Food, pets, dirt, or other things make the car smell bad for a long time. Luckily, cars are usually easy to smell good with just a few simple steps. Clean the car completely, then apply an odor-repelling material. If you smell a dangerous odor, such as gas, call a mechanic immediately. However, most odors can be overcome without the help of a mechanic or professional.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Car Cleaning
Step 1. Find the source of the smell
Once you notice an unpleasant odor in your car, look for possible causes. Check the floor of the car to see if there is anything there that could be causing an unpleasant odor, such as clothes, spills, or food. Also be sure to check under the seats, the gaps between the seats, any compartments or glass containers, as well as the trunk.
Step 2. Remove the cause of the odor that was found
Take a large garbage bag and throw away all the causes of odors, such as food wrappers, used tissues, and so on. Even items like magazines can give off a musty smell if the conditions are damp. Throwing out all the unnecessary items in your car can help reduce bad odors.
Step 3. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the interior of the car
Make sure the entire interior of the car is cleaned, including the area under the carpet, the carpet, and under the seats. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the car seat. Also point the vacuum cleaner into every nook and cranny of the chair so that all dirt and dust in the gaps between the chairs are also lifted.
If one is available, a portable vacuum cleaner can also be used, but going to a car wash will usually be more effective. The type of vacuum cleaner that is usually found in car washes should be able to remove all the dirt and dust that might be causing an unpleasant odor
Step 4. Clean all spills and stains from the carpet
When cleaning your car, use a commercial shampoo/carpet cleaner sold at convenience stores to remove any spills. Pour the cleaner onto the car floor according to the instructions on the package, rub it into the stain with the help of a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with water.
- Most cleaners must be mixed with water before use.
- Make sure the cleaner is tested on a small area of the car floor that is not clearly visible to make sure it is safe for the interior of your car.
Step 5. Wipe all non-carpeted surfaces
In addition to cleaning the carpet, wipe also non-carpeted surfaces, such as the dashboard. Also clean spills and stains from these areas using an all-purpose cleaner.
Test the cleaner you are going to use on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't cause any damage
Part 2 of 3: Installing Fragrance Substance
Step 1. Spray the vent with an air conditioner cleaner
Gradually, dust and dirt collects in the AC vents causing the car to smell bad. Don't forget the air conditioner when you put a freshener in your car. Buy a special AC cleaner for cars at the nearest hardware store to reduce the unpleasant odor.
Step 2. Keep a tray of dryer sheets in the car
Fill the container with a dryer sheet and place it in the car. Dryer sheets can absorb unpleasant odors as well as emit a fragrant aroma. After cleaning the car, place the dryer sheet there to remove any lingering odors.
Step 3. Clean the car with white vinegar
Mix white vinegar with water, in equal proportions. Spray the solution on the parts of the car that cause bad odors. Wet the area and allow the vinegar to absorb into the car. After that, use a brush or other cleaning tool to scrub the vinegar solution. This method should make the car smell significantly fresher.
Step 4. Use pet deodorizer to get rid of pet odors
Pet deodorizer is made of certain enzymes that are designed to lift and remove odors caused by pets. Each brand of pet deodorizer has a different way of using it, but the average method is to spray it on the stain and then rinse it off after leaving it for a certain amount of time.
Don't forget to try pet deodorizer first on a small, invisible area to make sure it doesn't stain or damage the car
Step 5. Sprinkle baking soda on chairs and carpets
Baking soda can overcome various kinds of odors because its nature is to eliminate odors. Just sprinkle baking soda on the smelly area, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 6. Put a container of coffee beans in the car
Put 200 grams of coffee beans in a container and leave it in the car. Coffee beans can absorb some of the unpleasant odors. Ground coffee can also be used, but it spills easily and makes the car look messy.
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Professional Help
Step 1. Identify odors that indicate a problem
The fishy smell could be caused by leaking antifreeze seeping into the car. Smells from hot air or the air conditioning system could indicate an engine problem. These problems can be dangerous and indicate your car needs service. If it smells like the ones mentioned above, take your car to a mechanic.
Step 2. Call a professional if you smell gasoline
If your car smells like gasoline, don't try to fix it yourself. This could be a very dangerous case, because it indicates a leaking car part. Do not drive the car, but immediately seek advice from a mechanic.
Step 3. Tobacco odor requires professional handling
Tobacco odors can stick to the interior of a car and can usually only be removed by professional help. Even a thorough cleaning doesn't always work to get rid of the tobacco smell. If your car smells like tobacco, you'll need the help of a professional janitor to remove it.
