Arm & Hammer's OdorBusterz balls are designed for small-space odor control, using a baking soda core to absorb and neutralize musty smells. Each ball is about the size of a golf ball and can be placed in closets, gym bags, hampers, suitcases, lockers, backpacks, and cars. The plastic outer shell keeps the baking soda contained and mess-free while allowing airflow.
How They Work
The balls are advertised to work for up to 60 days, though some reviewers report effectiveness for up to 90 days. Shaking the balls can reactivate them, extending their lifespan. A three-pack costs $6 at Amazon and Target, while a 10-pack is available for $17 at Walmart.
Reviewer Experiences
One reviewer called them “little spheres of freshness” and “tiny superheroes fighting off even the most formidable stinks in our home.” Another described them as “little round bodyguards for your nostrils,” noting they eliminated odors from shoes and a teenage son's hamper. A parent placed two balls in a toddler's diaper pail and noticed a “noticeable difference.” Another traveler kept a suitcase fresh during a weeklong trip by putting a ball in the bag of dirty clothing.
A reviewer named Anabel shared: “I borrowed my husband’s car which has a cover on it. It had rained the night before and I didn’t think twice about tossing the damp cover into the trunk. Big mistake. Two days later the car smelled absolutely horrendous — like straight mildew. I threw one of these little balls in the trunk and within an hour the odor was gone.”
Creative Uses
Shoppers have also used the balls in car trunks, especially for sweaty sports gear, and near cat litter boxes. Carlo K said: “I have a dog closet, and it smells, but this took all the nasty smells within an hour! The air is fresher and cleaner!” Patty M noted that her closet no longer had a shoe smell after one day, though she wished the balls lasted longer than 60 days.
Additional Odor-Eliminating Solutions
The HuffPost Shopping team also recommends a pack of six charcoal odor absorbing bags for $17 at Amazon, which can last up to two years and are rejuvenated by sunlight. A hypochlorous acid cleaning spray from Briotech ($12+ at Amazon) sanitizes and eliminates odors without harsh chemicals. For shoes, Boot Bananas ($20 at Amazon) use activated charcoal to neutralize stench and are praised by reviewers for tackling even extreme shoe odors.
