Total Reset Odor Eliminator Review – Does It Really Work?
We put Chemical Guys’ Total Reset Odor Eliminator to the test to see if it actually removes odors—or just covers them up with fragrance. Here’s what we found, and a smarter way to keep your car smelling fresh for good.
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
What Is Total Reset Odor Eliminator?
Total Reset by Chemical Guys is marketed as a “molecular-level” odor eliminator spray designed to freshen your car’s interior. It claims to neutralize smells—rather than mask them—and leaves behind a synthetic citrus scent.
But the big question: does it really remove the source of the smell, or just disguise it for a few hours?
Our Testing Experience
We tested Total Reset on a daily driver with light interior odors from food, gym clothes, and general use. Here’s what we noticed:
- → Strong citrus scent at first — but noticeably artificial
- → After 2–3 hours, the scent faded significantly
- → Lingering odors returned once the fragrance wore off
- → Left slight tackiness on fabrics like headliner and carpets
So while it gives a quick “fresh” impression, it doesn’t truly eliminate the underlying smell. The problem isn’t your air — it’s the surfaces holding onto odor-causing bacteria.
Why Most Odor Sprays Fall Short
Most interior sprays are packed with perfume but light on cleaning power. They don’t remove the actual source of odor—like sweat, food oils, or bacteria trapped in seats and carpet. The result? The smell returns as soon as the fragrance wears off.
That’s why the key to true odor removal isn’t “neutralization”… it’s cleaning the surface that’s causing the smell.
The Better Alternative → Complete Cabin Cleaner
If you want real, long-term freshness, you need a cleaner that tackles the source. That’s where Complete Cabin Cleaner comes in—it cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes without synthetic fragrances or residue.
Why We Recommend It Over Total Reset:
- → Cleans AND eliminates odors instead of masking them
- → Safe on every surface — leather, cloth, plastic, glass, and screens
- → Matte OEM-style finish — no greasy residue
- → Works perfectly with the Scrub Buddy Pad for deep cleaning
Odors don’t live in the air—they live in fabric, foam, and plastic. If you don’t remove the contamination, no amount of “odor eliminator” will solve it. Complete Cabin Cleaner cuts through dirt and bacteria at the source.
Clean First → Then Deodorize the Right Way
→ Skip the perfume sprays and deep clean instead. Use Complete Cabin Cleaner for a real reset of your car’s interior.
Shop Complete Cabin Cleaner Get the Scrub Buddy PadBonus Tip → Add Scent the Smart Way
Once your surfaces are actually clean, you can safely add scent without reintroducing grime. That’s where Jimbo’s Air Freshies come in.
- → Adds subtle, clean scent without chemicals
- → Long-lasting fragrance that won’t clash with your cabin cleaner
- → Pairs perfectly after deep cleaning sessions
Clean first. Then enjoy the scent. That’s the real formula for a fresh, healthy interior.
Our Verdict
Total Reset smells good—but only temporarily. It doesn’t remove the source of interior odors or truly clean the surface. For real results, you need to clean and deodorize at the same time.
The smarter choice? Complete Cabin Cleaner. It safely cleans every surface and actually eliminates odor at the root — no gimmicks, no residue, no fake citrus.
Ready for a Real Interior Reset?
→ Get rid of odor-causing buildup for good with Complete Cabin Cleaner. Clean first, then freshen with Jimbo’s Air Freshies for a professional-level finish.
Shop Cabin Cleaner Shop Air FreshiesRelated Posts
- → How to Clean Your Car Interior (Top to Bottom)
- → Best Car Interior Cleaning Products
- → Scrub Buddy vs Brushes – What Works Best on Interiors?
