How to make your car freshener last longer

Most people open the bag completely on day one. The freshener smells strong for a few days, then fades fast. There's a better way, and it takes ten seconds.

Open it a little at a time#

Cut a small opening at the top of the bag and pull the freshener out about 1 cm. Whenever the scent gets weaker, pull it out a little further. The fragrance releases slowly instead of all at once.

Watch the heat#

Heat makes fragrance evaporate faster. A car parked in the summer sun gets far hotter inside than outside.

• Park in the shade when you can
• Use a windscreen sunshade on hot days
• Open the bag less in summer than in winter

Let it hang freely#

A freshener that rests against the windscreen or dashboard releases scent unevenly and can mark surfaces. Make sure it swings freely from the mirror and doesn't touch anything.

Keep the air moving the right way#

Strong air conditioning blowing straight at the freshener dries it out sooner. Point the vents away from the mirror, or use recirculation for a while after you get in.

When it's time for a new one#

When the freshener is fully out of the bag and you barely notice the scent, it's time to swap. Hang the new one in the same place and start again with just 1 cm. If you want a change, try a different country.