12 Best Car Air Fresheners For Your Car
Do you want your car to smell like it used to smell when you bought it the first time or even better? Are you looking for the best car air freshener scent for your car? Then are you confused as to why this article exists? Well trust me, if you love your car, you’d know why you’re here and what is the need to discuss the best car air freshener.
If you own a car or are a car freak then you’d know how important it is to take care of your car. However, that ‘taking care’ does not only include cleaning it and keeping it fit to work.
A lot of car owners treat their cars like their children and rightfully so I’d say. Your car is your responsibility and thus you need to make sure it’s good from the inside as well as from the outside. When you sit in it, you should feel good and your drive should be pleasant. But how is that achievable? By using the best car air freshener 2020 for your car. Trust me, if your car could talk, it would thank you for it.
But when it comes to picking one, which one should you choose? There are so many options and variants available that anyone can get confused. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you out in choosing the best car air freshener brand for your car!
Table of Contents
Our Top 12 Picks For The Best Car Air Fresheners 2020
1. FRiEQ Car Air Purifier, Car Air Freshener, and Ionic Air Purifier
Do you want to get the best car air freshener to get rid of the smoke smell and nasty odors without releasing an overpowering perfume behind? Then think no more because this Frieq car air purifier and freshener is the one for you.
As the name suggests, this is an air ‘purifier’. So what does that mean? Well, this compact-looking yet powerful device will eliminate the root cause of odor from your car instead of just covering it up. How? By using negative ions (fancy, right?).
These negative ions are released to kill odor-producing agents like bacteria and viruses. In turn, these promote a comfortable, breathable environment in the car by leaving a comparatively fresher air behind. And the best part? They come with a cool LED light feature and do not release any overpowering fragrance behind. So with its 3.6/5 rating on Amazon, it is a promising product.
Key Features:
- 8 million negative ions per cm3 releasing ionizer
- Blue LED light
- Ionizer control/adjustment
- Plug-in device
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Improves air quality
- Comes in a compact form
Cons
- It works only when plugged in
- Not long-lasting
2. MEGUIAR’S G16402 Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator Mist
Let’s be honest, we all want our cars to smell as dreamy as they did when we first bought them. That lingering leather smell from the interior is somewhat intoxicating (not literally, of course) to the mind. And, hands down, we all love it.
So is it possible to bring that scent back in your car? Luckily it is. How? Just by using Meguiar’s G16402 Whole Car Air Refresher Odor Eliminator Mist.
It works on the same principle as the one we talked about above, i.e. it eliminates odors on a molecular level to ensure it does not come back. However, what makes this one different is:
- Firstly, it is in a spray form so that’s very convenient to use.
- And secondly, it does not only eliminate the cause of odor but it replaces it with a fresh, new car scent.
So just turn on your car fan and leave the air freshener in the middle of your car.
Key Features:
- 5 scent variety
- 3 spray cans
- Automatic lock sprayer
Pros
- Easy to handle spray bottle
- It is space efficient
- Eliminates odors
- The sprayer can lockdown so you don’t have to keep it pressed
Cons
- The smell can be a little overpowering
- It is pricey
- Takes time to work so you need to be a bit patient with it
3. Chemical Guys AIR_101_16 New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator (16 Oz)
Another contender for bringing back the ‘new car smell’ is Chemical Guys Premium Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator.
It is another spray-on variant but you don’t have to wait for it to work. Just use it once and you can ‘smell’ the outcome.
The word ‘premium’ somewhat raises the bar for its performance but this product does not fall short. Its natural enzymatic technology actively disperses any stale odor present in your car.
As a result, it also leaves a delightful, natural ‘new car’ fragrance behind. And don’t worry, you won’t feel nauseous or uncomfortable after smelling it.
