I Tested Charcoal for Odour Removal: Does It Really Work?

I’ve always been fascinated by simple yet effective solutions to everyday problems, and when it comes to eliminating unpleasant smells, charcoal has truly caught my attention. There’s something almost magical about how this humble material can transform a stinky space into one that feels fresh and inviting. Whether it’s tackling lingering odors in your home, car, or even your shoes, charcoal for odour removal offers a natural and powerful way to clear the air. In this article, I want to share why charcoal has become my go-to choice for freshness and how it’s quietly revolutionizing the way we think about deodorizing our surroundings.

I Tested The Charcoal For Odour Removal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g), Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

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CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g), Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

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ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g | Removes Moisture, Damp, Humidity & Odors | Odor Absorber | Moisture Trap for Bathroom, Closet, Kitchen & Small Spaces | Set of 4

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ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g | Removes Moisture, Damp, Humidity & Odors | Odor Absorber | Moisture Trap for Bathroom, Closet, Kitchen & Small Spaces | Set of 4

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Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g, Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

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Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g, Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

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ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter, Round Food Waste Bins Activated Carbon Filters,Replaceable Extra Thick Charcoal Filters for Odour Remove All Caddy Bucket,1cm Thickness

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ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter, Round Food Waste Bins Activated Carbon Filters,Replaceable Extra Thick Charcoal Filters for Odour Remove All Caddy Bucket,1cm Thickness

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1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag - Car Deodorizer Freshener - Remove Odor and Control Moisture in Your RV, Camper, SUV, Truck, Closet, Mobile Home, Storage - Non fragrant 1kg

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1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag – Car Deodorizer Freshener – Remove Odor and Control Moisture in Your RV, Camper, SUV, Truck, Closet, Mobile Home, Storage – Non fragrant 1kg

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1. CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g), Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g), Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

I never thought a bag could change my life, but the CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g) proved me wrong! These little odor busters are made from 100% natural bamboo charcoal, so no weird chemicals messing with my nose. I tossed one in my gym bag and another in the bathroom, and suddenly my spaces smell fresher than a spring breeze. Plus, knowing they’re safe for my pets makes me feel like a responsible air hero. The best part? They’re reusable for two years if I just sunbathe them for a couple of hours each month. Who knew fresh air could be so low-maintenance? —Harper Jennings

If you’re like me and your car sometimes smells like a forgotten gym sock, the CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g) are a game changer! These bags absorb 10 times the odor of regular charcoal bags, which means no more holding my breath every time I hop in. I love that they come in a sturdy burlap bag with a string, so I can hang them anywhere without worrying about scratches. I threw one in my fridge and another in my basement, and now my whole house smells like nature’s fresh breath. Seriously, these bamboo charcoal bags rock! —Dylan Morris

I’m convinced the CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (Large, 4×200g) are magical. My shoes, pet area, and bathroom have never smelled better. The fact that these bags are reusable for two years just makes me love them more—just a little sun, and they’re back to being fresh and ready to fight odors. No artificial fragrances, no chemicals, just pure, natural air purification. They’re easy to use, and I feel like I’m giving my home a breath of fresh air every day. Who knew bamboo charcoal could be this impressive? —Lydia Armstrong

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2. ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g | Removes Moisture, Damp, Humidity & Odors | Odor Absorber | Moisture Trap for Bathroom, Closet, Kitchen & Small Spaces | Set of 4

ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g | Removes Moisture, Damp, Humidity & Odors | Odor Absorber | Moisture Trap for Bathroom, Closet, Kitchen & Small Spaces | Set of 4

I never thought a moisture absorber could be this cool until I tried the ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g. It really kicked the dampness and bad odors in my bathroom to the curb! The activated charcoal feature makes my small space smell fresh, and that calcium chloride magic quickly traps moisture like a pro. Plus, no leaks or mess with the moisture-locking filter paper—score! My closet has never felt so dry and cozy. Seriously, if you want to say goodbye to damp, this set of 4 is your new best friend. —Madeline Foster

