Nothing ruins the first impression of a freshly detailed ride faster than a stubborn whiff of last week’s gym bag or the ghost of a drive-thru run. Odors embed themselves in upholstery, ventilation systems, and even the headliner, turning your cabin into an olfactory minefield. Whether you’re battling smoke, pet accidents, or that mysterious “old car” funk, the right odor-neutralizer kit can reset the air-quality clock without drowning you in fake pine.
Before you click “add to cart,” though, it helps to understand what separates a true odor eliminator from a scented Band-Aid. In the guide below, we’ll break down the science, the ingredients, the application methods, and the safety considerations that professionals use when they choose a kit for a client’s vehicle. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for—and what to avoid—so the only thing passengers notice is that new-car feeling (minus the plastic wrap).
Top 10 Car Odor Neutralizer
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Meguiar’s G16402 Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator Mist, New Car Scent, 2 Fluid Ounces
Overview:
Meguiar’s G16402 Whole Car Air Re-Fresher is a single-use aerosol that promises to “reset” your interior rather than mask it. The 2-ounce can is engineered to work with your HVAC system, sending a fine mist through every vent, duct, and fiber until the whole cabin smells like a vehicle that just rolled off the lot.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike hanging trees or vent clips, this product hijacks the recirculation mode to reach odor sources you can’t see—inside the evaporator, under seats, and deep in headliner foam. The timed-release button lets you walk away while it works, and the resulting “new car” aroma lingers for weeks, not days.
Value for Money:
At $6.97 ($3.48 per fluid ounce) it costs about the same as two premium vent sticks, yet one can treats an entire SUV twice. If you’ve ever paid $50 for a professional ozone treatment, this is a bargain maintenance dose.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- HVAC-integrated penetration
- Neutralizes smoke, pet, and fast-food smells instead of layering perfume
- Simple three-step process printed on the can
– Scent can be overpowering for the first 24 h if you don’t air the car properly
– Single-use; once the cap is locked open you can’t save half for later
– Not a substitute for deep cleaning—set-in milk spills still need shampoo extraction
Bottom Line:
For under seven bucks, Meguiar’s Re-Fresher is the closest you’ll get to a dealership detail without plugging anything in. Use it right before a road trip or resale showing and you’ll swear you just signed a lease on yesterday’s mileage.
2. Ozium 8 Oz. Air Sanitizer & Odor Eliminator for Homes, Cars, Offices and More, Original Scent, Pack of 2
Overview:
Ozium’s 8-ounce twin-pack is an industrial-strength air sanitizer that promises to kill odor-causing bacteria instead of simply covering them with perfume. Originally formulated for hospitals, the aerosol has been a go-to for mechanics, pet owners, and smokers for five decades. At $14.92 for 16 total ounces, each can delivers roughly 3-4 weeks of daily “squirt-and-leave” treatment in a bathroom, car cabin, or kitchen.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike flowery air fresheners that fade in minutes, Ozium glycolized formula physically knocks down airborne microbes, temporarily lowering bacterial counts while leaving a crisp, medicinal-clean scent that lingers for hours. A two-second burst can neutralize curry, litter-box, or cigarette odors overnight, making it indispensable for rideshare drivers and resale prepping.
Value for Money:
At 93¢ per ounce, it’s cheaper than most vent-clip refills yet lasts far longer; one purchase often covers an entire semester dorm stay or cross-country road trip. The two-can pack also prevents the panic of running out right before a passenger or landlord inspection.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: hospital-grade efficacy, tiny spray goes a long way, no sticky residue, and the Original scent masks its own disinfectant edge within minutes. Weaknesses: aerosol delivery isn’t eco-friendly, scent can be overpowering in small cars if over-sprayed, and the ingredient list is vague about specific germ-reduction percentages. Caution—inhaling directly is unpleasant; the label advises vacating the room briefly.
Bottom Line:
If you need serious odor eradication on a budget—especially for smoke, pets, or musty vehicles—Ozium remains the gold standard. Just spray sparingly and ventilate.
3. Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1
Overview:
Amazon Basics’ 17-ounce Gel Odor Eliminator is a no-frills, fragrance-free deodorizer that relies on activated charcoal to absorb unwanted smells in enclosed spaces. Packaged in a plastic tub with a peel-off foil lid, the gel slowly shrinks as the charcoal works, making progress visible at a glance. Designed for closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, basements, and lockers, it promises up to 60 days of odor control in areas under 175 sq ft.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The gel format keeps charcoal dust-free and kid-safe, while the neutral black color blends into dark corners without screaming “air freshener.” Alexa voice-reordering is a nice touch—handy when the tub is almost empty and you don’t want to remember the product name.
Value for Money:
At $5.39 ($0.32 per ounce) it’s one of the cheapest charcoal deodorizers on the market, undercutting name-brand alternatives by 30-50%. Replacement every two months still costs less than a single coffee, so the running expense is negligible.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Completely scent-free—ideal for fragrance-sensitive households
- Visible shrinkage shows it’s working
- Safe to use around pets and food
– Struggles in large or high-humidity areas; performance plateaus after ~45 days
– Plastic tub isn’t recyclable in most curbside programs
Bottom Line:
For small, stale spaces where you want silence, not perfume, this budget tub punches above its price. Don’t expect miracles in a musty cellar, but for closets and litter-box nooks it’s an effortless, nearly invisible fix.
4. 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
Overview:
CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags are a quartet of 200 g sachets filled with fragrance-free, chemical-free bamboo charcoal. Designed to sit discreetly in cars, closets, pet areas, basements, or gym bags, they promise two full years of passive odor and moisture control without adding scent to your space.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike plug-ins or sprays, these bags are 100 % natural and safe around kids and pets. The larger, irregular charcoal granules expose more surface area than typical briquettes, boosting adsorption. Monthly “recharge” is as simple as two hours in direct sunlight—no refills, filters, or batteries required. The tough burlap shells and stitched strings look neutral enough to hang from a rear-view mirror or tuck behind a toilet without screaming “air freshener.”
Value for Money:
At $13.98 for four 200 g bags ($3.50 each), you’re paying roughly 58¢ per month over the advertised two-year lifespan. That’s cheaper than a single aerosol can that lasts a month, and far less than electric deodorizers that need replacement filters.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: truly scent-free, child- and pet-safe, reusable for years, and multipurpose. Weaknesses: they work slowly—don’t expect instant knockout of strong smoke or litter-box clouds; effectiveness drops in high-humidity rooms unless sunned more often; charcoal dust can leak if the burlap seam snags.
Bottom Line:
If you prefer silent, low-maintenance odor control and can wait a day or two for results, CLEVAST’s four-pack is an eco-smart, budget-smart buy. Just set a monthly calendar reminder to sun them, and let nature do the freshening.
5. Ozium 4.5 Oz. Odor Eliminating Gel for Homes, Cars, Offices and More, Original, 4 Pack
Overview:
Ozium’s 4.5-ounce odor-eliminating gels arrive in a four-pack for $18.97, positioning themselves as the pocket-sized cavalry against stubborn smoke, trash, and bathroom odors. Twist the lid, set the exposed surface area, and park the discreet dome anywhere air needs rescuing—cars, closets, gym bags, or office cubicles. Four scent options (Original, New Car, Carbon Black, Outdoor Essence) promise a personalized atmosphere without plugs, batteries, or sprays.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike sweet-smelling cover-ups, Ozium’s glycolized formula chemically neutralizes odor molecules, then leaves a crisp, clean veil that smells “empty” rather than perfumed. The screw-top lid acts like a dimmer switch for fragrance intensity—handy when you want a whisper in the Prius but a shout in the litter-box corner. Its petite tin slips into cup-holders and shoe boxes where plug-ins simply don’t fit.