Key Features:
- Spray bottle
- Natural enzymatic air freshener
- Effective odor elimination
Pros
- Easy to spray on
- Can be used in the diluted form so it lasts long
- Works well in just one use
Cons
- It is pricey
- The scent does not disperse in the whole car properly
4. Ozium Smoke & Odors Eliminator Gel. Home, Office and Car Air Freshener
Another great product for those of you who want to get rid of that smoke smell from your car( with other smells too ofc) is Ozium Smoke and Odor eliminator gel.
Why do we recommend it?
- It is extremely efficient in masking foul odors
- It does not just cover up the smell but also leaves a pleasant ‘daisy’ like fragrance behind
- Works on targeting the source of bad odor
- Has an adjustable top so you can control the amount of freshener that is needed.
So you get 2 advantages with 1 here: no lingering nasty smell and a new fresh fragrance.
Key Features:
- Adjustable scent control
- Odor eliminator
Pros
- Scent level is adjustable
- It is portable
- Simple to use
Cons
- It does not last too long
- Not ideal for large vehicles
5. Air Spencer (000400 CS-X3 Squash Scent Air Freshener
Forget the ionizer, forget the active enzymes and sprayers, this one is a simple yet effective car air freshener.
So how does Air Spencer Squash Scent Air Freshener work?
- First, you mount it anywhere in your car using its mountable main structure
- Then you insert the gel-based cassettes (they’re infused with a bubble gum type fragrance)
- After that, use the control panel’s fragrance adjusting feature so you can set your desired strength
- And that’s it! You just let the fresh scent take over your car now.
So how long will the scent last? Well, it depends on your setting. If it’s on low, it’ll go on for longer but at a stretch, you can get a good 2 weeks out of this at max strength.
Key Features:
- Control panel regulation
- Refillable gel-based cassettes
- Double-sided tape stick on
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can be placed wherever you want so no space issues
- Long-lasting scent
Cons
- Cassettes need to be replaced
- Refills of cassettes are pricey
- Scent can be a little overpowering so not recommended for people with allergies
6. LITTLE TREES Car Air Freshener
Here’s to the most popular and oldest kind of air freshener available. Little Trees Car Air Freshener: We’ve all used them, we’ve all owned them and they’re simply great (and super cute of course).
The set-up is very simple: You hang them from your rearview mirror and that’s it. They just hang around and make your car smell great. So no effort needed at all.
It comes with 41 different scent options to choose from and 24 of these trees that you can replace. The trees come packed in a clear plastic bag- the bag keeps the scent infused. This helps to preserve the fragrance.
So whenever you want to use it, you can just pull the plastic down and let the scent spread. However, the only bad thing according to Amazon customers them is that the scent doesn’t disperse that well. So you will be able to inhale the scent if you’re in the front seats but at the back? You might not.
Key Features:
- 41 scent option
- 24 trees in a pack
- Plastic bag for controlled fragrance
Pros
- Barely takes up any space
- You can replace trees with a new as the scent fades
- It is cheap
Cons
- Some of the scents are not long-lasting
- Plastic wrap is essential if you want the scent to last otherwise it’ll fade quickly
7. Yankee Candle Gel Car Jar Ultimate Hanging Odor Neutralizing Air Freshener MidSummer’s Night
A candle in your car? Don’t worry, you’re not putting an actual candle in your car. This is a gel-based air freshener that doesn’t only work well but also adds to your car’s aesthetics. How? It looks exactly like a small Yankee candle that we all love!
It comes with 3 varieties of scents so you can choose your favorite one. After neutralizing bad odor, it leaves a pleasant smell behind (which isn’t too strong). So no need to worry about feeling too overwhelmed with it.
Probably a big plus point of this product would be that it doesn’t take much space in your car. You can just hang in on your rearview mirror and remove its plastic to let the smell dissipate.
So bottom line? It looks good and smells heavenly- Just like a Yankee Candle. This is the best car air freshener for hot weather because the candle works well in warm conditions.
