Best Car Odor Eliminators for Smelly Cars (That Actually Work)

Let’s face it—cars get stinky. Whether it’s food, pets, mildew, or years of mystery funk, you need more than an air freshener to fix it.

Here are the top odor eliminators that neutralize smells at the source—and one product that does double duty by cleaning and deodorizing at the same time.

1. Total Reset Odor Eliminator

• Popular spray that neutralizes smoke and mildew odors
• Fragrance-free formula designed to break down odor molecules
• Works well on fabric seats and carpets

Downside: No actual cleaning ability. So if the smell is caused by dirt or sticky spills, you’ll need a separate cleaner too.

2. Ozium Air Sanitizer

• Aerosol spray often used in rental or dealership cars
• Kills airborne bacteria and leaves a very strong scent
• Can be overpowering and not great for enclosed vehicles

Pro tip: Use this only in moderation—spray and let it air out before your next drive.

3. Jimbo’s Complete Cabin Cleaner

• Neutralizes odors and deep cleans interior surfaces
• Works on leather, plastic, screens, rubber, vinyl, and more
• Leaves an OEM-style matte finish with no added shine or streaks
• Safe on high-touch areas like the steering wheel, controls, and center console

This isn’t a cover-up—it’s a true reset for your interior. The odor-neutralizing agents target the source, while the cleaning formula removes the gunk that causes it. Great for pet smells, food spills, and lingering musty funk.

Try Complete Cabin Cleaner here.

4. Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag

• Charcoal-based odor absorber
• Works best when placed under seats or near vents
• Passive system—no spray or chemicals

Best for: Long-term prevention rather than active odor removal.

5. Baking Soda + Fabric Cleaner Combo

This classic DIY combo still works in a pinch:

• Sprinkle baking soda on fabric seats or carpet
• Let sit for 15–30 minutes
• Vacuum up and follow with an enzyme-based fabric cleaner

It’s not the fastest solution—but if you don’t want to use chemicals, it’s a safe way to reduce lingering smells from moisture and bacteria buildup.

How to Choose the Right Odor Eliminator

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the smell coming from something that needs cleaning? If yes, use a cleaner like Jimbo’s Complete Cabin Cleaner.
• Do you just need to refresh the air quickly? Use something like Total Reset or a charcoal bag.
• Want to kill bacteria? Ozium may help, but ventilate the car properly.

Pro Tip: Don’t Skip the Interior Wipe Down

No odor eliminator will work 100% unless the surface is clean. Crumbs, grime, and bacteria love to hide in cracks and seams. Always wipe down the dash, cupholders, door panels, and center console with a safe interior cleaner first.

Complete Cabin Cleaner is your one-bottle solution: it removes the dirt and neutralizes the stink at the same time.