It’s a known fact that the new car smell we all love doesn’t last. If you buy a second-hand car, it’s unlikely to come with the new car smell and its scent depends on how the previous owner treated the interior. While you may try your best to keep the car pristinely clean, bad odours can still linger and create an unpleasant environment.
One obvious solution is to open the windows and vents to let some air in. However, if the car has been closed up for a long time, a blast of awful-smelling air can come into your car, making the odour even worse.
So, what’s the solution? Here are some tips on how to eliminate nasty odours and get your car smelling fresh and clean again.
Find the source of the bad odour
Look in seat pockets, under the seat, under and on the floor mats, and even in the glove compartment for the source of the smell. You’ll also want to pay attention to the centre console, the sides of the front seats and any cubby holes to cover all possible options. Once you’ve located the source, get rid of it and open the car doors to let the lingering odour out.
In extreme cases, you may need to remove the seats to get to the source of the smell. If this is the case, seek professional help, especially if your vehicle has airbags or sensors fitted.
Clean the carpet and upholstery
Sometimes odours are ingrained into the vehicle’s carpet or upholstery. If so, it’s time to get into deep clean mode and give the interior a good cleaning. Get your vacuum cleaner out and vacuum thoroughly, including into crevices using the upholstery attachment. If this doesn’t do the trick, try steam cleaning, if you own a steam cleaner.
Use cleaners and deodorisers on the seats and trim to help flush out the ingrained smells and neutralise foul-smelling odours. Be sure to wash the floor mats, as these absorb a lot of dirt and odorous debris over time. Just make sure they’ve dried completely before putting them back.
Removing cigarette smell
If you’re a smoker, or have a passenger who is, remember to empty the ashtray regularly. Cigarette smoke gets everywhere, including into the air vents. To neutralise this, spray a car odour eliminator into the vents as well as through the air intake valve under the hood. Be sure to keep the doors and windows open to air out the bad smells.
Cigarette smoke also leaves behind tar, an unpleasant, sticky substance. To remove it, wipe down the interior panels using a solution of water and vinegar. You could also use dishwashing soap if the odour lingers. Dry the surfaces after you’ve cleaned them.
Getting rid of mildew and mould
If it’s been raining and you’ve left your window slightly open, water can make its way into your car and leave wet patches on your upholstery or carpet. This can lead to mildew or mould and cause an unpleasant smell in your car. The good news is that getting rid of wet patches and mildewy or mouldy smells in a car is easy, using a wet/dry vacuum or even a hairdryer.
If mould has started growing on your car’s upholstery or carpet due to damp, use a water and vinegar solution to wipe it down, then leave the car doors and windows open to air it out. Check under the mats and in the car boot for any condensation, including the area where your spare tyre is stored.
Keeping your car smelling clean
To keep your car smelling fresh and clean, be sure to air it out regularly. Air fresheners are also a good option but bear in mind that if there’s a persistent smell in the air, it will only temporarily mask and not permanently remove it.