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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Cordelia Aspinall

Best car air fresheners for 2022: Yankee candle, Febreze and more

Bring back that new car feeling with fresh-smelling interiors.

Whether long-haul journeys on a family trip away or a quick nip to the local shops, a brand-new air freshener can give your vehicle that lot-level newness feeling and improve the overall driving experience.

Car scents are the perfect addition to your four wheels for eliminating bad aromas – whether it’s that wet dog whiff, strong-flavoured drive through foods or any remaining wafts from after the dump runhese – they are great at covering them up. They also add some extra character to your car, hanging beneath your rearview mirrow with more creative designs than the classic tree-shaped design you’ll find in car washes and garages.

You’ll be sure to get compliments no matter if you opt for a light, floral scent, or a more kid-friendly tutti-frutti that smells good enough to eat. There really is something for every olfactory palate, from the weird and wonderful strawberry daiquiri and Moroccan mint tea, to your more traditional leather, cotton and wild hemp fragrances.

As mentioned above, you can either hang from your rearview mirror, or affix with a mount to your car’s vents or even pop below your seat – each design will be different. It will then fill your motor with its pleasant smell.

How long do car air fresheners last?

Most car air fresheners should last up to 30 days, while some can continue on to 70 days.

Here we’ve rounded up the best car air fresheners…

Yankee Candle Car Jar Clean Cotton Scented Air Freshener

Spoil yourself and your four wheels to a fresh scent from the Yankee Candle collection. The clean cotton air freshener has a refreshingly green aroma with a lemony hint that will be invigorating on your morning commute. The fragrance-infused paperboard will last up to one month and comes in a pack of three so you can have a supply.

Buy now £5.95, Amazon

Jelly Belly Tutti Frutti Air Freshener

Jelly Bean by name, Jelly Bean by nature, this is one for those with a sweet tooth. Hang this funky pink 3D scented product from your rearview mirror and let the tutti-frutti scent fill your motor with a lovely sweet, but not too overpowering aroma. Fans of the classic candy will love it - and when the scent runs out, you can try others from their range such as bubblegum or crushed pineapple.

Buy now £3.00, Amazon

The White Company Car Scent Diffuser

Clip this smart aluminium stick onto an air vent in your car and enjoy delightful fragrances while on the move. Simply add any essential oil of your choice to the filter and as you drive the scent will surround you – and you turn up your fan for a stronger intensity. Includes three replaceable refill sticks. We suggest steering clear of sleep-inducing lavender and opting for something fruity yet refreshing like orange, grapefruit or spearmint.

Buy now £15.00, The White Company

Walls Car Air Fresheners

These three air fresheners are shaped and smell like the iconic Walls ice lollies and the scent options range from the strawberry-scented funny feet and blueberry multicoloured starship to the all-time favourite tropical twister. Pick your most-loved and dangle it in your car for a fun and vibrant accessory with a sweet-smelling odour. Warning, this may give you an insatiable craving for ice cream.

Buy now £2.75, Amazon

Little Trees Strawberry Air Freshener

A world-famous brand for over 60 years, Little Trees is the expert when it comes to air fresheners and boast more than 30 different fragrances in its extensive line-up. Reminisce summer days with the scent of freshly picked strawberries filling your car – just hang the tree-shaped paperboard from your mirror and start driving.

Buy now £1.79, Amazon

Febreze Aqua Cascade Car Air Freshener

With odour-removing technology, say goodbye to any lingering smells on your travels thanks to Febreze’s device which clips onto your car’s vents. As well as diminishing unpleasant lingering scents, it will also provide a lovely light and fresh aroma where the invigorating aqua cascade fragrance will last up to 70 days and the intensity can be adjusted depending on your preference.

Buy now £5.50, Amazon

Earl of East Jardin De La Lune Air Freshener

Splash the cash a little more with this special air freshener from Earl of East. Conjuring up the scents of blackberry leaf, zesty bergamot and woody, aromatic cade, the warming ‘Jardin De La Lune’ fragrance is a nod to the lush gardens of Grand Trianon in Versailles. Hang in your car and be transported.

Buy now £12.00, Cult Beauty

Little Joe Orange Sorbet Air Freshener

Take this cute little guy with you on your journey and add a burst of zesty freshness to your car. ‘Little Joe’ clips to your air vent and circulates a lightly spicy aroma of lemon, orange and tangerine for up to 45 days. Road trip ready.

Buy now £5.35, Amazon

Lynx Ice Chill Car Freshener

Freshen up your drive for up to a month with this minty and lemony fragrance. Simply pop the device onto your car’s vents and let the refreshing blend circulate into your space. A smart addition to your ride with lasting results.

Buy now £4.50, Amazon

California Scents Coronado Cherry Air Freshener

For a fruity fragrance on the move, open this can of California Scents and pop it under your seat for instant sweet cherry scenting. The 100 per cent organic fragrance oil will exude for almost 60 days and comes in a recyclable aluminium tin making it an eco-friendly option.

Buy now £4.49, Amazon

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