We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 8 Best Odor Eliminators of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The ultimate guide to conquering household smells

Hand holding a coat with a Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag on the hanger

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

A top-quality odor-eliminating product gets rid of unpleasant smells caused by smoke, sweat, food, and pets—and some even leave a fresh scent behind. When shopping for an odor eliminator, consider whether you want the product to effectively neutralize the odor cause or simply hide it with a pleasant aroma. While masking may provide temporary relief, the underlying smell may resurface as the scent wears off.

"The purpose of an odor eliminator should not only be to remove unpleasant odors but also to improve air quality. Therefore, ingredients matter," says Marilee Nelson, Co-Founder of Branch Basics. "The word fragrance on the label indicates that the product contains a proprietary recipe composed of hundreds of chemicals that will cover up odors."

To help you find the right product for your needs, we tested 14 of the top odor eliminators on the market and evaluated them for their ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and overall value.

Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Absorbs odors

  • Last up to two years

  • Covers 90 square feet

What We Don't Like
  • Needs monthly sunlight

Out of all the odor eliminators we tested, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag was our favorite. This product not only neutralizes bad scents but also covers a large area, up to 90 square feet. One thing we really liked is that there's a spot on the front to write the date you opened it. This is especially useful because each bag can prevent odors for as long as two years (the longest on our list). 

Moso bags contain bamboo-activated carbon, which acts as an odorless odor eater. Unlike air fresheners, the activated carbon neutralizes unpleasant smells and freshens the air around you by absorbing odors instead of masking them. The Moso bag is perfect for bringing a breath of fresh air to any room, whether it's a closet, car, kitchen, drawer, bathroom, nursery, pet area, mudroom, laundry room, or any other spot. A metal grommet is attached to the top corner, allowing for easy attachment to clothes hangers and other hooks. 

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. When the two years are up, you can sprinkle the bamboo charcoal from the bags into your garden to encourage plant growth.

Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 1.76 pounds | Coverage Area: 90 square feet

Amazon Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Attractive bottle

  • Several scent options

  • Formulated with essential oils

What We Don't Like
  • Needs to be used as a preventative product

Whether you're at home or in a public restroom, dealing with unpleasant bathroom odors is never fun. The good news is that there is a way to make things easier for everyone. The best option for bathrooms is Poo-Pourri, which preemptively coats the toilet water with a barrier to prevent smells from escaping the bowl. Not only does it do a good job of preventing odors, but during testing, we found that it also smells really good. We tested the lavender-vanilla aroma, which is formulated with essential oils to combat odors, and found the scent to be quite calming without being overbearing. 

It's important to remember that Poo-Pourri is most effective when used prior to going to the bathroom. To use, just mist the surface of the water in the toilet bowl with up to five sprays. If used as intended, we found that this product works wonders. Plus, the bottle is aesthetically pleasing, so you can show it off on a shelf or even the back of your toilet to liven up your washroom. In terms of longevity, each 1.4 fluid-ounce bottle has up to 70 uses.

Dimensions: Varies | Weight: 0.3–16 ounces | Coverage Area: Not listed

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray displayed on a black shelf

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best for Fabric Upholstery

Febreze Fabric Refresher

Febreze Fabric Extra-Strength Odor-Eliminating Refresher
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Very effective

  • Does not contain phthalates

  • Generous amount

What We Don't Like
  • Strong scent

If you have a furry friend who likes to doze off on your sofa, leaving behind a not-so-pleasant smell pet odor or an upholstered chair that just needs to be refreshed, we recommend using Febreze Fabric Refresher. We've tested the Febreze spray on our hamper and fabric upholstery, which worked incredibly well to freshen both. Febreze's odor-eliminating technology is patented and uses no phthalates, formaldehyde, or combustible propellants. Instead of simply masking unpleasant smells, it neutralizes acidic and alkaline particles (the stinky ones) through a chemical reaction.

Having said that, we did notice 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. In addition to upholstery, Febreze is a multipurpose solution that may be used to deodorize drawers, closets, carpets, rugs, and curtains. Keep in mind that this product should not be applied to materials that are likely to become water-stained, such as leather, suede, silk, or any fabric that might absorb water. 

