The Best Odor Eliminators for Pet Smells, Musty Towels, and More, Tested and Reviewed by Cleaning Pros
Rid your home of stubborn smells with these sprays, gels, and tablets.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Unlike traditional air fresheners that simply mask unpleasant smells with fragrance, odor eliminators are formulated to neutralize odor molecules at the source and, in some cases, target the bacteria responsible for them.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Clorox Disinfecting Mist
- Best value: Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener
- Best gel: Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel
- Best for bathroom odors: Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we've tested more than 30 odor-removing products over the years, assessing how well they tackle cooking smells, musty rooms, pet odors, and sweaty laundry. We also send products home with staff testers to evaluate performance in real-life situations. Based on our testing, these are the best odor eliminators for keeping your home fresh, including a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award winner and our top pick, Clorox Disinfecting Mist, which can even sanitize all types of surfaces.
Pros
- Kills bacteria and viruses
- Works on hard and soft surfaces
- Dispenses as a fine mist
Cons
- Some surfaces need rinsing after spraying
BEST FOR: Whole-home odor control and sanitizing
Clorox Disinfecting Mist doesn't just hide odors; it helps eliminate the bacteria behind them on a variety of soft and hard surfaces. When used as directed, it can sanitize upholstery, mattresses, and plush toys in as little as five minutes and disinfect countertops and bathroom fixtures in 10.
In our tests, the fine mist coated surfaces evenly without leaving them overly damp, and the light, clean scent wasn't overpowering. Just remember to rinse food-contact surfaces, children's toys, and pet toys after use.
Pros
- Fine spray stays in the air longer
- Works quickly
- Effective even on strong odors
Cons
- Overspray can make floors slippery
BEST FOR: Quickly freshening bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic rooms
This budget-friendly Good Housekeeping Seal-holder helps trap and neutralize odors instead of simply masking them. The latest Air Mist formula releases a finer spray designed to stay suspended in the air longer, making it especially effective against cooking smells, bathroom odors, smoke, and mustiness.
In our tests, stale rooms smelled noticeably fresher within minutes, and strong odors became far less detectable after just a few sprays. Just be sure to wipe up any mist that settles on hard floors, since it can leave surfaces slippery.
Pros
- Works continuously
- EPA Safer Choice-certified
- Lasts up to 60 days
Cons
- Large rooms may need multiple jars
BEST FOR: Continuous odor control in small spaces
Our favorite odor-eliminating gel provides continuous freshness as it evaporates, making it a great choice for closets, bathrooms, and other small spaces. In our tests, it effectively removed lingering food and bathroom odors.
The plant-based formula is EPA Safer Choice-certified, and refill gel is available when it's time to replenish the jar. According to the brand, one jar can freshen spaces up to 200 square feet for up to 60 days, though larger rooms may require multiple jars.
Pros
- Contains essential oils
- Traps odors in the bowl
- Easy to store or tote
Cons
- Need to remember to spray before you go
BEST FOR: Preventing bathroom odors before they start
This spray creates a barrier on the toilet water that helps trap odors below the surface, preventing them from spreading through the room, but you'll need to remember to spritz before you go for it to work. In our tests at home and in office restrooms, just a few spritzes consistently kept unpleasant smells from lingering.
The compact bottles are easy to stash in a purse, carry-on, or guest bathroom, and the alcohol-, paraben-, and phthalate-free formula comes in a variety of essential oil-based scents. Some fragrances are also available in larger refill sizes. As with any scented spray, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Pros
- EPA Safer Choice-certified
- Not messy
Cons
- Won't clean the detergent dispenser
BEST FOR: Preventing musty odors in washing machines
These mess-free tablets help remove the residue and bacteria that can cause odors before they transfer to your laundry. In our tests, the EPA Safer Choice-certified washing machine cleaner left both front- and top-loading appliances noticeably fresher. Simply drop one into the drum and run a hot or self-cleaning cycle once a month.
We also like the built-in monthly checklist on the box as a helpful reminder to stay on schedule. Just note that you'll still need to dry the gasket and detergent drawer regularly and occasionally scrub the dispenser to prevent buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
Pros
- Continuously removes and prevents odors
- Sprays an even mist
- No bleach or chlorine in the formula
Cons
- Should not be used on leather and suede shoes
BEST FOR: Freshening sweaty sneakers and flats
This spray uses silver ions rather than harsh ingredients like bleach or chlorine to help continuously eliminate odor-causing bacteria and prevent smells from returning. During testing, we liked its fine, even spray, which coated shoe interiors without leaving behind puddles or residue, and found that it left shoes smelling noticeably fresher.
For best results, spray shoes after wearing and allow them to dry completely before the next use. Removing the insoles can help speed drying time. The spray should not be used on leather or suede shoes.
