The 5 Best Car Odor Eliminators
If you own a car, chances are you spend a lot of time in it. And because you spent a lot of time in it, there are all kinds of molecules entering your vehicle and bouncing around. Some of those molecules are bound to cause odor-causing bacteria to build up, especially if you're a smoker. While you may not mind the smell of your car's stink, you probably aren't going to be driving in it alone 100% of the time, so to do your passengers a favor, we've collected the five best odor eliminators available today. We selected a range of products, from those that carry their own deliciously-scented aromas, to natural-based ones that are scent-free.
Air Spencer CS-X3 Squash
The Holy Grail
Who ever thought that an odor eliminator could develop a cult following? With Air Spencer’s CS-X3 Squash air freshener, that’s exactly the case. Lauded by auto mechanics, car freaks, and everyday folks alike, this elegant-looking freshener filters and masks odors perhaps better than any other option on the market. Its made-in-Japan distinction seems to be an attractive sell to many, and even more alluring is its crisp, clean citrus scent. Its cassette-style housing tops off its sleek aesthetic, and the included double-sided tape makes it easy to find a place to affix it inside your car. This bundle gives you two refillable cartridges – enough to last you a few months.
Pros:
- Scent isn’t overwhelming
- Can also be used indoors
Cons:
- Needs to be changed every month or two
- A bit pricey
Ozium Original
Smoke and Mirrors
If you’ve ever been in the car of a smoker, you’ll likely have encountered one of two scenarios: 1) their car smells awful and they don’t seem to mind; or 2) they have a half-empty can of Ozium stashed in the glove box and the car smells fine. Why is Ozium so good at neutralizing a car of the pungent smell of smoke? Well, we’re certainly not olfaction scientists, but one thing we know for sure is that it works. This product has been around since the stone age (that was a few decades ago, right?) and since then, smokers the world over have coalesced around Ozium for its effectiveness. As an added benefit, it also reduces airborne bacteria.
Pros:
- Three-pack bundle is a great value
- Works for odors besides smoke too
- Neutral scent
Cons:
- Small bottles don’t last long
Basic Concepts Bamboo Charcoal
Coaly Moley!
Not everyone is a fan of odor eliminators that contain strong scents of their own. For some, covering one bad odor with a different chemical-laden scent is just as offensive. The concept of Basic Concepts Bamboo Charcoal, then, is to combat those harsh odors without being noticeable in any way. How does it do this? It’s simple. Each of the four pouches included in this bundle is filled with activated bamboo charcoal, which is extremely effective at passively absorbing odors and purifying the air in a confined space. Just plop it into the storage pocket of your door’s panel and forget about it. Because there are four pouches included, you can use one or two inside your home, too.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Not very effective at eliminating smoke odor
- 30-day satisfaction money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Convenient but a tad overpriced
Chemical Guys New Car Bundle
Your Chemical Romance
Here are some scents that are almost universally appealing: flowers, lime, peppermint, and of course, the smell of a new car. Whatever the reason is that we all seem to adore this unique leather-heavy smell, the sad tragedy of our reality is that a new car only stays new for a short time, and soon, that smell vanishes, not to be whiffed again until some distant future point. Unless you buy yourself this bundle, that is. The Chemical Guys have found a way to create an odor neutralizer and air freshener combo that mimics that new car scent scent to the tee. Don’t believe me? Read some reviews online.
- Can be diluted to make it last longer
- Water-based makeup won’t stain
- Leather scent also included in bundle
- Scent has longevity
Cons:
- Leather scent disappoints a bit
Treefrog Squash
Tree Frog, Don't Bother Me
Treefrog’s Squash is another fan-favorite amongst those in the know. This is for two reasons in particular: first, it smells damn good, and second, it lasts a long time. Its fresh fragrance has a natural-smelling scent with a citrusy tinge that is noticeable without being overwhelming. Those who are sensitive to scents may want to look elsewhere, but for those who delight in the smell of a freshly peeled orange or squeezed limes, here is your go-to. All you need to do is stick it underneath your driver’s-side seat, and voila! Can a nose smile? You’ll know soon enough.
Pros:
- Effectively absorbs stale and moldy aromas
- Fragrance is made in Japan
- Other scents available too
Cons:
- Some complain that it’s not strong enough
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these products really eliminate the odors, or do they just mask them?
This depends on the particular product, but in general, odor eliminators are specially formulated to do what their name suggests – eliminate odors, not just cover them up. How do they do this? Again, this depends on the particular product, as each one utilizes a unique combination of chemicals to do their job. Some bind to the stink-causing molecules so that they can’t bind to the inside of your olfactory system’s receptors. Other chemicals, like zinc chloride, actually work by temporarily dulling your nose’s ability to detect certain kinds of molecules (like sulfur).
What the heck is bamboo charcoal?
A fair question indeed, being that we hadn’t heard of it until our research took us down this path. Bamboo charcoal is what you get when you harvest mature bamboo and bake it in the oven at an ultra-high temperature. It’s utilized as an odor eliminator because of its uniquely effective ability to absorb molecules – especially those that cause unpleasant odors. Why bamboo charcoal? Well, its biological structure is much more porous than traditional charcoal, and this allows larger molecules to be absorbed, rendering it more effective than the store-bought variety you’d used in your grill.
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