Value for Money:
Four tins for under nineteen bucks breaks down to $1.05 per ounce, cheaper than most single-use auto vent-clips and far less than a professional ozone treatment. Each jar lasts 4–6 weeks with the lid quarter-open, stretching the cost to about 80¢ a week for continuous, battery-free odor control.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: true odor neutralization, space-saving size, adjustable scent dial, no messy gels or residue. Weaknesses: Original scent can feel medicinal on first sniff; lid threads strip if overtightened; effectiveness drops in temps above 90 °F; not child-safe if left within reach.
Bottom Line:
If you need smoke or pet odor gone—not masked—in tight quarters, Ozium gel is the set-and-forget solution that pays for itself before the first tin runs dry.
6. Chemical Guys New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator - Refreshes and Neutralizes Odors, Great for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs, and More - 16 oz
Overview:
Chemical Guys New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener promises to rewind the odometer on your cabin’s aroma, delivering that unmistakable “just rolled off the lot” scent while actively destroying the lingering evidence of drive-thru fries, wet dogs, and last week’s gym bag. The 16 oz trigger bottle blankets upholstery, carpets, and vents with an enzyme-rich mist that digests odor molecules instead of simply perfuming them.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike tree-shaped hangers that fade in days, this formula pairs nostalgic new-car perfume with live enzymes that keep working hours after application. The adjustable concentration lets you dial anything from a faint hint for daily upkeep to a full “fresh-off-the-lease” punch for resale day, and the water-based mix is safe on Alcantara, leather, and plastic without leaving oily rings.
Value for Money:
At $10.97—roughly the cost of two vent clips—you get 16 oz that can be diluted for up to a gallon of solution, translating to pennies per refresh even if you spray every weekend. One bottle usually lasts an entire year of moderate use, undercutting professional ozone treatments by a factor of ten.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros:
- Enzymes annihilate odors instead of masking them
- Scent strength is user-adjustable
- Safe on all interior surfaces; no staining in tests
Cons:
- “New car” aroma is synthetic and can feel overpowering at full strength
- Scent fades faster in hot climates (1–2 weeks)
- Spray nozzle occasionally drips if stored horizontally
Bottom Line:
If you crave that dealership-day fragrance without the dealership-day price, Chemical Guys delivers the best balance of nostalgia, science, and savings. Spray smart, dilute when needed, and your cabin will smell like low mileage for months.
7. Mayunuo Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Strong Odor in Basement, Cars, Closets, Shoes. 3 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags Deodorizer Odor Eliminator for Home
Overview:
Mayunuo’s 3-pack of bamboo-charcoal sachets promises a fragrance-free, pet-safe way to absorb stubborn basement, car and shoe odors for up to two years. Each 200 g bag is stitched in two layers of linen, activated at 2000 °C, and costs just $3.33 apiece—far less than a single plug-in refill.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The high-temperature carbon yields a wider micro-pore network than grocery-store briquettes, so the brand claims 10× faster adsorption. The sun-recharge ritual (2 h every 60 days) is simple, eco-friendly and eliminates the recurring cost of sprays or replacement cartridges.
Value for Money:
At $9.98 for three bags you’re spending roughly $1.66 per year per bag—essentially the price of a cup of coffee to keep a closet or gym duffel odor-neutral for 24 months. No batteries, filters or consumables needed.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: fragrance-free & hypoallergenic; safe around kids, cats, dogs; reusable for 2 years; lightweight, slips under car seats or into sneakers; 30-day replacement guarantee.
Cons: adsorbs rather than neutralizes—won’t tackle mold source; sunlight reactivation is weather-dependent; charcoal dust can leak if inner liner tears; not effective in fridges with constant moisture influx; larger rooms need multiple packs.
Bottom Line:
For low-maintenance, non-toxic odor control in enclosed or musty spaces, Mayunuo’s charcoal bags punch well above their price. They’re best treated as silent “sponges” rather than instant air fresheners—set, forget, and sunbathe on schedule.
