely noticeable freshener clips onto the air vent, efficiently spreading its power around the vehicle. The Spruce has determined this is the best odor-eliminating option on the market.

The best scent

When it comes to car air fresheners, some have a long-lasting fan base. Overall there is one that has been a fan favorite for decades, and Road Show lists this as their overall favorite freshener. The Air Spencer CS-X3 Squash is a car air freshener that is sure to please everyone in the car. The freshener comes from Japan in replaceable cartridges, which can be easily kept out of sight by placing them under a seat.

If you are questioning whether squash is something you would want to smell daily, fear not. Although Air Spencer named the freshener Squash, consumers all agree that it actually smells much more like the popular Wrigley gum, Juicy Fruit.

The best all-natural option

A lot of air fresheners use harsh chemicals and leave artificial scents. Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag is a long-lasting car air freshener that is all-natural and fragrance-free. It consists of a small bag filled with activated bamboo charcoal. The charcoal absorbs odors, moisture, and allergens in your car for up to two years, leaving your car smelling fresh and clean.

The best air freshener choice for smokers

One smell that everyone agrees they do not want in their vehicle is the smell of smoke. Consumers agree that Ozium Smoke & Odors Eliminator Gel does the trick of covering smoke odor and leaving the car smelling delightful. Best of all, the Ozium car air freshener is a gel car air freshener that is easily kept out of sight. Placing the long-lasting car air freshener under a seat or in a glove box works to eliminate odors and freshen the air with a pleasant scent. 

Pet owners best choice

Pet owners know that animals are essential members of the family. As such, bringing them along for car rides and trips is a regular occurrence for many people. Unfortunately, driving pets on vacation or simply around town can leave cars smelling anything but fresh. Whether it is a wet dog smell from the beach or a sweaty smell from a run, no one wants an everyday reminder of their pet’s odor.

Luckily, some car air fresheners are made specifically for pet owners, and the best brand is One Fur All Pet Car Air Fresheners. These fresheners actively deodorize pet odors while leaving cars smelling like some of your favorite essential oils, including Mandarin Sage and Lavender Green Tea.