Total Reset Odor Eliminator Review – Does It Really Work?
We tested Chemical Guys Total Reset Odor Eliminator to see if it really removes interior odors or just masks them with scent. Here's the honest truth—and a smarter alternative.
What Is Total Reset Odor Eliminator?
Total Reset by Chemical Guys is an odor eliminator spray designed to freshen up car interiors. It’s marketed as a “molecular-level” solution that neutralizes smells rather than covering them up. It also adds a synthetic citrus-like scent.
But does it actually eliminate odors—or just replace them with fragrance?
Our Testing Experience
We used Total Reset on a vehicle with light interior odors from food, gym gear, and sweat. Here’s what we noticed:
- Initial scent was strong and refreshing—but artificial
- Within 2–3 hours, the scent faded
- The original odors weren’t completely gone—they were temporarily masked
- On surfaces like headliner and carpet, it left behind a slight tackiness
The Problem with Most Odor Sprays
Products like Total Reset are often fragrance-heavy but cleaning-light. They don’t remove the *source* of the smell—they just cover it. And in most cases, the odors come back.
What Actually Works: Cleaning the Surface
If you want real, long-term odor elimination, you need to clean the materials causing the smell—seats, carpets, door panels, etc. That’s where Complete Cabin Cleaner comes in.
Why We Recommend Complete Cabin Cleaner Instead
- Cleans AND deodorizes—no fake fragrance
- Safe for all interior surfaces—leather, cloth, plastic, glass, screens
- Matte, OEM-style finish—no residue or greasiness
- Pairs perfectly with the Scrub Buddy Pad for deep cleaning
If the odor is coming from dirt, bacteria, or body oils trapped in the fabric or plastic, a product like Total Reset won’t solve it. You need to clean it.
Our Verdict
Total Reset smells good—for a little while. But it doesn’t actually clean. For long-term freshness and a true reset of your interior, Complete Cabin Cleaner is the real solution.
Bonus Tip:
Want a lasting citrus scent to go with your clean? Add Jimbo’s Air Freshies after cleaning. Unlike Total Reset, this combo cleans first—then leaves the perfect scent behind.