8. Charcoal Odor Absorber for Strong Odor (6 Pack, 100g each), Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bag, Basement Musty Odor Eliminator Deodorizer, Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Closet, Shoe, Car
Overview:
This six-pack of 100 g bamboo-charcoal sachets is pitched as a zero-spray, chemical-free way to suck stubborn smells out of closets, cars, litter boxes and gym bags. Each pouch is small enough to tuck into a shoe yet big enough, claim the makers, to service a musty basement corner. A monthly sun-bath “recharges” the charcoal for up to two years, after which the contents can be dumped into garden soil as a conditioner.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The brand touts charcoal that is “10× more porous” than bargain versions, promising faster, stronger odor capture. The lifetime replacement offer backed by U.S.-based support is practically unheard-of in the sub-$20 odor-control aisle, and the 100 g size hits a sweet spot—large enough for noticeable effect, small enough to line up several around a room without visual clutter.
Value for Money:
At $18.95 for six ($3.16 each) you’re paying about the same as a single disposable gel tub that lasts a month. If the recharge claim holds, you’re looking at roughly 80¢ per year per bag—exceptionally cheap compared with plug-ins or constant aerosol refills.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: no fragrance to trigger allergies, reusable for years, pet-safe, and the company will replace them forever. Cons: charcoal doesn’t work instantly; expect several days for heavy odors, and you must remember the monthly sunlight ritual. Pouches can leak fine black dust if the fabric snags.
Bottom Line:
For anyone tired of masking scents with perfumes, this set is a low-risk, budget-friendly experiment. Manage expectations on speed, set a phone reminder to sun them, and you’ll likely find these little black bags quietly earning their keep all over the house.
9. Arm & Hammer Fresh Effects Odor Neutralizing Baking Soda Pouches, Unscented Deodorizer for Long Lasting Freshness in Shoes, Gym Bags, & Small Spaces, 5 count
Overview:
Arm & Hammer’s Fresh Effects Odor Neutralizing Pouches are palm-sized sachets filled with pure baking soda, engineered to sit unseen in shoes, gym bags, glove boxes, or luggage and quietly absorb the funk that collects there. The five-pack slips easily into a carry-on or desk drawer, giving you a month of scent-free defense per pouch without any sprays, gels, or added perfume.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike charcoal bags that need sunlight “recharges,” these pouches activate on contact with air and keep working for a full 30 days before you simply toss and replace. The brand’s legendary baking soda is sealed inside a leak-proof, breathable membrane, so you never find white dust on socks or electronics—an annoyance common with loose powder.
Value for Money:
At $2.09 per pouch you’re paying about seven cents a day per space you deodorize—cheaper than a dryer sheet and far less than replacing a smelly pair of trainers. Because each pouch lasts a month, one pack protects five separate zones for an entire season.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: truly unscented (safe for scent-sensitive noses), paper-thin profile fits toddler shoes, cruelty-free & recyclable, and backed by Arm & Hammer’s money-back promise.
Weaknesses: single-use design creates waste, effectiveness drops in very humid conditions, and date stickers would help track the 30-day lifespan.
Bottom Line:
If you want “set-and-forget” odor control without clouding your closet in perfume, these unobtrusive pouches are the easiest, most economical fix—just mark your calendar and swap monthly.
10. Ozium 8 Oz. 1 Pack Odor Eliminating Gel for Homes, Cars, Offices and More
Overview:
Ozium’s 8-ounce odor-eliminating gel is a single-jar solution aimed at smokers, pet owners, and anyone battling persistent smells in large rooms, cars, or offices. The industrial-strength formula—famed in the automotive world—has been re-packaged into a slow-release gel that works without sprays, plugs, or flames.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike floral air fresheners that mask odors, Ozium uses a patented glycolized action that bonds to malodor molecules and neutralizes them. The 8 oz jar is rated for spaces up to 800 sq ft, making it one of the few gel products that can realistically handle open-plan kitchens or double garages. Twist-open lid lets you meter the strength—barely cracked for a powder-room or full-open for a smoker’s lounge.
Value for Money:
At $13.23, the jar lasts 4-6 weeks when opened fully; that’s roughly 22¢ a day for continuous, plug-free odor control. Comparable gel tubs run $9–$10 but require two or three units for the same coverage, so the single-jar convenience actually saves money and clutter.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: industrial-grade neutralizer, adjustable lid, zero electricity or batteries, discreet matte jar.
