Finding the right air freshener is essential to an enjoyable driving experience, but it can be quite challenging to do so if you’re looking for one that fits Tesla’s unique aesthetic. I’ve comprised a short but comprehensive list of some of my all-time favorite air fresheners that work incredibly well within a Tesla Model 3. So, what is the best air freshener for a Tesla Model 3?

The best air freshener for Tesla Model 3 is the Febreze Unstoppable Car Air Freshener. It lasts for a long time and the strength doesn’t fade like other air fresheners on the market. Others to consider are Purggo and the Kikimo Tesla Car Freshener.

In the following sections, I’ll take you through some of the most important factors you’ll want to consider before purchasing a new air freshener for your car.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Good Air Freshener for Tesla Model 3

Even though purchasing an air freshener might seem like a trivial task, in reality, creating the right environment within your car could significantly affect your overall driving experience.

Just imagine going on an 8-hour road trip only to find out the product you’ve chosen makes you nauseous. 

Car-Air-Freshener
With this in mind, before going on your next shopping spree, here are the factors you’ll need to consider when choosing an air freshener for your Tesla.

The Sustainability of Your Air Freshener

As an EV owner, choosing an air freshener that isn’t sustainable or environmentally friendly probably wouldn’t be the first alternative you’d go for.

For this reason, I’ve made a point to only include sustainable brands and products in the following list, as they not only tend to be better for the planet but your overall health as well.

You’ll want to go for an air freshener whose ingredient list you can understand. In other words, the product should be made from natural and sustainable materials.

Harmful chemicals and synthetic blends incorporated in your air freshener could have significant consequences on the environment.

These toxic fumes can also potentially damage your respiratory system if inhaled for extended periods of time, which is why it’s best to steer clear of them altogether. It is best to be mindful of this when choosing a brand.

Which Ingredients Should I Look For?

Opt for air fresheners that use natural ingredients and essential oils. Not only do they provide a refreshing scent, but they also create a more relaxing and inviting atmosphere inside your Tesla.

Imagine cruising down the road with a hint of lavender or a dash of citrus – it’s like having a spa day on wheels! Plus, essential oils have a way of uplifting your mood and making you feel more zen behind the wheel. Who needs road rage when you can have essential oil bliss?”

Now, I know what you’re thinking – will choosing a safe air freshener make my Tesla smell like a pine-scented hippie van? Fear not, my friend (although, if this is your vibe, that’s cool too!).

There are plenty of air freshener options available that offer a wide range of scents to suit your preferences. From fresh linen to tropical paradise, you can find a fragrance that matches your style without compromising on safety.

By the way, I wrote a somewhat related article discussing What To Do When Your Tesla’s A/C Is Not Working. It has nothing to do with air fresheners, I know. Just putting it out there.

Tesla-Air-Conditioning-Not-Working-Troubleshooting-Guide

The Size of Your Vehicle

Even though at first it might seem as if your vehicle’s size has nothing to do with the air freshener you choose, in reality, it’s a crucial component to consider before deciding on the type and size of the investment you want to make.

High-quality air fresheners are getting more expensive by the day, and there might be a big price difference if you’re going for a longer-lasting or sizier alternative. However, there are some instances where making that extra investment is worth it as long as it keeps you from having to purchase air fresheners too frequently.

This isn’t the case with smaller vehicles. Due to the fact that it takes much longer to finish the product, spending excessive amounts of money on long-lasting options isn’t the wisest investment you can make for your car.

However, if you have a bigger vehicle or prefer stronger smells, choosing a pricier air freshener might turn out to be cheaper in the long run.

The Type and Style of Your Air Freshener

When thinking of an air freshener, most of us have a specific shape or design in mind. In fact, there’s a wide range of models and varieties you can choose from. Learning about all your options might help you make a much better-informed decision.

Based on the way an air freshener is designed, you can choose between:

Hanging air fresheners

These are the typical air fresheners you first think of when hearing the word. They’re usually pretty easy to install, as all you have to do is hang them on your rear-view mirror. They’re cheap, effective, and long-lasting.

Stick-on air fresheners

These are an excellent alternative for those who feel like the hanging variety obstructs their view. They’re gel-based and can be placed anywhere within your car, so you can make them as discreet as you want.

Paper air fresheners

They’re one of the most sustainable options on the market. They have a pleasant, mild scent but don’t last as long as their hanging counterparts.

Vent clips

These are some of the most effective options on the market. They’re able to produce much more prominent smells for a longer time. They can be placed almost anywhere within your vehicle. Some models even operate on manual controls, which makes their use that much more efficient.

There’s a wide variety of different designs out there; however, these are the types you’ll encounter most often. Now that you’re familiar with all your options, it’s time to take a look at some of the best Tesla air fresheners on today’s market.

Best Overall: Febreze Unstoppable Car Air Freshener

As most car owners know by now, you can never go wrong with a Febreze air freshener, and this particular one is a great fit for a Tesla Model 3. This product is unparalleled in its ability to fight unpleasant odors and fill your car with a pleasant yet not overpowering scent.

Febreze Unstopables Car Air Freshener, Unstopables Fresh Scent, Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor Car Vent Clips, .07 Fl Oz (3 Count)
Additionally, the Febreze Unstoppable Car Air Freshener is one of the longest-lasting options on today’s market, as in most cases, you’ll be able to use it for up to 30 consecutive days.

This alternative uses a vent clip design, which means you’ll be able to place it wherever you feel it’d be more effective.

