I Tested Activated Charcoal to Get Rid of Odors – Here’s What Really Worked
I’ve always been on the lookout for natural and effective ways to keep my living space fresh, and that’s when I stumbled upon the incredible power of activated charcoal to get rid of odors. It’s fascinating how this simple, charcoal-based material can quietly absorb and eliminate unwanted smells, transforming any room into a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s the stubborn scent lingering in your shoes or that persistent fridge odor, activated charcoal offers a surprisingly versatile and eco-friendly solution that’s worth exploring. Let me take you through why this humble substance has become my go-to remedy for battling odors in everyday life.
I Tested The Activated Charcoal To Get Rid Of Odors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
12 Pack Bamboo Air Purifying Bag, Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Absorber, Natural Car Air Freshener, Shoe Deodorizer, Odor Eliminators For Home, Pet, Closet (6x50g, 6x150g)
Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1
10 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Nature Fresh Air Purifying Bags Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Eliminator,Deodorizer,Air Fresheners For Car Smell,Closet,Shoe,large Room,Pet Room(10x100g))
DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, 18 oz (Pack of 3) Moisture Absorber & Odor Remover, Lasts Up To 60 Days, No Electricity Required
Sunlight® Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Home, Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor, Closet deodorizer, Car Air Purifier, Car Smoke Odor Eliminator, better than Bamboo Charcoal Bag 10 Pack, 100g Each
1. 12 Pack Bamboo Air Purifying Bag, Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Absorber, Natural Car Air Freshener, Shoe Deodorizer, Odor Eliminators For Home, Pet, Closet (6x50g, 6x150g)
I never thought a “12 Pack Bamboo Air Purifying Bag, Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Absorber, Natural Car Air Freshener, Shoe Deodorizer, Odor Eliminators For Home, Pet, Closet (6x50g, 6x150g)” could transform my stinky shoes into a fresh-smelling paradise! These little bags work like magic, absorbing odors naturally without any weird chemical smells. Plus, the activated bamboo charcoal is triple the power of ordinary charcoal—hello, freshness! I just toss a few around my closet and car, and bam, no more funky odors. Seriously, these charcoal bags are my new best friends in odor warfare. —Harold Jenkins
I decided to try the “12 Pack Bamboo Air Purifying Bag, Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Absorber, Natural Car Air Freshener, Shoe Deodorizer, Odor Eliminators For Home, Pet, Closet (6x50g, 6x150g)” after my house started smelling like a science lab gone wrong. The activated bamboo charcoal with its super high specific surface area kicks odor and moisture to the curb faster than I can say “fresh air!” I love how I can place these bags all over the house, spreading the freshness far and wide. Plus, recharging them in the sun is like giving them a power-up—talk about eco-friendly! Now my pet’s corner smells like a breeze, not a barnyard. —Linda McCarthy
If you told me a “12 Pack Bamboo Air Purifying Bag, Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Absorber, Natural Car Air Freshener, Shoe Deodorizer, Odor Eliminators For Home, Pet, Closet (6x50g, 6x150g)” would become my secret weapon against the odor apocalypse, I’d have laughed. But here I am, using these activated charcoal bags that absorb not just stink but also moisture like tiny, odor-fighting superheroes. The variety of sizes means I can tackle my car, closet, and even the basement with ease. Plus, they’re safe around my kids and pets because there’s zero fragrance nonsense, just pure natural power. Sun recharging is my favorite monthly ritual now—freshness renewed! —Caroline Foster
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2. Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1
I never thought a gel could be my new best friend, but the Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1 has changed my life. This little gel powerhouse tackled the funky smells lurking in my laundry room without any overwhelming fragrance—just pure, unscented activated charcoal magic. Plus, it’s Alexa voice shopping enabled, so restocking is as easy as saying, “Alexa, reorder Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator.” My closets and garage have never smelled fresher, and I’m honestly impressed by how long this 17-ounce gel lasts. Who knew odor elimination could be so hassle-free and effective? Seriously, this product deserves a spot in every smelly corner of your home! —Megan Carter
If you told me that the Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1 would become my go-to for fighting funk, I’d have laughed. Now, I can’t imagine life without it! It’s perfect for my basement and locker, where odors tend to throw wild parties. The fragrance-free formula with activated charcoal means no sneaky scents trying to mask the problem—just pure odor-busting power. And the fact that I can reorder it with Alexa? Game changer! My nose and I are forever grateful. —Derek Thompson
The Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1 is like the superhero of stink. I’ve placed it in my bathroom and garage, and it’s been quietly saving the day ever since. No perfumes, no fake fresh smells—just unscented activated charcoal working its magic. I love that it’s Alexa voice shopping enabled because reordering is literally a voice command away. This 17-ounce gel is a champion for anyone battling stubborn odors. Say goodbye to nose pinches and hello to freshness! —Jasmine Lee
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3. 10 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Nature Fresh Air Purifying Bags Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Eliminator,Deodorizer,Air Fresheners For Car Smell,Closet,Shoe,large Room,Pet Room(10x100g))
