Only the deodorizers that received the highest scores were included in this collection. Our tester evaluated them across four categories: ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and overall value, assigning a score from 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest) after testing the products at home. Our tester carefully examined the size, appearance, formulations, ingredients, instructions, and price of each option. In order to determine if they truly deliver on their promises, our tester tested 14 odor eliminators that were handpicked by our editors, based on research into the best odor eliminators available today, in a real-life setting.
What to Look for in an Odor Eliminator
Type
Our tester did warn that this spritz goes a long way, and it’s surprisingly potent. You can use the Fabric Refresher Febreze to freshen up everything from blankets to pillows – it can be sprayed on any fabric surface. Depending on the type of odor and how you want to use it, you can either eliminate or mask odors with this product. Odor eliminators come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, depending on the type of odor you’re trying to cover and how you want to use the product.
If you are willing to spend extra money, you can eliminate smells and pollen dust by using air purifier machines. These machines can purify the air and remove pollutants such as smells and pollen dust, which tend to accumulate in areas like rooms, laundry cars, and bathrooms. There are also other popular options available, such as bags and gels, that can help eliminate odors in the area.
Ingredients
Our top pick for overall air purification is the Natural Moso Bag, which uses activated charcoal to trap odors before they overpower an area. These products, which typically come recommended for small children and pets, utilize ingredients such as activated charcoal, enzymes, and essential oils to mask and/or absorb odors. While you can find a good mix of both natural and odor-fighting ingredients in the product, the specific ingredients may vary.
If you want to go for an air purifier, and you want to avoid checking entirely for ingredients, refuse to buy products that have more than three rated ingredients in your house. All products used in your home should have either two or one rated ingredients. The easiest and quickest way to vet the ingredients of a product is to use the EWG “Deep Skin EWG” ratings, where the most toxic ingredients are rated ten and the least toxic ingredients are rated one. “Says Basics Branch of Co-Founder Nelson Marilee,” says this is a thumb rule for easy and quick vetting of product ingredients. Make sure to check the label before buying certain air fresheners to ensure they are safe to use around children and pets.
Longevity
It is recommended to clean the filter every six months or so to ensure optimal performance. However, you may consider replacing air purifiers as they are a durable alternative. Bags and gels can last for weeks or even months before requiring replacement, whereas sprays and laundry odor eliminators are intended for temporary use only.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Holland has been making contributions to The Spruce since 2019, where she writes about cleaning supplies, home fragrances, and ways to get organized. Before starting this project, she had personally used products from Aesop, Febreze, Arm & Hammer, Zero Odor, and Dr. Scholl’s. She thoroughly evaluated and tested each item for a few weeks before finalizing her choices. Our editors researched the best odor eliminators available today for this article and provided her with more than twelve to experiment with in a real-life environment. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about home decor, well-being, and lifestyle.
Emma Phelps, a writer for The Spruce, contributed to this article by contacting Marilee Nelson, the co-founder of Branch Basics, to discuss the basics of looking for safe home odor eliminators for children and pets.
What is Spruce Approved?
If we receive a product for free, we will always inform you. We also take pride in our commitment to transparency. All products undergo the same tests and must meet the same strict standards to be included in our top selection, regardless of how they are obtained. Although we occasionally receive samples directly from companies, in most cases, we purchase all these products ourselves. Each product bearing this badge has undergone thorough in-person testing and has been carefully chosen by our team of expert lab testers and editors. You may have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. We genuinely mean it when we claim something is the best, and we want to ensure that we fully support every product we recommend here at The Spruce.