11 Best Air Fresheners of 2022

Air fresheners are tricky to test in the Lab, especially in the expansive, wide open spaces of our Good Housekeeping Institute testing labs and test kitchens. The best way to test them is in specially constructed small, climate-controlled “smell” chambers where a measured amount of malodor and the test fragrance are injected in and trained testers rate the extent of removal. Since we don’t have these chambers, we evaluate air fresheners — of which we’ve tested dozens through the years — the way consumers do by using them. In the Lab, we cook stinky foods, make stinky garbage, put wet towels into plastic storage containers to make them smell musty and ask staffers for stinky pet toys and clothing items they’d like to donate for testing. We then call in staffers to smell these containers or the air before and after using the test products to rate the performance. We assess the chemical formulas, safety data sheets, packaging, labeling, scent strength and duration and ease of use and we review the manufacturer’s documentation for the internal claim support testing they do. Finally, we have consumer testers use the products in their own homes and give us feedback via a detailed survey that is incorporated into our performance and ease-of use tabulations.

Continuous fresheners, like gels, solids, diffusers, crystals and plug-ins work 24/7 so they are on the job and ready to tackle an odor as it happens. But because they work around the clock, they are emitting fragrance and also getting consumed when no odors may be present. Most usually last at least a month or more.

Sprays work instantaneously and are the easiest way to achieve immediate odor removal results. You only spray them when and where you need them, but the scent can fade fairly quickly. And some may just cover up — not eliminate — an odor, only to have it return.

Candles take a bit of time after lighting for the wax to melt and to begin emitting a fragrance. Even when they do, it may be more subtle than with other types of fresheners and fade quickly once the flame goes out. Candles are one of the most beautiful ways to impart fragrance in the air, plus they add a nice ambiance to the room. However, they can be dangerous, so never leave burning candles unattended and always keep them away from children and pets. Never burn a candle for longer than one hour per inch of the candle’s diameter. So, a three-inch wide candle should burn for no longer than three hours. Otherwise, it gets too hot and too much of it gets liquified. If that happens, jar candles can crack and pillar candles can leak and drip onto the furniture or counter.

✔ Type: Think about whether you want your space to be continually scented or you if prefer to impart a bit of freshness when you need it. Continuous air fresheners are hands-free and are especially helpful in small spaces, like trash cans, closets, the car or pet areas with persistent odors. Sprays work quickly in large open areas and provide targeted results while candles add warmth and subtle background fragrance to wherever they are placed. Most homes have a need for multiple types.

✔ Scent: The choices here are endless. You’ll find single scent notes, like lemon or lavender, but most air fresheners now also offer more complex scent combinations with woodsy, floral or spicy notes for a more upscale and appealing experience. Many are made with essential oils, though synthetic fragrances are just as effective. If you prefer continuous yet understated freshening, look for a product that allows you to adjust the level of scent it emits.

✔ Safety: Consider the makeup of your household and where you’ll be placing or using the air fresheners. Make sure that plug-ins, stick-ons or ones you set out on a shelf or counter are out of reach of children and pets. Sprays should not be used around birds and floors must be wiped dry of any mist from sprays to avoid slipping and falling. Candles need constant vigilance.

Carolyn Forte has over 40 years experience as a consumer products expert testing all kinds of products that both clean and remove odors from the air, fabrics, appliances and more. She has visited the testing facilities of air freshener manufacturers to see and experience firsthand the tests they conduct on their products to evaluate odor intensity and removal. Carolyn has also personally conducted air freshener research studies with consumers so she knows what they look for in scented cleaning products and air fresheners and presented the research findings at industry conferences and meetings.