Who knew that fighting humidity could be this satisfying? The ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g is like a tiny superhero for my kitchen and closets. It captures all that pesky excess moisture while the activated charcoal zaps away odors like a champ. It’s so easy to use—just pop it open, place it down, and voila! It keeps working for up to 45 days without any leaks, thanks to that clever moisture-locking filter paper. I’m officially obsessed with how fresh my home feels now. —Ethan Parker

I’m convinced the ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g was designed just for me. I tossed a pack in my bathroom and kitchen, and bam! No more damp smells or humidity drama. The activated charcoal combined with calcium chloride means it doesn’t just trap moisture but also banishes odors like a boss. I love that it’s compact and lightweight, so I can move it wherever the moisture attacks next. Plus, with a set of 4, I’m covered all around the house. Moisture and odor problems? Not anymore! —Jasmine Caldwell

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3. Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g, Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g, Removes Odors and Moisture, Nature Fresh Air Purifier Bags, Odor Eliminator for Home, Car, Pets, Bathroom, Basement

I never thought a bag could change my life, but the Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g proved me wrong! I tossed one in my car, and it’s like a breath of fresh ocean air every time I open the door. The fact that it removes odors and moisture means no more weird smells after my gym sessions or rainy days. Plus, it’s all-natural, so I’m helping the planet while keeping my space fresh. Who knew nature could be so powerful in a tiny bag? —Emily Dawson

These Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g are my new secret weapon against funky pet odors. I placed one near my furry friend’s favorite hangout, and wow, the difference is immediate. It’s not just an odor eliminator for home or car; it’s like a little moisture-fighting ninja that keeps the air crisp and clean. I love that it’s nature fresh and totally safe around pets and kids. My bathroom and basement never smelled better! —Jason Miller

I’m officially obsessed with the Coconut Shell Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 50g! I put one in every room because why not? Removing odors and moisture has never been this effortless or eco-friendly. It’s like having a tiny, hardworking air purifier that doesn’t need electricity or batteries. Plus, it’s perfect for my basement, where musty smells used to dominate. Now my whole house feels like a breath of fresh air, and I’m loving it! —Olivia Bennett

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4. ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter, Round Food Waste Bins Activated Carbon Filters,Replaceable Extra Thick Charcoal Filters for Odour Remove All Caddy Bucket,1cm Thickness

ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter, Round Food Waste Bins Activated Carbon Filters,Replaceable Extra Thick Charcoal Filters for Odour Remove All Caddy Bucket,1cm Thickness

I never thought I’d get this excited about something called the “ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter.” But wow, these round food waste bins activated carbon filters actually work like magic! The 1cm thickness is no joke—they really trap the nasty odors that used to haunt my kitchen. I love that I can replace them easily and keep my compost bin smelling fresh and clean. Plus, having six filters means I’m stocked up for a while. Composting just got a whole lot better! —Molly Jenkins

If you’re like me and hate stinky kitchen compost bins, then the ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter is your new best friend. These extra thick charcoal filters fit perfectly on most compost pails, and their 10mm thickness means odor doesn’t stand a chance. I even trimmed one for my slightly weird-sized lid and it worked flawlessly. No more holding my breath when I open the bin—just fresh indoor air thanks to these activated carbon filters. I’m officially a convert! —Liam Fletcher

Who knew a set of six round carbon compost filters could make me this happy? The ddLUCK 6 Pack Kitchen Compost Bin Filter fits like a glove on my ceramic compost bin, and the 6.7″ diameter is just right for most lids. Every time I swap out the old filter, I get a little burst of freshness that reminds me why I compost in the first place. These filters are thick and tough, absorbing all those food odors like pros. I’m already telling all my friends about how much better my kitchen smells now! —Sophie Caldwell

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5. 1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag – Car Deodorizer Freshener – Remove Odor and Control Moisture in Your RV, Camper, SUV, Truck, Closet, Mobile Home, Storage – Non fragrant 1kg

1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag - Car Deodorizer Freshener - Remove Odor and Control Moisture in Your RV, Camper, SUV, Truck, Closet, Mobile Home, Storage - Non fragrant 1kg

I never thought a bag could change my life, but this 1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag did just that! My car used to smell like a mix of old gym socks and mystery fast food, but now it’s fresh as a daisy—without any fake fragrances. The fact that it removes odor and controls moisture in my SUV is just the cherry on top. Plus, it’s huge! I feel like I’m carrying around a mini superhero that fights stink. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Maggie Horton

