Looking for a long lasting air freshner?

chib

I've been driving for a long time now and something that's always bugged me is how short the lifespan of an air freshner is ... don't get me wrong they are inexpensive but finding something nice and long lasting has always been a challenge.

After trying various methods from Magic Tree, Yankee Candle Jars, Gel Foots, Poppy Corals and Air Wick's I've found something that's pleasant smelling, long lasting and also pretty cheap at less than £3 a pop!

They are called Calafornia Scents - there are various different types but I've been using one of these for a good number of weeks and it's still smelling as strong as it did the day I put it into the car... http://www.californiascents.com/Linen/car_scents.aspx

They can be had on Amazon for £2.15 delivered in various scents - I highly recommend these! http://www.amazon.co.uk/California-Scents-Fresh-Linen-Spill/dp/B0039YYPEQ/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341133232&sr=8-3-spell

I thought it was worthy of a post, as they save money in the long term and in over 10 years of driving they are the best I've found to date!

bengalknights

If you like the smell of takeaway then i find that wraps under your seat last ages lol

datostar

A tumble dryer sheet under one of the front seats is a cheap and long lasting air freshener. Replace it when it dries out.

[Deleted User]

I second the takeaway smell. I could still smell me donor kebab 2 days later.

Stephen_Leak

Make your own ...

AIR FRESHENER GEL

This is from the MoneySavingExpert book, “Thrifty Ways For Modern Days”.

Makes 500ml

INGREDIENTS

500ml of distilled or de-ionised water
1 packet of gelatine
Essential oil or fragrance of your choice

METHOD

Put 250ml of the water into a saucepan on a medium heat. Bring almost to the boil, then turn down the heat to low.

Add the gelatine. Stir thoroughly, until it is dissolved.

Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining 250ml of water.

Add 10 to 20 drops of the oil or fragrance, a few drops at a time, until it is as smelly as you want.

Pour the mixture into clean containers.

Leave them to cool overnight.

ADDITIONS & ALTERNATIVES

There are vegetarian alternatives to gelatine, like agar, carrageen and pectin, and also products with names like Veg-E-Gel and VegeSet.

Add some food colouring of your choice, a few drops at a time, until it is the colour you want.

You can put it in the fridge overnight, if you need it to set more quickly, but it will make the fridge smell.

TIPS

I use this to refill spent gel air fresheners. You could also use empty small food jars. You could also use small shot glasses, which are usually available from pound shops.

shaun_from_Africa

I've always found these:

To be perfect.
They sit nicely in a door pocket or cup holder and last for a few months, and the scent isn't overpowering.
They are also cheap. (£1 from Poundland)

bengalknights

Deleted_User wrote: »

I second the takeaway smell. I could still smell me donor kebab 2 days later.

Throw some chilli sauce on and it lasts much longer :rotfl:lol

zebrastripesrule

i have a small soft toy hanging from my mirror and I bought some essential oil for a few pounds. Put a few drops on nice smell lasts ages, and the bottle is still going a couple of years on. Plus the toy makes my car easy to spot

wba31

I second the takeaway, but no need to leave it in the car! I drove a domino's pizza about 1 mile from the shop to my house on Friday and the car still smells of it... incredible...

NBLondon

Opening windows is the cheapest option surely?