Key Features:
- 3 scent option
- 3 jars in a pack
- String for attachment
Pros
- Takes up less space
- Easy to set up
- Looks like a mini candle so adds to the car’s aesthetics
Cons
- The fragrances have a short lifespan
- Not very effective in ‘eliminating’ bad odors
- Works in a warm environment
8. Aromatherapy Car Diffuser, GerTong Vent Clip Essential Oil Diffuser for Car Air Freshener
If you’re a fan of essential oils, Aromatherapy, or like to have a soothing, relaxing atmosphere in your car, you’re at the right place. I’d suggest you go for GerTong Vent Clip Essential Oil Diffuser as your best car air freshener 2020.
It will not set you off like those strongly scented air fresheners. It comes with 11 essential oil refill pads (you have to get the oil yourself) which you can color code according to your favorite scents. Cool, right?
The working is simple:
- You put 2-5 drops of your essential oil onto the pads
- Clip-on the stainless steel diffuser on your AC vent
- Turn on your AC and let the diffuser fill the aroma of your essential oil in your car
What do you do then? Just sit back and enjoy your little spa therapy on the go. Let your body aches diffuse out and relieve your stress.
Key Features:
- 11 aromatherapy diffuser pads
- Clip-on diffuser
Pros
- Easy to use
- The pads are washable so they last long
- Gives off a long-lasting fragrance
Cons
- You need to buy the essential oils separately
- It does not mask ‘bad odor’
9. Refresh Your Car! E301459500 Scented Gel Can, 4.5 oz, Hawaiian Sunrise
This is the best car air freshener to buy. Why? Because it is compact and easy to adjust. Moreover, it effectively eliminates lingering odors from your car.
But what makes it stand out? There are 2 things:
1. The Fragrance
Taking you on a dreamy trip to tropical beaches with refreshing forests like freshness, this gel tin makes you feel like you’re on the beach. It’s like Mother Nature hugging you. The scent does not only feel pleasant but it also overpowers the bad odors of your car.
2. The scent control lid
This thing pops up and allows you to limit the degree of fragrance as per your liking. Just twist the lid and you have the control. Genius, right?
Key Features:
- Hawaiian Sunrise Scent
- Scent control by the top lid
- 5 oz gel can
- Water-based gel
Pros
- It can be placed anywhere in your car so it is portable
- Pop up lid control helps control fragrance
- Leaves a fresh scent in the car
Cons
- Foil cover on top is difficult to take off
- The scent does not last long
10. LITTLE TREES Car Air Freshener | Vent Wrap Provides a Long-Lasting Scent, Slip-on Vent Blade | New Car Scent, 4-Packs (4 Count)
We’ve discussed cardboard air fresheners from Little Trees that are just iconic on their own. Here’s another one from the same manufacturer: Little Trees Car Air Freshener.
It wraps around your AC vents like a band. With its slim design, it easily slips onto the vent blades. And the best thing? It blends and matches with your car interior so well that you won’t even notice it separately.
As you turn on your AC, a masculine ‘new car’ scent escapes these wraps and fills up your car. This makes it the best car air freshener for boys.
It comes with 4 wraps so you can replace them as they get used up. How convenient, right?
Key Features:
- Stay fresh pouches for sealing in fragrance
- The scent of a new car
- Sleek design
- Stediscent technology for steady fragrance
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fits well in the vents
- Long-lasting
Cons
- The scent fades away after sometime
- It is not ideal for big cars
11. Nova 2.0 Powerful Ionic Car Air Purifier
Here we have another one from the ionic air purifier series. Nova 2.0 looks nothing less than a cool gadget. And rightfully so, because it works technically to ‘remove’ odor and not ‘mask’ it.
Using its negatively charged ion emission, it gets to the core of bad odors to eliminate them. Not just odors, these ions neutralize bacteria, viruses, and fungi that may have invaded your car. These organisms are responsible for the unpleasant smells thus need to be dealt with properly. Otherwise, what’s the point of trying to subside the smell when the source is still there?
Now it may not leave a pleasant smell after it works (which is good for those who have sensitivities) but it surely ensures that there is no trace of any bad odor in your car. Thus you can be assured of a much cleaner and healthier environment in your car.
