The Best Air Fresheners To Keep Your Car Smelling Great

Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:01 p.m.

For any car enthusiast, a good-smelling car is an absolute must. Unfortunately, finding ways to keep your car smelling pristine can sometimes be a tricky task. The truth is air fresheners are one of the simplest and most effective solutions to keep odors away and make your ride smell great again. If you have been wondering whether or not to incorporate air fresheners into your vehicle maintenance routine, worry no more – we are here with all the information you need on why air fresheners are so important and how they can help improve the quality of your drive. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best air freshener for your car in 2023.

If you’re a car enthusiast looking to make your ride smell as good as it looks, choosing the right air freshener is an important part of keeping your car feeling fresh. With such an array of options—from hanging cardboard trees to vent clips and sprays—it can be difficult to decide which air freshener is best for you and your vehicle. Here's what you need to know in order to pick out the perfect scent that will keep both you and your passengers comforted while on the road.

Why Do You Need an Air Freshener for Your Car?

Placing an air freshener in your car eliminates unpleasant odors and makes your ride more pleasant. This can be especially beneficial if you are carrying several passengers or have pets in the vehicle. An air freshener can cover up everyday smells like smoke, pet and body odors, and food particles, as well as musty smells that occur from having wet items stored for too long. Not only does a car air freshener add a light scent to your car, but it also boosts morale by creating a pleasant atmosphere. I personally enjoy driving more when my environment is clean. Not only do I want my call to look clean inside and outside, I want it to feel clean too. In order for it to feel clean, I want to smell freshness and something other than what I have brought into my car (groceries, myself, etc.) That's why I use an air freshener.

What Are the Different Types of Air Fresheners for Cars?

There are five types of air fresheners for cars.

Gel-based fresheners

This is one of the most common fresheners you can get. It works great at leaving long-lasting fragrance and freshness wherever you place it. Some gel-based fresheners come with an activator button. Higher-quality fresheners won't create a mess if they are spill-proof.

Spray fresheners

This type of car freshener comes in a spray bottle that has a nozzle. The scent is kept in pressurized condition, and when you press the lid, the gaseous perfume comes out as the pressure is released and spreads through the environment. These fresheners work great when you want to remove foul odor instantly and refresh the interior for the short term but aren't very long-lasting.

Freshener cans

This is a can of perfume that contains fragrant pads and works for quite a long time. It does not require plugging in, refilling, or spraying, but you do need to place it on a flat surface of your car, like on the cup holder.  

Hanging cardboard freshener

A hanging cardboard air freshener is designed with a strap so it can hang from your rearview mirror. This air freshener itself is made of cardboard and contains fragrance oil. The oil is released into the air and acts as an odor eliminator, replacing unpleasant smells with a pleasant fragrance of your choice. Hanging cardboard air fresheners are affordable and come in a variety of fragrances to suit everyone's tastes - perfect for keeping any area smelling fresh. The most iconic air freshener (the green pine tree) has my personal favorite work since it is so classic.

Vent car freshener

Vent air fresheners are made to be installed inside your car's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system so that odor elimination is delivered far more efficiently than traditional alternatives. The scent from these vent fresheners can last weeks before being replaced. This type is also sometimes called a diffuser or clip-on car freshener. I personally opt for these fresheners but to each their own.

How Do You Get the Right Type of Air Freshener for Your Car?

Fragrance

Just like food has different flavors, car fresheners also have different fragrances like ocean, beach, or sweet florals. Some products have a light scent, while others are intense. The fragrance is up to which one you prefer the most. 

Space

Car fresheners consume little space because they are meant to place in cars. However, you cannot keep them in any place in your car because of their function. Check if you can dedicate a certain space to a freshener or not. For instance, an aerosol spray does not require any space because you just need to spray it inside your vehicle, and you are good to go. However, a car vent freshener requires a dedicated space on the vent of your car because it works when the air flows through it. Similarly, hanging air fresheners require minimal space because all you need to do is paste or hang them in your car; however, you have to replace them frequently because their fragrance doesn’t last long.

Lifespan

Different air fresheners have different lifespans. The effect of aerosol sprays lasts a couple of days, while gel-based air fresheners can go up to 45 days. Similarly, some products like hanging paper fresheners require frequent replacement with new ones. Make sure to ensure the fragrance of the product you pick lasts for a long time.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy an Air Freshener for a Car?

You can get a car air freshener for as low as $5, while the most expensive one can go up to $25. Make sure to check the number of pieces you get in one pack. The more items it has, the more you can use them, offering you great value for money.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Yankee Candle Car Vent Clip
• Aesthetic Design: Bliss Savage Air Freshener
• Most Affordable: Little Trees Car Air Freshener
• Fast Results: Meguiar's Car Air Re-Fresher
• Longest Lasting Scent: California Scents Spillproof Can Air Freshener

Reviews

What is the longest-lasting air freshener?

Generally speaking, clip-on vent air fresheners last the longest and aerosol sprays last the shortest amount of time.

What are the benefits of using a car air freshener?

There are many benefits to using a car air freshener. The main one is that it eliminates odors and makes your driving experience more pleasant. It also makes a good first impression for passengers in your car.   

Are there any risks to using an air freshener in the car?

Using a car air freshener is very safe and there are not many risks. However, if you are prone to headaches from strong scents, this could also happen with a strong car air freshener. Be mindful of the type and strength you chose if you are sensitive in this way.

How often should I use a car air freshener?

How often you use a car air freshener is up to your personal preference. If you want a stronger scent, you should use it more often. If you only want a light scent, you should use it less. If your air freshener is adjustable you can always reduce scent strength to your preference as well.

How do car air fresheners work?

There are multiple types of car air fresheners, and they each work differently. Vent air fresheners, for example, work by clipping onto your car's air vent and using that air to circulate scented oil throughout your car. Aerosol air fresheners, however, spray pressurized liquid into the air that then evaporates quickly to mask smells and cancel out odors.