This GH Seal Febreze Air Freshener Is Just Under $6 on Amazon

This story was updated in January 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.

A home can be spick and span, but if it doesn't smell clean, it doesn't feel clean. You know what it's like to leave and come home only to smell the garlic you sautéed at dinner or the bacon you made for breakfast. And if you smell it, so will your guests. A good air freshener is an easy, inexpensive way to make your home smell clean and fresh as well as eliminate — not just cover up! — odors without being too overpowering.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab tests of hundreds of cleaning products year-round, including those that claim to get smells out of microwaves, washing machines, fabrics, carpets, pet and cooking zones and more. When we test air fresheners, we evaluate them both in the Lab and at home to better simulate real-life conditions. We assess the intensity of the scent initially and over time, monitor how long they last (especially if they claim to work for weeks or months) and evaluate ease of use. We also check for any leakage or damage to surrounding surfaces as well as any specific performance claims the product makes.

Our top picks:

Read on to learn more details about how we test air fresheners and what to consider when buying an air freshener. We also have round-ups of the best shoe deodorizers and the best candles for your home if you are looking for more ways to freshen up your space.