Dimensions: 9.72 x 5 x 3.03 inches | Weight: 27 ounces | Coverage Area: Not listed

Hand holding Febreze Fabric Extra-Strength Odor-Eliminating Refresher in a living room

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Ellis Harper Fridge Ninja All Natural Bamboo Deodorizer
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Controls humidity

  • Lasts up to a year

  • Unscented

What We Don't Like
  • Needs periodic sunlight

Refrigerators can harbor many unpleasant odors. To solve this problem, we recommend the Fridge Ninja Deodorizer, which keeps your fridge from smelling like an unwashed lunchbox. The Fridge Ninja was very effective at removing odors during testing, and its compact design hardly takes up any shelf space in the fridge. In addition to reducing odors, it manages humidity in your fridge to preserve fruit and eliminates gas from food.

Like our best overall pick, this product contains charcoal that absorbs scents rather than masks them. It does also needs to "recharge" in direct sunlight every so often, which could be difficult if you live somewhere like the rainy Pacific Northwest. However, it can last for up to a year as long as you follow this step.

Dimensions: 7.01 x 6.14 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 5.30 ounces | Coverage Area: Not listed

Hand holding Ellis Harper Fridge Ninja All Natural Bamboo Deodorizer in front of open refrigerator

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorber & Odor Eliminator
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Eliminates damp stale smells

  • Works quickly

  • Unscented

What We Don't Like
  • Spills easily

During times of excessive humidity, closets can get fairly damp and smell funny. If you keep clothing and other textiles inside, this can be a major worry. Lucky for you, you can get rid of these bad odors by using Arm & Hammer's Moisture Absorber. In our experience, this product works wonders when it comes to eliminating unpleasant closet odors. Using Arm & Hammer's trademark baking soda, this indoor odor remover soaks up musty odors and excess moisture, protecting your clothes against mildew and mold.

Instead of powder, it's in the form of tiny beads, which we found can 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. It's a bit bulky, so it is more suitable for a large walk-in closet. This product lasts for up to 60 days or until the beads harden. At that point, you can flush them down the toilet.

Dimensions: 12.25 x 7 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 14 ounces | Coverage Area: Not listed

Hand holding Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorber & Odor Eliminator in front of wardrobe

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Cleans washing machine

  • Great for work

  • Light scent

What We Don't Like
  • No measurer

If your clothes, bedding, or towels are a bit musty, Zero Odor is your best bet. This liquid laundry companion is reasonably priced and delivers impressive results when it comes to removing bad odor from clothes. We were impressed by the results; the mild aroma it left behind was gone by the time our clothes were taken out of the dryer. Sweat and armpit odors, smoke, dirty diapers, vomit, urine, and normal pet scents are just some of the culprits that the manufacturer says it can eradicate.

We really liked how simple it was to use this detergent; simply combine it with your usual detergent in the washing machine. We did find it difficult to utilize the squeeze bottle because it does not have a measurement for the 2 ounces per load that is advised. Besides that, we were quite pleased with the product itself. As an added bonus, this product can clean and deodorize your washing machine at the same time. Those who like to avoid using a separate cleaning product on their washing machine may appreciate this feature.

Dimensions: 9 x 4 x 2 inches | Weight: 16 ounces | Coverage Area: Not listed

Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator displayed on a blanket in a basket

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Amazon Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Scent
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • No harsh chemicals

  • Last up to 60 days

  • Substantial coverage area

What We Don't Like
  • Strong smell initially

Looking for an all-purpose deodorizer to use around the home? Go with Fresh Wave. We tested this odor-eliminating gel and found it to be very user-friendly and straightforward—simply unscrew the lid, peel off the seal, put the top back on, place it near the smell, and let it do its job. After opening, the potent formula of Fresh Wave will continue to eradicate odors for up to 60 days, no matter how bad they are.