Pros
- Removes build-up and odors
- Softens fabric
- Works with just one wash
Cons
- Scent can be strong
BEST FOR: Bringing musty towels back to life
This Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award-winner uses gentle citric acid to remove buildup and stubborn odors, and to restore softness during the wash cycle. In our tests, we were impressed by how quickly it eliminated lingering smells, leaving even rancid-smelling towels fresh and soft after a single wash.
Add it to the fabric softener dispenser and wash as usual with detergent. If you're sensitive to fragrance, the scent can be strong, so consider opting for the fragrance-free version.
Pros
- Unique and pleasing scent
- Burns evenly
- Lasts a long time
Cons
- Open flame can be dangerous around pets and kids
BEST FOR: Eliminating kitchen odors while you cook or after meals
This luxury odor-removing candle from Diptyque replaces malodors with a blend of mint, basil, and tomato leaf essential oils while delivering an even, slow burn. In our tests, lighting it after cooking particularly pungent meals noticeably cleared the air within a short time—even after leaving and returning home.
It’s a worthwhile splurge for frequent cooks. As with all candles, never leave it burning unattended and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Pros
- Easy to clip on
- Has adjustable scent levels
- Doesn't block view
Cons
- Scent may be too strong for some
BEST FOR: Eliminating everyday car odors
This air freshener clips directly to your dashboard vent, allowing airflow to disperse scent throughout the vehicle without blocking your view, unlike ones that hang from your rearview mirror. In our tests, they were effective in every car we tried them in and delivered a noticeable fresh scent the moment we got in—even before turning on the ignition.
The intensity can be adjusted with a simple dial, and the clips can also be placed on rear vents to help tackle odors from spilled foods, kids, and pets in the back seat. Just note that the scent can be strong right after installation.
Pros
- Eliminates more than just pet odors
- Works quickly
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Not for leather, suede, silk, or fabrics that water-spot
BEST FOR: Neutralizing pet odors on furniture, bedding, and fabrics
Febreze Fabric Pet Odor Fighter is designed to target lingering pet smells on soft surfaces, neutralizing odors as it dries rather than simply covering them up. In our GH Seal tests, pet owners said it noticeably freshened fabrics and helped reduce that telltale “pet smell” throughout the home.
We also found it useful for tackling cooking and smoke odors when needed. The spray works quickly, is easy to apply, and leaves behind a light, clean scent. Just note: It shouldn't be used on leather, suede, silk, or fabrics that water-spot.
Pros
- Removes moisture to prevent odors
- Can easily be placed or hung in a closet
- Hands-off process
Cons
- Larger areas need multiple products
BEST FOR: Controlling moisture to prevent musty odors in closets
AirBOSS No Spill Dehumidifier pulls excess moisture from the air to help prevent musty odors and damp clothing at the source. Simply remove the aluminum seal, then hang or place on a shelf. As it works, beads absorb humidity and turn it into liquid. Once full, pour the liquid down the drain and replace the unit.
In testing, it kept an entryway coat closet noticeably fresher through both winter storage and humid summer months. It’s best for small spaces like closets, laundry rooms, RVs, or attics, since larger areas may require multiple units.
How we test odor eliminators
Testing odor eliminators can be challenging in the open, well-ventilated spaces of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab and Test Kitchen, so we also evaluate them in real-world settings, including cars, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and closets.
In the Lab, we assess each product's formula, safety information, packaging, labeling, scent strength, longevity, and ease of use. We also review manufacturer documentation that supports product claims.
To evaluate odor-fighting performance, we recreate common household odors by cooking pungent foods, sealing damp towels until they develop a sour smell, and collecting odorous pet items and staff members' clothing. Our experts evaluate products before and after use, and consumer testers try select products in their own homes and share feedback through surveys.
What's the difference between an odor eliminator and an air freshener?
Both air fresheners and odor eliminators can improve a space's smell, but they work in different ways.
- Air fresheners mask odors by adding fragrance. They may temporarily make a room smell pleasant, but the original odor often returns once the scent fades.
- Odor eliminators are designed to neutralize or reduce smells at the source. Some trap odor molecules, while others break them down or target odor-causing bacteria to help prevent smells from coming back quickly.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté, former executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, has more than 40 years of experience testing consumer products that clean and eliminate odors from air, fabrics, appliances, and more. She has visited manufacturer testing facilities to evaluate how products measure odor intensity and removal, and has shared her findings at industry conferences and through consumer research on what people look for in scented cleaning products.
Noah Pinsonnault is a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where he helps design and conduct tests across multiple cleaning categories. He has personally tested several of the products featured above in both the Lab and his own home.
Expert-Approved Carpet Cleaners for Stain Removal
Our Favorite Vacuum-Mop Combos, According to Tests
The Best Clothes Dryers
Shop the Best Labor Day Vacuum Deals Right Now
