To help you find the right product for your needs, we sent our tester 15 of the top odor eliminators to test in her own home. She then evaluated them for their ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and overall value. Our top pick, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, has a large coverage area, is long-lasting, and can even be recycled as a plant fertilizer for your garden. Backed by our testing, here are the best odor eliminators. Out of all the odor eliminators we tried, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag was our favorite. It’s versatile, effective, and covers a decent amount of area (up to 90 square feet). Plus, it promises to keep odors at bay for up to two years. Our tester liked that there’s a spot on the front to write the date you opened it. “Moso bags contain bamboo activated carbon which acts as an odorless odor eater,” says Nelson. “The activated carbon neutralizes unpleasant smells and freshens the air in bathrooms, cars, closets and smaller spaces.” We love that you can place this bag nearly anywhere. We’re talking closets, cars, kitchens, drawers, bathrooms, nurseries, pet areas, mudrooms, laundry rooms—you name it. There’s even a metal grommet on the top corner, making it super easy to attach to clothes hangers and other hooks. Our tester noted that it looks aesthetically pleasing, especially compared to other products, so you won’t mind leaving it out. Although this product is user-friendly, note that it does require one hour per month of direct sunlight to “rejuvenate” the charcoal. However, we think the versatility, longevity, and effectiveness are worth this extra step. Price at time of publish: $48 It’s not hard to use, but you’re supposed to spritz it into the toilet bowl before going, and not everyone will know (or remember) to do this. Yes, the directions are right there on the bottle, yet you can’t expect every person who uses your bathroom to read them. All that said, this stuff works. Price at time of publish: $10 Febreze has a patent on its odor-eliminating technology. Instead of simply masking unpleasant smells, it neutralizes acidic and alkaline particles (the stinky ones) through a chemical reaction. Our tester did note that the scent is pleasant but intense. A few sprays can overwhelm a room with fragrance, which is something to consider before you add it to your cart. Price at time of publish: $6 Like our Best Overall pick, this product contains charcoal and needs to “recharge” in direct sunlight every so often, which could be difficult if you live somewhere like the rainy Pacific Northwest, where our tester resides. However, it can last for up to a year as long as you follow this step. Price at time of publish: $30 Our tester found this product very easy to use—just add it to the washer along with your regular detergent—but did note that the squeeze bottle doesn’t offer any way to measure the recommended 2 ounces per load. Price at time of publish: $15 This indoor odor eliminator calls on the brand’s signature baking soda to absorb unpleasant smells and mildew-causing moisture. Instead of powder, it’s in the form of tiny beads, which spill out from the top if you tilt it even just slightly. For this reason, it should be placed high up on a shelf, out of reach from children or pets, and somewhere you won’t accidentally knock it over. This product lasts for up to 60 days or until the beads harden. At that point, you can flush them down the toilet. Price at time of publish: $26 While this product is fast-acting, the application process is pretty messy. You can expect to get powder on your floor, your hands, and the outsides of your shoes, but it’ll wipe off with a clean cloth. Since the bottle was covered in powder when our tester pulled it out of the box, it’s safe to say this isn’t a travel-friendly product. Price at time of publish: $24 Our tester vows that this product is affordable, versatile, does what it claims, and covers a large area. We like that it contains mostly natural ingredients, but the specific components are a bit of a mystery. You have to go to the brand’s website to see exactly what’s in it, and the main ingredient isn’t listed per the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. She also notes that the scent is a little strong at first but gradually fades. Price at time of publish: $25 Our tester found the scent delightful but very strong—almost too strong—so it’s easy to overdo it. It is a bit pricey, but you can use it anywhere in your home, and a little goes a long way, so it’ll last a long time. Price at time of publish: $60
What to Look for in an Odor Eliminator
Type
Odor eliminators come in all sorts of shapes and sizes depending on the type of odor, how you want to use the product, and the area you’re trying to cover. Some of the most popular options are sprays, which are easy to use and, depending on which one you get, can either mask odors or eliminate them entirely. Our best for fabric upholstery pick, the Febreze Fabric Refresher, can be sprayed on any fabric surface—everything from pillows to blankets can be freshened up with this spray. Our tester did warn that it’s surprisingly potent, so a little spritz goes a long way. Other popular options include gels and bags that are left out in the area where odors accumulate, such as bathrooms, cars, and laundry rooms. If you’re willing to spend extra, an air purifier is another option; these machines can purify the air, remove pollutants such as dust and pollen, and eliminate smells.
Ingredients
Ingredients vary by product, but you can find a good mix of both chemical and natural odor eliminators. Natural products use ingredients such as activated charcoal, essential oils, and enzymes to absorb and/or mask odors, and they are typically recommended for those with pets and small children. Our best overall pick, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, uses activated charcoal to trap odors before they overpower an area. Be sure to check the label before buying certain air fresheners to ensure they’re safe to use around pets and children. “A rule of thumb for quick and easy vetting of product ingredients is to use EWG Skin Deep,” says Marilee Nelson, Co-Founder of Branch Basics. “EWG rates ingredients from one (least toxic) to ten (most toxic). Products used in the home should have all ingredients rated a one or two. Refuse to buy and keep products in the house with ingredients rated a three or more.” And if you want to avoid checking ingredients entirely, go for an air purifier.
Longevity
Certain products like sprays and laundry odor eliminators are only meant for short-term use, while bags and gels can be left for weeks or even months before needing to be replaced. Air purifiers are another long-lasting option, though you’ll need to change the filter every six months or so to ensure it’s working at its best.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance copywriter specializing in home design, wellness, and lifestyle. Our editors researched today’s top-rated odor eliminators for this story and sent her home with over a dozen to try out in a real-life setting. She carefully assessed and tested each item over the course of a few weeks before narrowing it down to the final picks. Prior to this project, she had personally used products from Aesop, Febreze, Arm & Hammer, Zero Odor, and Dr. Scholl’s. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers cleaning products, home scents, and organizational solutions. You can also look for odor eliminators that contain natural ingredients, such as activated charcoal, that can absorb odors from the air. Some odor eliminators also contain enzymes that eradicate a smell at the source rather than simply covering it up. Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce also contributed to this article by contacting Marilee Nelson, Co-Founder of Branch Basics, to discuss what to look for when purchasing odor eliminators that are safe for a home with children and pets.
What is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