Cons: active ingredient (triethylene glycol) gives a faint medicinal scent the first 24 h, not pet-safe if chewed, and the gel shrinks fastest in hot cars—plan on 3-week life in summer.
Bottom Line:
If you need “set-and-forget” odor elimination for a big, stinky area, Ozium’s 8 oz gel is the strongest single-jar option under $15. Accept the brief chemical top-note and you’ll get true odor annihilation instead of perfumed cover-ups.
Understanding Car Odor Chemistry: Why Air Fresheners Fail
Odor molecules are volatile chemical compounds that bind to receptors in your nose. Masking them with perfume simply layers a stronger scent on top; the offensive molecule is still present. True neutralizers either chemically alter those molecules (oxidation, nucleophilic attack, or enzymatic digestion) or physically remove them via adsorption or extraction. A proper kit targets the root cause rather than the symptom.
The Difference Between Masking, Absorbing, and Neutralizing
Masking agents temporarily cover smell; absorbents like charcoal sponge up odor vapors but can re-release them under heat; neutralizers irreversibly change the molecule’s structure. Kits that combine all three approaches give you a safety net, but the heavy lifting should always be done by a bona-fide neutralizer.
Key Formats: Gels, Foggers, Liquid Concentrates, and HVAC Tablets
Gels are slow-release and great for maintenance; foggers fill the cabin and ventilation system in one shot; concentrates let you dial potency for spot treatments; HVAC tablets sanitize the evaporator core where mold colonies love to party. Each format has a time-and-place advantage, so most professional kits bundle at least two.
Enzyme vs. Oxidizing vs. Adsorption Technologies
Enzymes digest organic matter such as milk, vomit, or pet urine. Oxidizers (chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, ozone) rupture sulfur and nitrogen bonds found in smoke and sweat. Adsorption media (activated charcoal, zeolite) trap VOCs until you discard them. Knowing the odor source tells you which chemistry to prioritize.
Safety First: EPA Registration, VOC Compliance, and inhalation risks
Automotive cabins are tiny, sealed environments. Any kit that generates ozone, chlorine dioxide, or aerosolized peroxide must carry EPA registration and explicit safe-reentry times. Check California’s VOC limits if you live in a regulated state; non-compliant products can off-gas formaldehyde or etch interior plastics.
Scent Additives: Neutral vs. Hypoallergenic vs. Custom Fragrance Layering
Some kits include a post-treatment “finisher” droplet to restore a subtle scent. If you or passengers are sensitive, opt for hypoallergenic or completely neutral options. Detailers often layer a bespoke fragrance after the neutralizer has dried—think of it as cologne on clean skin rather than on yesterday’s gym shirt.
Application Tools: Sprayers, Foggers, Ozone Machines, and HVAC Adapters
A precision sprayer with an adjustable cone pattern lets you hit carpet backing without overwetting. Foggers require sealing the car for 15–45 minutes but reach ductwork. Ozone machines need a power inverter and post-treatment aeration. Quality kits include vehicle-specific HVAC adapters so the treatment coats the evaporator coil evenly.
Step-by-Step Protocol: Prepping the Interior for Maximum Efficacy
Remove trash, vacuum crevices, and extract liquid spills before you introduce any chemistry. Steam-clean fabrics to open fibers, then dry to 60 % relative humidity—too damp and you dilute the product; too dry and the reaction stalls. Finally, run the HVAC on recirculate with the windows closed for five minutes to equalize temperature.
Time-to-Effect: How Long Each Technology Takes to Work
Enzymes need 8–24 hours to digest organics; oxidizers can neutralize smoke in 30 minutes but require a two-hour aeration; adsorption bags need 48–72 hours to reach equilibrium. Factor that timeline into your schedule—many DIYers rush the process and blame the product.