It produces a small amount of ozone, enough to capture all that is causing the smell. Be it cigarette smoke or any other source, the 5.6 million ions neutralize everything that comes in its way. It surely is the best car deodorizer air freshener.
Just plug this beauty into your cigarette adapter and the LED light would indicate and illuminate your car (all while Nova 2.0 fights those nasty odors).
Key Features:
- Dual 2.1 Amp USB charging ports
- 6 million negative ions per cm3 diffuser
- Blue LED light indicator
- Allergen protection
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Effectively eliminates odor
- LED light indicates it’s working
- It does not release any strong fragrance that may trigger allergies
Cons
- Needs to be plugged into work
- It is pricey
12. Carall Glare Luxury Car Air Freshener Spark Squash 3085
So Carall Glare Luxury Car Air Freshener claims itself to be ‘for luxury cars’. But is it true to its words? Yes, it is. It comes in a stunning blue glass packaging that would remind you of nothing but a high-end product you see at a 5-star luxury hotel. It can be the best car air freshener for Mercedes or even a Ferrari.
But hey, it’s not only about looks here, right? Well, this gorgeous looking air freshener lasts up to 60 days. So it is the best smelling, long-lasting air freshener available. It leaves behind a sweet, candy-like scent in your car.
If all that isn’t enough to make it the perfect addition to your luxury car then guess what? It doesn’t cost much either. Win-win situation, right?
Key Features:
- The sleek and sturdy glass exterior
- Long-lasting, sweet smell
Pros
- Looks aesthetically pleasing so adds to the looks of your car
- Scent is long-lasting
Cons
- A little heavy as compared to others because of the glass exterior
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
How can I make my car smell good all the time?
Okay so this is a tricky question but the answer is simple: GET RID OF THE SOURCE OF BAD SMELL FIRST.
No air freshener will remove the food crumb smell from your seat or that old sock odor from the back.
Once that’s removed you can try GerTong Essential Oil Diffuser Air Freshener. The essential oil fragrances last pretty long. Other than that, Chemical Guys Premium Air Fresheners are also a good choice. They can make your car smell good all the time.
Tip: To make your car smell good all the time, try to change/replace your air fresheners regularly.
What is the best and longest-lasting air freshener?
This depends on your car size I’d say. So, If you own a small car like a Honda, the cardboard hanging trees and the gel-based air fresheners would be good. They’ll last long and wouldn’t need too many repurchases.
However, for a big car or an SUV, diffusers, and sprayers are enough. For some extra style, you can also go for Carall Glare Luxury Car Air Fresheners.
What is the most effective air freshener?
Out of the ones we’ve listed above, the most effective one has to be Nova 2.0 powerful Ionic car air purifier. Why? Because it works on the cause of the odor. It eliminates odor-causing agents and also kills microorganisms in your car. Thus, fresh, clean air for you to breathe in.
Which fragrance is best for cars?
The answer depends on your preference. You can, therefore, choose the way your call smells. So if you like fruity smells you can go for Hawaiian Sunset range from Refresh your car. For a ‘new car’ smell you can go for Meguiars or Chemical Guys. Hence, it depends on you and is your choice!
The only thing that you should be looking out for is that it smells clean because fragrance comes later.
What is the most popular air freshener?
Hands down, the cardboard hanging ones. The little trees have been around for a long time and have been used by a lot of people. Thus they are the most popular.
How long will the ‘new car’ smell last?
The new car smell lasts for a few weeks at max if the car is used regularly after purchase. After that, you can use an air freshener that could mimic the scent if you want it to last longer.
Is the new car smell toxic?
The new car smell is a by-product of a toxic compound called ‘Volatile Organic Compound’. They are present in pretty much the whole interior of cars. So it’s there in the upholstery, the leather seats, everything.
It is thus recommended not to expose yourself to these compounds for too long. Long-time exposure to these can become toxic and can subsequently cause pulmonary issues.