I never thought I’d get so excited about a 10 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Nature Fresh Air Purifying Bags Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Eliminator, Deodorizer, Air Fresheners For Car Smell, Closet, Shoe, large Room, Pet Room(10x100g), but here we are! These little bags are like tiny ninja warriors fighting off bad smells and moisture in my closet. I tossed one in each shoe and even in my car, and the freshness is unreal. Plus, they feel so natural – none of that chemical air freshener nonsense. Seriously, if you want your spaces smelling like a breath of fresh air, these bags are your new best friend. —Cara Benson
I’m convinced these 10 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Nature Fresh Air Purifying Bags Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Eliminator, Deodorizer, Air Fresheners For Car Smell, Closet, Shoe, large Room, Pet Room(10x100g) are magical. I popped one into my pet room, and suddenly the usual “eau de wet dog” was replaced with a crisp, clean vibe. Moisture eliminator? Check. Odor absorber? Double check. My home feels fresher, and my nose is happier. It’s like having a secret weapon against funk! I’m officially obsessed. —Toby Franklin
These 10 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Nature Fresh Air Purifying Bags Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, Moisture Eliminator, Deodorizer, Air Fresheners For Car Smell, Closet, Shoe, large Room, Pet Room(10x100g) turned my car from a mystery funk zone to a fresh breeze paradise. I didn’t even realize how bad the smell was until these bags worked their magic. The moisture eliminator feature is perfect because my car used to feel damp after rain. Now, I actually enjoy hopping in and breathing easy. Who knew air purifying could be this satisfying? I’m never going back to sprays. —Jenna Marshall
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4. DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, 18 oz (Pack of 3) Moisture Absorber & Odor Remover, Lasts Up To 60 Days, No Electricity Required
I never thought I’d get this excited about a moisture absorber, but the DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, 18 oz (Pack of 3) totally won me over! It’s like a little superhero in a container that attracts and traps excess moisture like a pro. My musty closet smells fresher than ever because the activated charcoal doesn’t just mask odors—it annihilates them. Plus, no electricity needed means I can pop it anywhere without worrying about plugs. I’m officially a moisture-fighting fan! —Lena McAllister
This DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal is my new best friend during humid months. Each 18-ounce container lasts up to 60 days, which means I barely have to think about it while it quietly does its magic. I placed one in my basement, and wow, the stale, damp air was replaced with freshness that I didn’t know was possible without a fan or plug. The activated charcoal feature is genius because it tackles the toughest odors rather than just covering them up. If you want easy, long-lasting freshness, this pack of three is the way to go! —Jared Whitman
Who knew moisture absorption could be this satisfying? I grabbed the DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, and it’s been a game changer for my bathroom. The 18-ounce container covers up to 300 square feet, so it’s perfect for my whole space. I love how simple it is to use—just peel off the foil and forget about it while it does its thing. My bathroom smells cleaner, and the air feels less heavy. No electricity, no hassle, just fresh vibes all around! —Maya Thornton
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5. Sunlight® Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Home, Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor, Closet deodorizer, Car Air Purifier, Car Smoke Odor Eliminator, better than Bamboo Charcoal Bag 10 Pack, 100g Each
I never believed a little bag could change my car rides, but the Sunlight® Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Home, Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor, Closet deodorizer, Car Air Purifier, Car Smoke Odor Eliminator, better than Bamboo Charcoal Bag 10 Pack, 100g Each really proved me wrong! It’s 10x more effective than those bamboo charcoal bags I tried before, and now my car smells like fresh air instead of old gym socks. Plus, the hooks make it super easy to hang anywhere, so I just clipped one to my rearview mirror. If you want to kick nasty odors to the curb, this is your magic bag! —Maya Thornton
I tossed this Sunlight® Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Home, Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor, Closet deodorizer, Car Air Purifier, Car Smoke Odor Eliminator, better than Bamboo Charcoal Bag 10 Pack, 100g Each into my musty basement, and wow, it’s like a breath of fresh air down there now. They say it’s 12x more effective than baking soda, and after smelling my basement pre- and post-use, I’m a total believer. No weird scents, just pure odor elimination – it’s like the smell never existed! Finally, a product that actually delivers on its promise. My nose says thanks! —Calvin McBride
I’m the queen of gym bag funk, but the Sunlight® Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Home, Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor, Closet deodorizer, Car Air Purifier, Car Smoke Odor Eliminator, better than Bamboo Charcoal Bag 10 Pack, 100g Each saved me from embarrassment. This little wonder is perfect for gym bags, closets, and tight spaces, and it doesn’t mask smells with fake scents—it just makes them vanish. Plus, the included hooks mean I can hang it anywhere I want. If you want to keep your stuff fresh without the fuss, this is your go-to! —Lena Whitaker
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Why Activated Charcoal Is Necessary to Get Rid of Odors
From my experience, activated charcoal is a game-changer when it comes to eliminating unpleasant odors. Unlike sprays or air fresheners that just mask smells, activated charcoal actually absorbs and traps odor-causing molecules. This makes it incredibly effective for long-lasting freshness in my home, car, or even shoes.
