Categories: Kitchens

The 9 Best Odor Eliminators of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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James marcus

How We Tested the Odor Eliminators

To find the best odor eliminators, our editors researched today’s best odor eliminators and selected 14 for our tester to try in a real-life setting to see if they live up to their claims. Our tester carefully assessed each option’s size, appearance, formulations, ingredients, instructions, and price. After trying out the products at home, she gave them a score from 1 to 5 (5 being the best; 1 being the worst) across four categories: ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and overall value. Only the deodorizers with the highest scores were included in this roundup.

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. Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers cleaning products, home scents, and organizational solutions.

Our Experts:

  • Emma Phelps, an associate commerce editor for The Spruce
  • Marilee Nelson, Co-Founder of Branch Basics

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.

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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James marcus

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