{"id":8142,"date":"2023-03-13T21:17:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T21:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=8142"},"modified":"2025-04-29T23:27:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T23:27:48","slug":"6-best-car-air-fresheners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-fun-facts\/6-best-car-air-fresheners\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Best Car Air Fresheners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Some of us spend more time in our vehicle than we do anywhere else. That means the smells that accompany our daily lives end up in the nooks and crannies of our automobile and that contributes to strong odors, especially ones that come from food and things like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/how-to-get-rid-of-smoke-smell-in-a-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cigarette smoke<\/a>. How would you feel if someone told you your car smells bad? There could be many reasons why it smells bad, especially if it is an older vehicle. Unpleasant odors can come from no fresh air, such as during winter, as well as strong fragrances, like perfume.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the remedy? Besides buying a new vehicle, maybe you are considering a car air freshener. But the selection is huge! How do you know which one works the best \u2013 plus has a scent you can handle? Not to worry, we\u2019ve done some research for you and have come up with a list of the 6 best ones based on different factors. But first, let\u2019s dive into what makes your auto smell good and how the different ones work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start with a Clean Slate&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most types won\u2019t eliminate bad odors, they\u2019ll make an attempt to mask the smell. But in the long run, the scent will simply become a part of the stink \u2013 and sometimes that\u2019s even worse than the smell by itself. The best way is to start with a clean slate. Follow these basic steps:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Dispose of trash \u2013 You should start by throwing away any old fast food wrappers and other detritus.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove mats \u2013 Take out removable mats and clean separately.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacuum \u2013 Next, vacuum. Get into and under the seats.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipe down \u2013 Wipe all surfaces with an approved interior surface cleaner. You may need to use some ingenuity or special tools to get inside your vents and other difficult to reach areas. Be sure and clean windows inside and out with a glass cleaner.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shampoo \u2013 You should shampoo the seats and carpets.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let it dry and air out. If this all sounds like too much \u2013 take it to a detailer and let them do the work for you! Once your car is clean, it\u2019s time to decide on an option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s in a Fragrance?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that some people actually like the smell of skunk? It\u2019s true and the data behind why we like the smells we do is one reason why it\u2019s so hard to find a scent everybody loves (or hates). Car air fresheners are manufactured depending on type. Solid and gel ones have scent or essential oils embedded, while sprays make use of compressed propellants. You can even make your own homemade type, if you like. You\u2019ll want to find something that is spill proof.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One popular scent is new car smell. It\u2019s something we associate with a brand new automobile and, for that reason, it cannot be exactly replicated. That smell comes from various components of a new vehicle, such as plastics and vinyls. However, there\u2019s no lack of trying to come up with this smell and the good news is you may find a brand of new car smell that appeals to you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at the 6 best ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Febreze Car Air Freshener&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on Amazon reviews, these are the best thing since sliced bread. The clip-on type has a 4.6 star rating and it\u2019s easy to understand why. You can buy them relatively inexpensively in the store or online, they simply clip onto your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/why-cleaning-your-car-air-filter-is-important\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">air conditioning\/heating vents<\/a> and use the flow of air to propel a fresh scent throughout. Enthusiasts claim the fresh scent lasts for a long time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people seem to prefer the Fresh scent, which is mild and clean. However, it comes in a variety of scents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2.jpg\" alt=\"Hand positions a car air freshener on the air vent in the cabin\" class=\"wp-image-8144\" style=\"width:636px;height:424px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2-294x196.jpg 294w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/freeway-air-fresheners2-285x190.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The secret ingredient in the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag is bamboo charcoal. As most people know and appreciate, bamboo is a resource in nature that grows (and regrows) quickly. And it seems a majority of people feel that this method of freshening the air really works and, as a bonus, absorbs moisture.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag comes in different small linen bag sizes and is affordable. Best of all, they can be used in a variety of small spaces in your home and vehicle that need some help with odors: tennis shoes, under the sink, near diaper pails and more. Another plus consumers brag on is how long they last \u2013 and they can be rejuvenated by placing them in the sun once a month.