Most importantly, this Febreze product can be quickly and manually activated, allowing you to constantly control how and when your air freshener operates.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Pleasant smell
  • Vent clip design
  • Manually activated

Cons

  • Pricey

Most Sustainable: Purggo Car Air Freshener

As I briefly mentioned before, finding a sustainable air freshener that fits the same purpose as your EV is a high priority for many Tesla owners. If this is your priority as well, I’d highly recommend taking a look at the newest Purggo Car Air Freshener.

This product is 100% chemical-free, as it contains no artificial fragrance or chemicals. Furthermore, the brand makes an effort to include 0% plastic in their air fresheners, making this particular one an excellent environmentally-friendly choice.

PURGGO Car Air Freshener - Lasts 365+ Days - No Chemicals - 100% Activated Bamboo Charcoal - Fragrance-Free Deodorizer, Natural Auto Odor Eliminator, Air Purifier, Neutralizer, Absorb Smoke Smell
The Porggo air freshener comprises only bamboo charcoal, a material renowned for its ability to absorb unpleasant odors.

This natural ingredient makes the air freshener allergen-free and entirely safe for use around kids and pets.

What makes this product so unique is the fact that instead of simply masking odors, it eliminates them altogether. However, beware that this won’t be your typical pleasant-smelling air freshener, as it doesn’t have any inherent smell on its own.

Lastly, when it comes to value per price point, you won’t get much better than Purggo. Their product can be used for up to a full year and purchased at one of the most competitive price points on today’s market.

For people who love the environment (like many Tesla owners are stereotyped to do!), this is the full pacakge!

Pros 

  • Sustainable
  • Chemical-free
  • Great value for its price point

Cons

  • Doesn’t emit any pleasant smell

Best Reusable: Kikimo Tesla Model 3 Car Freshener

Although finding an air freshener that lasts a month or a year might seem perfectly acceptable to most car owners, you should know that there are still some better options you can choose from investment-wise.

For this reason, I took a dive into the world of reusable air fresheners, and this one from Kikimo was the best by far. This product is designed with Tesla Model 3s and Ys in mind, making it one of the best-tailored options on the market.

This Kikimo air freshener is manufactured using a special, drawer-type design that works through a magnetic connection. Its powerful chip allows for easy and secure installment, which can be crucial throughout this product’s prolonged use.

Pros

  • Reusable
  • Long-lasting
  • Designed specifically for Teslas

Cons

  • Expensive regular price
  • You have to add a fragrance or essential oil for the freshener to emit a smell (but this lets you change up the smell of your interior regularly as well!)

Comparison Table

Now that I’ve gone over each of the best Tesla Model 3 air fresheners, it’s time to give you a quick recap through a comprehensive comparison table. In this table, I’ll take into account some of the most important factors to consider when evaluating the performance of an air freshener and will score each alternative on a scale from 1-5 (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest).

AromaPriceLongevityDesignSustainability
Febreze53353
Purggo13435
Kikimo12544

Comparison Table for Air Fresheners

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Replace Air Fresheners in a Tesla?

You should replace traditional air fresheners at least once every month in a Tesla. If you’ve invested in a longer-lasting or reusable alternative, you may not have to replace an air freshener as frequently. 

Why Does My Tesla Model 3 Smell Bad?

Have you noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your Tesla’s AC? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This issue can occur in any car, including Tesla vehicles, and it’s usually caused by microbial growth or the accumulation of dirt and debris in the AC system.

The good news is, there are a few solutions to tackle this stinky situation.

One common cause of the bad smell is the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria in the AC system. When moisture gets trapped in the system, especially in the evaporator or air filter, it creates a breeding ground for these microorganisms. As the air blows through the vents, the smell can become quite noticeable.

To address this issue, you can try using a specialized AC cleaner or disinfectant. These products are designed to eliminate microbial growth and neutralize odors.

Simply follow the instructions provided with the cleaner and apply it as directed. This can help eliminate the bad smell and restore freshness to your Tesla’s AC system.

Another possible cause of the odor is the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris in the AC filters or ducts. Over time, these particles can build up and cause a musty smell when the AC is running.

In this case, it’s a good idea to check and replace your Tesla’s cabin air filter if necessary. The cabin air filter helps keep the air inside your vehicle clean and free from pollutants. A clogged or dirty filter can contribute to the unpleasant smell.

Refer to your Tesla’s manual or consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to locate and replace the cabin air filter.

Regularly changing the filter can prevent odors from developing and improve the overall air quality inside your Tesla.

In addition to cleaning and maintaining the AC system, it’s essential to practice some preventive measures.

For instance, when parking your Tesla, try to avoid leaving it in humid or damp environments for extended periods. Moisture can contribute to the growth of mold and bacteria.

Additionally, periodically running the AC on the recirculation mode can help dry out the system and reduce moisture buildup. This can be especially helpful during and after rainy seasons or in high-humidity areas.

Using a high-quality air freshener is also advised.

By addressing the source of the odor and taking preventive measures, you can ensure that your Tesla’s AC system remains fresh and odor-free. If the problem persists or you’re unsure about handling it yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Tesla service center or a qualified technician who can provide further assistance.

Remember, the information provided here is general advice, and it’s always a good idea to refer to your Tesla’s manual or consult with professionals for specific guidance related to your vehicle.

Here’s a more in-depth take on the issue and how to combat it:


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Erwin Meyer
Erwin Meyer

A renowned Tesla enthusiast, and successful entrepreneur, enlightens global audiences through his compelling EV narratives. Discover more about his electric journey on his About Me page. Venture to read Erwin's incredible story that's reshaping the future of motoring. Want to spark a conversation with Erwin? Visit his Contact page, and let’s electrify the world together.