Odors from pets, cooking, and even musty basements can all be eliminated with this solution. And because it can cover a lot of ground (up to 200 square feet), you won't have to move or replace it very often. Instead of using harsh chemicals, Fresh Wave uses plant oils, like lime, pine needle, clove, anise, and cedarwood, to effectively neutralize odors. We did find that the gel's aroma was a bit overpowering at first, but it gradually faded.

Dimensions: 3.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 15 ounces | Coverage Area: 200 square feet

Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Ultra Odor-Fighting Foot Powder
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Very effective

  • Light scent

  • Minimal ingredients

What We Don't Like
  • Messy

  • Not travel-friendly

Stinky shoes? It happens to the best of us. Dr. Scholl's will get the job done when you need to freshen up your footwear. This deodorizing powder works notably well and is wallet-friendly. We especially appreciated the very light, fresh fragrance.

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 we first pulled it out of the box, it's safe to say this isn't a travel-friendly product.

Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 2 inches | Weight: 6.25 ounces | Coverage Area: Not listed

Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Ultra Odor-Fighting Foot Powder on wooden floor near slippers

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Compare

Products Product Links Ease of Use Effectiveness Scent Value
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
Best Overall:
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
4.5/5 5/5 5/5 4.5/5
Amazon Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Best for Bathrooms:
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
4/5 5/5 5/5 5/5
Febreze Fabric Extra-Strength Odor-Eliminating Refresher
Best for Fabric Upholstery:
Febreze Fabric Refresher
5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
Ellis Harper Fridge Ninja All Natural Bamboo Deodorizer
Best for Refrigerators:
Ellis Harper Fridge Ninja Deodorizer
4.5/5 5/5 5/5 4.5/5
Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorber & Odor Eliminator
Best for Closets:
Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorber & Odor Eliminator
4.5/5 5/5 5/5 4.5/5
Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator
Best for Laundry:
Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator
4.5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5
Amazon Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel
Best All-Purpose:
Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel
5/5 4.5/5 4/5 4.5/5
Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Ultra Odor-Fighting Foot Powder
Best for Shoes:
Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Foot Powder
4/5 5/5 5/5 5/5

Final Verdict


When it comes to eliminating odors, the best option we tested is the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag. Filled with bamboo charcoal, this attractive cloth satchel can be used nearly anywhere in your home and eliminates odors in spaces up to 90 square feet. If you're looking for something that covers a bit more surface area, consider the Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel.

How We Tested the Odor Eliminators

To find the best odor eliminators, we researched today's best odor eliminators and selected 14 to try in a real-life setting to see if they live up to their claims. We carefully assessed each option's size, appearance, formulations, ingredients, instructions, and price. After trying out the products at home, we 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.

Other popular options include gels, like the Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel, and bags that are left out in areas 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. Our best overall pick, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, lasts up to two years but requires monthly exposure to direct sunlight to refresh the charcoal.

FAQ
  • What is the difference between room fragrances and odor eliminators?

    "Room fragrances are designed to mask or freshen the existing odor while odor eliminators do exactly that, get rid of odor," says Nelson. "Many fragranced products contain chemicals that release VOCs which can have negative effects on your home's air quality and your overall health. Some great natural solutions to this are fragrant houseplants, simmer pots, or charcoal air fresheners."

    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.

  • How do odor eliminators work?

    This will depend on what kind of odor eliminator you use. If you opt for one with natural ingredients, such as activated charcoal, it naturally absorbs the odor and bacteria around it. Other products, such as Febreze, contain cyclodextrins that trap odors before they reach your nose. Essential oil is another popular ingredient used in odor eliminators and works similarly to cyclodextrins.

  • Do odor eliminators kill bacteria?

    Although some odor eliminators contain ingredients that kill bacteria, others merely trap odors. If you want to be sure your odor eliminator or surface cleaner kills bacteria, look for cleaners with antimicrobial ingredients. In this case, you should check the label of the product before using it to ensure that it can be used on your desired surfaces.

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:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Febreze Patents, Proctor and Gamble.

  2. How we use chemistry to clean the air, Frebreze.com.

  3. What Exactly Can an Air Purifier Catch. Consumer Reports.

  4. Patel, Seema. Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep's clothing. Medical Hypotheses, vol. 102, 2017, pp. 106-111, doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025