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Yankee Candle Car Air Fresheners&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People who love scented candles will love these miniature hanging Yankee Candle jars. After all, more than 18,000 5-star ratings on Amazon can\u2019t be all wrong. They come in a pack of three and while most people think they are really cute, the smell doesn\u2019t seem to work as well in high heat. Since they come in more than 22 scents and are subtle (maybe a little too subtle for some), this is a good buy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Little Trees&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These rearview mirror hangers are more than a little iconic and have become beloved over the years. They are simple to use, easy to find, cheap and come in a wide variety of styles and smells \u2013 enough to suit everybody\u2019s nose. Little Trees are made in the U.S.A., which just adds to the attraction. Many people give the Black Ice selection top marks. It\u2019s described as a masculine fragrance comprised of sandalwood, bergamot and lemon, but it may be a bit strong for some.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Bath and Body Works&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leave it to Bath and Body Works to come up with a large assortment of great smells in really cute clip-on holder designs that can be used anywhere inside. From Pink Pineapple Sunrise to Champagne Toast, for those who want to decorate as well as get all the smelly feel-goods, these may be the choice. You can buy them in the store or on Amazon and they come in a four-pack. The Endless Weekend choice received 4.5 stars from consumers who said it\u2019s not overbearing, but some complained the smell wasn\u2019t strong enough, so as with most things, it comes down to your personal preference.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Air Spencer CS-X3 Car Air Freshener&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Garnering 4.5 stars from more than 1,600 consumers on Amazon, the Air Spencer gets rave reviews for its strong and long-lasting smells. It comes in a cassette style casing that can be stuck on the dash or, probably better, stuck under a seat or some other place out of direct sunlight. The scent is called Squash and is described as a sweet with notes of citrus. For some, the freshener petered out too soon and it\u2019s a little more pricey than other options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Homemade and Other Honorable Mentions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our list is the top 6, but of course, there are many others to choose from, including homemade. This cheap and easy option is fun, customizable to your favorite scents and lasts for days. In most cases, you\u2019ll be putting your \u201cbrew\u201d into a spray bottle and using it to mist the upholstery and floors occasionally. Just be careful that you don\u2019t over-mist and end up creating a water and essential oils stain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Tablespoons baking soda\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spray Bottle\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretty self explanatory. Activated charcoal is another DIY method.&nbsp; Other honorable mentions include:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Refresh Your Car Odor Eliminator scented gel can, which comes in variety of \u201cflavors\u201d like cucumber melon and can be stashed under the seat for a long-lasting fragrance odor controller\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Chemical Guys, who put out a variety of scents in a variety of carriers (such as sprays, rearview mirror hangers and more) and have garnered 4 stars on Amazon from more than 33,000 consumers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also plenty of products out there that claim to target specific stinks, such as wet dog (remember taking your furry friend to the beach?) or other pet accidents and Ozium, which consumers rate highly for helping get rid of old cigarette smoke odor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protect That Perfect-Smelling Car with the Most Affordable Auto Insurance&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve got your vehicle smelling delightful for friends and family (and yourself), make sure you\u2019ve got the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right car insurance<\/a> to keep it protected as you travel the roads. At Freeway Insurance, we can help you find the insurance that best suits your needs and budget. Get a fast and free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online quote<\/a>, call us at <a href=\"tel:(800)%20777-5620\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(800) 777-5620<\/a> or stop by one of our convenient <a href=\"https:\/\/locations.freeway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">locations<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some of us spend more time in our vehicle than we do anywhere else. That means the smells that accompany our daily lives end up in the nooks and crannies of our automobile and that contributes to strong odors, especially ones that come from food and things like cigarette smoke. How would you feel if [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002606,"featured_media":8143,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1986],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8142"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002606"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8142"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8142\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11723,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8142\/revisions\/11723"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8142"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=8142"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=8142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}