In addition to facilitating human mobility, cars help you get from one place to another, and provide a lift for friends and family. However, if your car is dirty and smells bad, no one will want to ride with you. In addition, you also have to smell an unpleasant odor every time you enter the vehicle. Sometimes, the smell gets worse over time, and doesn't go away. If you want your car to smell great all the time, it's important that you keep it clean, clean up dirt quickly, avoid things that cause bad odors (eg smoking in a vehicle), and neutralize odors properly when they start to smell. There are various products that can be used to keep the car smelling good and feeling good, as well as various types of scents that can spoil the nose.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making Cars Smell
Step 1. Hang the air freshener product in the car
There are various types of air freshener products that are specifically designed for cars. To choose a fragrance, just look for a scent that suits your liking or taste. Regardless of the product you choose, make sure you place it in an area that gets lots of airflow so that the fragrance spreads throughout the car.
- Air fresheners in the form of vent clips or dashboard cans need to be clamped or placed over the air vent holes.
- An air freshener in the form of a tree or similar can be hung on the rear mirror or under the dashboard (passenger foot area) to get adequate air circulation.
Step 2. Use a deodorizing air freshener product
Air freshener sprays or aerosols can also be used on cars to mask odors and leave a fresh scent. Spray the product onto the car cabin (not directly on the seats, dashboard, carpet, or ceiling). You can also use regular home air freshener products such as Bay Fresh or Glade, or purchase products designed specifically for cars, such as:
- Little Trees
- California Scents
- Ambi Pur Car
Step 3. Spray perfume on the car
Instead of air freshener products, you can also spray a little cologne or your favorite perfume to make the car cabin smell good. Just like when using air freshener products, don't spray perfume directly on the car's surface.
If you have a hanging air freshener (eg Little Trees or Stella “Ice Cream”) that is odorless, you can spray the perfume directly on the product so you can put it back in the car
Step 4. Place an unlit scented candle under the front seat
Scented candles come in a variety of scents and you can use them to make your car smell good again. Look for a smaller candle to fit under the driver's or passenger's seat. Small candles (eg tea light or prayer candles) can be a good size option.
Don't use candles packaged in jars or glass containers because you won't be able to smell them
Step 5. Place the dryer sheet under the front seat
Buy a box of dryer sheets and open the package. Place a box under the driver's or passenger's seat to keep your car smelling fresh, like washed clothes.
To reduce or “slow down” the release of aromas, keep the box sealed and punch holes in the top and sides of the packaging
Part 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Smell
Step 1. Drive with the windows open
Sometimes, odors enter the car cabin and cannot be removed. The first thing you can do is remove it. Choose a sunny day and make sure there is no paper or trash in the car that can fly outside while you drive.
If you don't want to drive with the windows open, park the car in front of the house with the windows and doors open when it's windy. Airflow or wind is expected to push the smell out of the car
Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda on the car
Certain types of odors, such as the smell of cigarettes, can stick to any object in the car. By sprinkling baking soda, the odor that sticks to the upholstery and floor can be lifted and neutralized.
- Don't forget to sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, under the carpet, and the space between the back seat and the back window.
- Make sure the floor (carpet) and upholstery (including the cushions if available) are completely dry before you sprinkle the baking soda.
- Let the baking soda sit for about 3-4 hours.
Step 3. Remove dust from the car cabin using a vacuum cleaner
It is important that you remove the remaining baking soda that has been used. In addition to getting rid of bad odors, you can also remove dirt or food crumbs left in the car. Be sure to install a small nozzle for the pillow so that it can reach the gaps or tight corners between and under the seat, as well as other places.
When you are done using the vacuum cleaner, remove the carpet from the car
Step 4. Remove stubborn stains
When there are certain stains or dirt that need to be cleaned on the car, treat it directly using a patchwork and suitable cleaning product. The product you need to use will depend on the stain or dirt present:
- Get rid of the fungus using a disinfectant spray.
- Clean up body fluids (eg vomit) or food residue with a bioenzymatic cleaning product.
- For very strong odors (eg animal manure), use an oxidizing cleaning product.
Step 5. Wipe the interior of the car using a mixture of vinegar and water
Mix vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle in equal proportions (50:50). Spray the mixture on the driver's seat first, then wipe with a lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth. After that, move on to the passenger seat, followed by the back seat, dashboard, floor, carpet, and other surfaces.
It will take a while for the vinegar smell to go away, but this mixture will get rid of most odors, even cigarette smoke
Step 6. Clean the car carpet
Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Place the rug over the lawn, parking area, or garage floor. Dip a shoe brush in the soapy water mixture and rub it into the carpet until a foam forms. When finished, spray water on the carpet using a hose or pressure washer to rinse it.
Hang the rug on a fence or clothes hanger to dry it
Step 7. Neutralize the odor in the car
There are various products that can be used to neutralize odors in cars. You can even leave the product in the car to keep it working, even after the bad smell has been removed.
- Place the ground coffee beans in a jar with a plastic lid. Make a hole in the lid and place the jar in the car.
- Keep baking soda in an open box in the car to absorb and neutralize odors.
- Put some orange peel under the front seat to neutralize odors and give the car a fresh citrus scent.
- Charcoal is a traditional odor neutralizer that you can try. You can put a few pieces of charcoal under the driver's or passenger's seat to control odors in the car.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Odor
Step 1. Do not leave food and drinks in the car
Sometimes you leave your sandwich in the backseat, forget to clean up spilled cereal, or leave leftover apples in a jar or glass container. However, try to always remember to remove leftover food and drinks from the car every day. Food spoils quickly when left in the car. Ordinary bad odors can turn into bad odors that are hard to get rid of.
Step 2. Remove the trash from the car
Never allow trash to be stored in the car, especially food waste. This waste includes food wrapping paper/plastic, paper bags and fast food containers, coffee cups, and other items. When you get out of the car, also take the garbage that has accumulated throughout the day and dispose of or recycle it properly.
Step 3. Clean up any food spills as soon as possible
If food or drink is spilled while you are driving, pull over to a safe place and clean up any spilled food or drink up as much as possible. When you get home or visit a car wash, treat the dirt directly using cleaning agents such as soapy water, vinegar, or other cleaning products.
It's a good idea to keep some unused towels or paper towels in the car to deal with spilled food or dirt
Step 4. Turn on the fan and air conditioner periodically
The car's air conditioning system can become damp and this can lead to the development of mold and bad odors in the car. To prevent this, turn on the air conditioner and fan every week (or every two weeks). Leave the device on for about 10 minutes.
