How to Deal with Odor When Water Gets into the Car?
3 Answers
If there is an odor due to water getting inside the car, you can ventilate by opening the windows and use car perfume and activated charcoal. Here are the specific methods: 1. Ventilation: The simplest method is to open the windows for ventilation. Always keep the windows open to allow air circulation. Every morning before getting into the car or after the car has been parked for a long time, it's advisable to open the doors first, thoroughly ventilate, take a deep breath, and then get in. 2. Car Perfume: Perfume itself does not have the function to decompose or degrade harmful substances inside the car; it can only mask the odor. 3. Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is currently the most effective, safest, and easiest method for car owners to implement. Activated charcoal has the characteristic of having many pores, which gives it a strong adsorption capacity for harmful substances like formaldehyde. The smaller the adsorption effect, the better.
The foul smell after a car gets flooded is caused by mold and moisture, so immediate action is necessary. Once, my car was submerged in rainwater, and the musty odor gave me a headache. First, I opened all the windows and doors for ventilation and let it air out for several days. I used a vacuum to remove moisture from the wet areas and wiped down the seats and floor with a towel to eliminate any remaining dampness. If the odor persists, spray white vinegar or baking soda on the moldy areas—they can kill bacteria and neutralize odors. Avoid using harsh chemicals to prevent damage to the interior. Afterward, place a car dehumidifier bag inside the vehicle and regularly expose it to sunlight to prevent recurrence. Lingering water stains can corrode electrical wiring, so safety comes first—it's best to have a professional shop check for short circuits in the electronic components. Prevention is more important than repair; avoid parking in low-lying areas during heavy rain.
Last time my friend's car got flooded and stank terribly. With over a decade of auto repair experience, I've seen this often—the key is quick dehumidification. First, don't panic. Move the car to a dry spot, lift the carpets and seat cushions to air them thoroughly, and use fans or heaters to blow dry for several hours. Mold is the main source of odor, so spray professional interior cleaner and wipe it down. If water entered the AC system causing odors, turn on the AC at high fan speed for a few minutes to clear moisture from the ducts. From a prevention standpoint, aged sunroof and door seals are prone to leaks—inspect and replace them annually. Don't underestimate the smell; it makes the air unhealthy, and kids riding in the car could develop allergies, which is more troublesome. In emergencies, activated charcoal bags work well for odor absorption—they cost just over ten bucks online, saving both hassle and money.
