
Take a lemon and slice it, then place it inside the car to neutralize the odors. When the car is not in use, you can place a small amount of vinegar in a container inside the car, or add an appropriate amount of vinegar to clean water and wipe the interior of the car. Allow the air inside the car to exchange with the outside air, enabling the odors to dissipate. You can also use the air circulation function to help remove the odors.

I've been driving for over ten years and encountered quite a few car odor issues. Let me briefly share my solutions. Odors usually come from the AC system or carpet stains, like spilled drinks or forgotten food residues. Last time when I noticed a musty smell in my car, I first thoroughly checked all cabin corners and the trunk, finding a moldy rag. Then I cleaned the carpets and seats manually: vacuumed first, sprayed some mild cleaner, and wiped several times with a damp cloth. Don't ignore AC odors either - I replace the cabin air filter and ventilate by opening windows to let fresh air circulate. Usually, I avoid eating in the car, and keeping an activated charcoal bag helps absorb odors. Unresolved odor problems can distract driving and affect health. Cleaning the interior monthly can prevent major issues.

My kid always complains about a weird smell in the car, and I later realized it's a mix of cigarette smoke and pet hair. To tackle odors, I prefer addressing the root cause: first, I check under the mats or between seat crevices for any leftovers, like snack wrappers or dead leaves—just cleaning them out helps. Then, I make it a habit to air out the car by opening the doors for a few minutes every day, especially when parked outside where the sun intensifies the smell. Driving with windows down at high speed helps blow the odors away. I also use natural deodorizers, like orange peels or coffee grounds, which work well in the car. The AC needs attention too—dirty filters can accumulate dust and start smelling. Odors are really annoying, especially in summer when the AC blows hot air and makes them more noticeable. That’s why I’ve made it a routine to clean the interior regularly, vacuuming once a week to keep things fresh.

I usually tackle odors inside the car in three steps. First, check common sources: trash under the floor mats, the air conditioning system, or between seat crevices. After removing dirt, use a specialized interior cleaner spray—apply it, wait a few minutes, then wipe off. For AC odors, simply replace the filter; it won't cost much. Ventilation is key—rolling down windows for 5 to 10 minutes while driving significantly helps. Prevention-wise, avoid smoking or eating in the car, and place a scented sachet for both aesthetics and odor control. Poor odor management can easily cause respiratory discomfort, so don't take it lightly. Simple maintenance keeps your car more comfortable.


