The best air fresheners should do two things: eliminate unpleasant smells from your house and infuse your home with a pleasant fragrance that's evenly dispersed across the room.
Whether you prefer a plug-in freshener for continuous action or a quick spray to freshen up your upholstery, we've got the best air fresheners in the show.
See our rundown below of all the top air fresheners to keep your home smelling sweet, from plug-ins to spray versions, gels, waxes, purifying bags and oils – this way, you can choose the best for your home and needs.
Best for...
In our opinion, this is the best air freshener you can buy for your home, and the best part is that it's made with no synthetic chemicals but from a unique blend of 100 per cent pure and natural essential oils.
Scent
As for the scent, it's natural and fresh with notes of tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus.
Can be used on...
As well as spraying in the air, you can also use Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray on carpets, bedding and upholstery to immediately freshen a room.
Results
Just one spray will make a difference, and you'll immediately notice the air clearing. This truly is worth the money for those times when you've been cooking something strong, or you've guests arriving in minutes and don't want to mask the smell but kill the odour. For those who work all day and can't leave their windows open to air their home, this spray makes your home smell fresh as a daisy, too.
Good to know
It's quite pricey and strong, so all you need is one spray per room (trust us, it's plenty). The only downside is that it's not easily accessible in shops – so buy online.
Best for...
Looking for an environmentally-friendly air freshener? Enter: Ozmo's Anti-Bacterial Air & Fabric Freshener.
Scent
Ozmo's Anti-Bacterial Air & Fabric Freshener is available in three different scents: Cotton Blush; Delicate Pearls; or Lavender Blush.
Can be used on...
Not only will this product keep the air in your home fresh, but it's claimed to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria on hard surfaces, and should help keep sofas, mattresses or cushions fresh and germ-free, too (ideal if you've got kids and pets around).
Results
This multi-use spray gets rid of everything from unpleasant mould smells to pesky pet smells. Its propellant free concentrated format also offers greater value than traditional aerosols (which can contain up to 40 per cent gas), with over 1,400 sprays per pack. It's better for the environment, too.
Good to know
It's quite hard to find this gem in the shops (apart from The Range), so instead of trawling through your shopping centre on a Saturday, save yourself time and buy it online.
Best for...
Having pets around the home not only means you have to do more cleaning, it also means you have to be conscious of the products you use, as some aren't pet-friendly. The best air freshener for those who have furry friends, we think.
Scent
Once used, Zoflora is said to leave behind a 'mountain air' fragrance. We can't say we've noticed this– however, we do think it leaves behind a noticeable fresh and clean smell that lasts for days.
Results
doesn't just eliminate odours, it kills 99.9 per cent of viruses, including ones that could potentially cause illness to your pet, while freshening your home.
Good to know
Zoflora Fresh Home Disinfectant can be diluted and used in several ways including in a spray bottle, in your mop bucket for when you clean your floors or you can fill up your sink and add a capful to release the smell throughout your home. It should be made up as one part disinfectant to 40 parts water
Best for...
On the hunt for the best air freshener for your bathroom? This little spray's name might seem a little off-beat, but not a bad word can be said about its qualities.
Scent
Available in a range of scents, including lemon citrus, white flower, strawberry and spearmint, all have a strong smell that goes a long way.
Results
A few squirts of this spray down the toilet before you go will ensure no unpleasant odours escape into the bathroom. The scent lasts for ages and it's a pretty looking bottle, too.
Good to know
Sometimes a little fiddly to spray when it reaches below half, but all in all, reviewers say they couldn't go without this little lifesaver to cover up nasty smells.
Best for...
This small and compact air freshener is perfect for both coat closets and hallways, and also households with smokers.
Scent
The is also available in Cherry Blossom.
Results
Not only is it easy to use, but the scents are the perfect strength, without being overbearing. You can also have it on a low or high setting depending on how much fragrance you want it to emit, and it leaves no wet residue after spritzing. Win win if you ask us.
Good to know
To use, simply plug it in, and over time it will periodically release bursts of fragrance into the home while neutralising odours. It lasts up to 60 days, but you can purchase refills of your favourite scent to continually use the device.
Best for...
This small and compact air freshener is perfect for both coat closets and hallways, and also households with smokers.
Scent
The Vanilla Flower scent isn’t everyone’s favourite, but for those winter months it can provide a warming smell that makes the home feel cosy. It does come in Cotton Fresh and Blossom & Breeze scents too.