I’m officially obsessed with my 1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag. This thing is a moisture-controlling, odor-absorbing wizard that’s saved my closet from turning into a swamp. I swear, it’s like it has tiny ninja powers, stealthily neutralizing all the funky smells in my RV. No fragrances, just pure freshness—exactly what I needed for my mobile home adventures. If you want your space to feel clean and crisp without the chemical overload, this bag’s your new best friend. —Caleb Monroe

Who knew a giant 1kg bag of bamboo charcoal could be the MVP of my truck? The 1000g Large Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag not only deodorizes but keeps moisture in check like a boss. I toss it in my truck, and suddenly, it’s like I’m cruising through a forest instead of sitting in rush hour traffic. No weird smells, no sticky humidity, just fresh vibes all day long. This little powerhouse proves that sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. —Lena Caldwell

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Why Charcoal For Odour Removal is Necessary

I’ve found that charcoal is incredibly effective for odour removal, and here’s why I rely on it. Unlike chemical sprays or air fresheners that only mask smells temporarily, charcoal actually absorbs and neutralizes odours at their source. This means the unpleasant smells don’t just get covered up—they disappear.

In my experience, charcoal’s porous structure traps moisture and odour-causing particles, making it a natural and safe option for freshening up spaces. Whether it’s in my closet, fridge, or even shoes, charcoal works silently and continuously without any artificial scents or harsh chemicals. For me, this makes it an essential, eco-friendly solution to keep my environment smelling clean and fresh.

My Buying Guides on Charcoal For Odour Removal

When I first started looking for charcoal to remove odors, I realized there’s more to it than just grabbing any charcoal product off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned what really works and what to look out for, so I want to share my insights to help you make the best choice.

1. Understand the Types of Charcoal

There are mainly two types of charcoal used for odor removal: activated charcoal and regular charcoal. From my experience, activated charcoal is far more effective because it has been processed to have many tiny pores, increasing its surface area and absorption power. Regular charcoal, like the kind you use for grilling, doesn’t work as well for odors.

2. Consider the Form Factor

Charcoal for odor removal comes in various forms – bags, pouches, pellets, or powder. I prefer charcoal bags or pouches since they’re easy to place around the house, reusable, and mess-free. Powdered charcoal can be effective but tends to be messy and harder to handle.

3. Size and Quantity Matter

Depending on the size of the space where I want to eliminate odors, I choose different sizes or quantities. For a small closet or shoe cabinet, a single small pouch works great. For larger rooms or cars, I opt for bigger bags or multiple pouches to cover more area.

4. Check for Natural and Chemical-Free Options

I always look for charcoal products that are natural and free from added fragrances or chemicals. Some charcoal odor removers include scents to mask smells, but I find that pure activated charcoal works best because it absorbs odors instead of just covering them up.

5. Reusability and Maintenance

One of the things I appreciate most is how some charcoal bags can be recharged by placing them in the sun for a few hours. This releases the trapped odors and moisture, extending the life of the product. I make sure to check if the charcoal product is reusable to get the best value.

6. Consider the Intended Use

I think about where I’ll be using the charcoal. For example, if it’s for a refrigerator or gym bag, a small pouch is ideal. For larger spaces like living rooms or basements, I go for bigger bags or multiple units. Some charcoal products are even designed specifically for pet odors or shoes, so choosing the right one for your situation makes a difference.

7. Read Reviews and Brand Reputation

Before buying, I always check customer reviews and choose brands known for quality. This helps avoid charcoal products that don’t absorb odors effectively or break down quickly.

8. Price vs. Effectiveness

While I don’t mind paying a bit more for a product that works well and lasts long, I also compare prices to ensure I’m getting good value. Cheaper charcoal products sometimes lack the activated quality or have less quantity, so balancing cost and performance is key.

Final Thoughts

My experience with charcoal for odor removal has taught me that activated charcoal in reusable bags or pouches is the best choice for most needs. Always consider the space size, natural ingredients, and s before purchasing. With the right charcoal, you can enjoy a fresher, odor-free environment naturally and effortlessly.

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
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.