Common car odors and how to get rid of them

Everyone wants to keep that new car smell in their vehicle for as long as possible. However, they don't always know what to do when unpleasant odors invade them.

How to check for hidden odors

It's important that you look for anything that might be causing a bad smell in your car . Look in pockets, under seats, on floor mats, and even in the glove box. If you have a young child, check for bottles in the back seat, fruit or food in a container or bag, or unidentified stains that may have been dragged on the bottom of someone's shoe.

Immediately remove and throw all this away and open the doors for a while to allow any lingering odor to dissipate. Don't forget that sometimes a bad smell can also be a sign that the car is overheating, or you may need an oil change.

How to clean the car's carpet and upholstery

If you can't find the source, use a car vacuum. Many times, upholstery, carpet, or fabric interiors can trap odors. Vacuum all the nooks and crannies with the upholstery accessory.

If this doesn't work, but you think it's the source of the odor problem, try steam cleaning where possible. Use the car cleaning tools to make cleaning the interior easier. If your vehicle has leather seats, there are easy ways to clean them.

How to remove the smell of smoke

If you are a smoker or have a passenger who is, remember to empty the ashtrays regularly. Keep in mind that cigarette smoke can get everywhere, including air vents. Use an odor eliminator on the underhood vents and intake valve. Also, open all windows and doors to ventilate.

Keep in mind that smoking leaves tar, which is a sticky substance. Clean interior panels with a 50/50 water/vinegar combination. If the smell persists, mix in some dish liquid as well. Once this is done, dry the interior surfaces with a cloth.

How to eliminate odors caused by sick children or animals

Don't forget about small children or pets who may have had an accident on the upholstery or a moment of dizziness and nausea. Even if these accidents have been cleaned up immediately, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to completely eliminate the odor.

If it has already dried, use your 50/50 vinegar and water solution to rehydrate the stain, then remove with a wet/dry vac. Broadcasting kitty litter on the area or sprinkling it with baking soda can also help absorb odors.

How to remove the smell of mold

Mold is another source of unpleasant odors. A partially open window (or even a small leak with condensation buildup) is enough to experience it. Luckily, getting rid of the moldy smell in cars is pretty easy.

A wet-dry vacuum can help remove water residue from carpets and upholstery, but if you don't have one, even a hair dryer can work.

If the cause is a small leak, you may have to do some searching. Check under the floor mats, as well as in the trunk, for condensation, including the area where the spare tire is stored.

How to remove odors from air conditioning

Another possible source of that musty smell is the air conditioning system. One telltale sign is damp carpeting near the air conditioner. If you find an odor coming from this area, open the front cover and remove the filter. Use a nylon scouring pad to remove any mold growth, then use a cotton swab to blot it dry. (To finish drying it, turn on the car heater).

When you're sure the area is completely dry, apply an anti-mildew solution, enzymatic cleaner, or odor absorber. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery and let it sit for a day or so before vacuuming. By then, the smell should have dissipated.

You can of course also remove the rugs and let them air out for a while. Dust can also accumulate inside the vents and cause a musty smell in the vehicle. In this case, vacuum the vents and use the vinegar and water solution inside.

After finding the source of the bad odors and treating them, your car should smell great. With the help of air fresheners, your vehicle can smell almost like new.

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