Results
A great air freshener to have as well as a spray version, the is an easy way to ensure your home always smells nice. It isn't however, ideal for cooking smells, accidents or quick fixes, as you can't control how often or how much smell comes out at one time.
Good to know
Small and discreet, it can easily be placed in a closet or on a shelf without anyone even noticing it’s there.
Best for...
If you're a fan of Diptyque's other scents, then this would make the perfect air freshener for your home. The first place we would suggest you hang Diptyque's Baies Scented Oval is your bathroom.
Scent
The French word for berries is baies, so it makes sense for this air freshener to smell of berries. With a more floral than fruity scent, the smells of roses and blackcurrant. Divine! Other scents available include Fig, Rose and a special edition 34 boulevard saint germain scented oval.
Results
Although on the pricey side, it does last for up to three months, and it's better for the environment as it's not a spray or aerosol and it includes no plastic! Oh, and it requires absolutely zero effort from your behalf apart from finding somewhere to hang it – if not your bathroom, a wardrobe, coat cupboard or on the back of your bedroom door.
Good to know
It's encased in ceramic so is ideal for hanging in smaller rooms, as the refreshing fragrance slowly emits over time.
Best for...
Want to keep your home naturally fresh rather than masking bad odours with fragrances? This natural air purifying bag is the one for you.
Scent
Some don’t like that the has no fragrance; however, it's said to work very well in getting rid of damp smells and absorbing excess moisture in the air.
Results
Designed to catch all the bad odours, bacteria and allergens in the air, it will make your home smell fresh again in no time.
Good to know
We'd suggest using it in conjunction with one of the other air fresheners on our list, for a refreshing smell throughout your household.
Best for...
The very best air freshener you can buy if you're after something to plug-in, Airwick's scented oil home air fresheners are a quick and easy way to ensure your home always smells nice.
Scent
Our favourite scent is Lavender Meadow, however they also sell White Vanilla and Island Mango scented ones.
Results
The oil plugs can be adjusted to emit your desired level of fragrance throughout the day and, once empty, can then simply be refilled with your favourite scent. Lasting for up to 80 days, it plugs in discreetly to your wall without anyone noticing. Simply, it does what it says on the tin.
Good to know
Our only complaint is that it takes up a power outlet.
Best for...
A car shouldn't be forgotten about when it comes to keeping the air fresh. Gel versions are most people's favourite when it comes to the best air freshener for a car, as they require little to no maintenance and they fit nicely in a cup holder.
Scent
If lemon doesn't tickle your fancy, they're also available in several other scents including Apple & Cinnamon, Bubblegum, Vanilla and also New Car smell.
Results
The does a good job at subtly emitting smells in your car. You don't need to do anything for it to work, too, simply just open the can, place in your vehicle and enjoy. An easy way to ensure your car won't smell like Mc Donalds all the time.
Good to know
As with other gel air fresheners, you can't control how much scent comes out at once.
Best for...
An ideal spray to keep handy in the home, Febreze Mist and Refresh can instantly be sprayed in any room of the house to eliminate odours within seconds.
Scent
The cotton-fresh smell is much more subtle than citrus or floral smells, which makes it our favourite for subtleness. It also comes in Lavender, Blossom Breeze and Spiced Apple (a Christmas fave).
Results
It does tend to run out a lot quicker than oils or mists; however, only a few quick spritzes are needed to get your home smelling fresh.
Good to know
The cotton fresh smell may be a bit basic for some, but it's great if you're looking for something to freshen up your fabric sofa, rugs or curtains. The formula is water-based and non-flammable, which makes it safe to use both whenever, and wherever you need it.
Best for...
Let's be honest, no one likes touching their bins, whether they're indoor or outdoor, clean or not – this is where the Bin Buddy Fresh Citrus Zing comes in. Our choice of the best air freshener for a lovely smelling bin.
Scent
Available in Citris Zing or Berry Blast, there's no escaping a nice smelling bin if you're using Bin Buddy Fresh.
Results
To be used on top of existing rubbish or in an empty bin (bag inside or not), this powder does a good job at disguising bin odours, and it soaks up your bin juice while killing maggots and flies.
Good to know
A game changer don't want to empty your bin constantly (or favour strong-smelling foods). Also, one pot contains over 30 uses (depending on your bin's size).