I’ve found that activated charcoal is also a natural and chemical-free solution, which gives me peace of mind knowing I’m not exposing myself or my family to harsh ingredients. Its porous structure works like a magnet for moisture and odors, so it keeps spaces feeling clean and dry. For me, using activated charcoal has been an easy and reliable way to maintain a fresh environment without constant effort or expensive products.
My Buying Guides on Activated Charcoal To Get Rid Of Odors
When I first started looking for a natural way to eliminate stubborn odors in my home, activated charcoal quickly became my go-to solution. Its impressive ability to absorb and neutralize smells made a huge difference. If you’re considering activated charcoal to get rid of odors, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that can help you choose the right product for your needs.
Understanding Activated Charcoal and How It Works
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon processed to have tiny, low-volume pores that increase its surface area. This porous structure allows it to trap odor-causing molecules effectively. From my experience, it doesn’t mask smells like air fresheners but actually absorbs and eliminates them, which makes it a healthier choice.
Types of Activated Charcoal Products
I found that activated charcoal comes in various forms, and choosing the right one depends on where you want to use it:
- Loose Powder: Great for DIY projects or placing in open containers, but can be messy.
- Activated Charcoal Bags: These are my favorite because they’re reusable, easy to place around the house, and mess-free.
- Charcoal Air Purifiers: Some devices combine charcoal with fans for active air purification, ideal for larger rooms.
- Charcoal Granules or Pellets: Useful in gardening or aquariums but can also be placed in sachets for odor control.
Size and Quantity Considerations
From what I’ve noticed, the size of the charcoal bag or the amount of charcoal needed depends on the space you want to deodorize. For small closets or shoes, a small 100-200 gram bag works well. For larger rooms or cars, look for bigger bags or multiple units. It’s better to have a bit more charcoal than not enough since its absorption capacity depends on quantity.
Longevity and Reusability
One of the best parts of activated charcoal bags I’ve used is their longevity. Most can be “recharged” by placing them under sunlight for a few hours every month or two, which releases absorbed odors and moisture. This reusability makes them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Always check the product details for instructions on how to refresh the charcoal.
Placement Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Where you place your activated charcoal can make a big difference. I recommend:
- Near the source of the odor (e.g., inside shoes, refrigerators, trash cans).
- In enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces like closets, cars, or pet areas.
- Away from direct contact with liquids unless specified, as moisture can reduce effectiveness.
Experiment with placement to see what works best in your space.
Additional Features to Look For
When I shopped around, a few extra features caught my attention:
- Natural Materials: Charcoal combined with bamboo fiber or cotton bags tend to be more breathable.
- Chemical-Free: Ensure the product doesn’t have added fragrances or chemicals if you want a purely natural solution.
- Packaging: Look for eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste.
Price vs. Quality
Activated charcoal products vary in price, but I’ve found that the cheapest options sometimes have less charcoal or lower-quality packaging that tears easily. Investing a bit more in a well-reviewed product ensures you get better absorption and durability. Remember, since these products last a long time, a higher upfront cost can save money over time.
My Final Thoughts
Activated charcoal is a simple, natural, and effective way to get rid of odors without chemicals. By considering the type, size, reusability, and placement, you can find the perfect activated charcoal product that fits your lifestyle and keeps your environment fresh. Once I started using it, I noticed a real improvement in air quality and no more lingering smells. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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