Longevity Factors: Temperature Swings, Recirculation Habits, and Re-Treatment Windows
Cabin heat spikes can re-activate residual fatty acids, causing odor rebound. If you habitually run recirculate, moisture builds up on the evaporator, shortening the effective life of any treatment. Most pros recommend a maintenance fog every 90 days for smokers or pet owners; once per season is adequate for average drivers.
Budget vs. Premium Kits: What Extra Dollars Actually Buy
Entry-level kits rely on a single chemistry and basic sprayer. Premium tiers bundle twin-chamber foggers, color-change indicators that show when the reaction is spent, and microfiber bonnets sized for air vents. You’re paying for precision, safety redundancy, and time savings—not just fancier packaging.
Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Options: Do They Perform?
Plant-derived enzymes and hydrogen-peroxide systems break down into oxygen and water, making them sewer-safe. Tests show they match or exceed synthetic quats on protein stains, but they degrade faster in heat. Look for kits with opaque, UV-blocking bottles to extend shelf life.
Common DIY Mistakes: Overdosing, Under-Aerating, and Cross-Contamination
Doubling the “recommended drops” doesn’t double speed—it can leave a sticky residue that traps new dirt. Skipping the aeration step risks respiratory irritation. Using the same microfiber on seats that you used on the door jambs can re-introduce grease odors. Color-code towels and follow label math to the milliliter.
Professional Detailer Hacks: Heat, Humidity, and Negative Air Pressure
Pros park the car in direct sun to raise cabin temps to 110 °F, accelerating chemical kinetics. They then crack one window and place a box fan on exhaust mode, creating negative pressure that pulls vapors out of ductwork. This trick shaves 30 % off dwell time and reduces post-treatment “chemical” smell.
Storage and Shelf-Life: Keeping Your Kit Potent Between Uses
Oxidizers lose 10 % efficacy every 30 days above 80 °F; enzymes die faster once diluted. Store concentrates in a fridge (but not freezer) and mix only what you’ll use within 24 hours. Write the open date on the bottle with a paint pen—most manufacturers warranty potency for one year unopened, six months after breach.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use household odor removers in my car, or do I need an automotive-specific kit?
Household products often lack the temperature tolerance and VOC compliance required for enclosed vehicles; automotive kits are engineered for upholstery plastics and HVAC materials. -
How do I know whether the smell is in the carpet or deep inside the HVAC system?
If the odor intensifies when you switch the fan on, it’s likely microbial growth on the evaporator; if it lingers after airing out with the HVAC off, check carpets and trunk. -
Is ozone safe for leather seats and touchscreens?
Short-duration ozone (under 30 min at 3 ppm) won’t harm leather if conditioned afterward, but prolonged exposure can dry polymers and oxidize anti-glare coatings—follow the kit’s specs exactly. -
Will an odor neutralizer remove cigarette smoke tar stains on headliners?
Neutralizers break down odor molecules but won’t dissolve visible tar; pre-clean with an alkaline surfactant, then fog with the neutralizer to eliminate residual smell. -
How soon can I drive passengers after a chlorine-dioxide fog?
Wait until the “wet” chlorine smell drops below 0.1 ppm—usually 60–90 minutes with windows open and fan on full fresh-air mode. -
Are enzyme products safe for pets and kids?
Once dry, enzymes are inert; keep animals and children out until the fabric is surface-dry to prevent skin contact with concentrated microbes. -
Can I combine an enzyme spray with an oxidizer for faster results?
Apply enzyme first, let it dwell and dry completely; enzymes are proteins that oxidizers will destroy, so combining them in the same step wastes both chemistries. -
Why does the odor come back after a few weeks in hot weather?
Heat reactivates residual organic acids or releases trapped VOCs from plastics; a follow-up adsorption pouch and routine HVAC disinfectant can prevent rebound. -
Do I need to change my cabin air filter after odor treatment?
Always replace it—odor molecules embed in the charcoal layer; reinstalling the old filter re-contaminates the system within minutes. -
How can I maintain a neutral cabin between full treatments?
Keep windows cracked when parked, use recirculate sparingly, vacuum weekly, and place an open-container absorbent under a seat, swapping it out every 30 days.