How to Deal with Strong New Car Smell?

[VonSebastian]

You can ventilate to remove odors. Here are some related methods to eliminate odors: 1. When you first buy the car, open the doors and windows on sunny days to allow internal ventilation and complete air circulation. Also, develop the habit of driving with the windows slightly open when using the new car. 2. Place some grapefruit or orange peels inside the car. These fruits are rich in coarse fiber, and their peels have large pores that can effectively absorb formaldehyde and eliminate odors in the car. Additionally, they take up very little space, making them ideal for car use. 3. Add absorbent charcoal to the car. Charcoal not only absorbs dust from the air but also purifies air quality. There are professional car-specific absorbent charcoals available on the market, which can be directly placed in the corners of the car.

[StNatalie]

I recently picked up a new car, and the interior has a strong smell, reportedly from materials and adhesives. To eliminate the odor, I open all the windows for ventilation for 5 minutes before driving every day, especially when parked in the shade to avoid direct sunlight. On weekends, I find an open parking lot and leave the car doors wide open for a few hours—UV rays can accelerate the volatilization of harmful gases. I’ve placed some activated charcoal bags and grapefruit peels in the car to naturally absorb odors, avoiding cheap sprays that can harm the respiratory system. After three weeks, the smell has significantly faded. While driving, I often use the external air circulation mode to keep the air flowing. Avoid rushing to add carpets or window films to the new car, as these new accessories can intensify the odor—be patient and let it dissipate naturally.

[DelHeidi]

The plastic smell in new cars mainly comes from volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to human respiration. As a health enthusiast, I pay special attention to this. Before getting in the car, open all doors for ventilation for 10 minutes, then turn on the air conditioning in external circulation mode for 5 minutes to cool down. When parking, leave a small gap in the windows, especially on hot days to prevent the car interior from heating up too quickly. Place a small pot of aloe vera or bamboo charcoal in the car to naturally purify the air. Drive with the windows slightly open to allow fresh air to circulate continuously. Avoid masking the smell with excessive perfume, as it can irritate the nose. Persist for two to three weeks, and the effect will be noticeable. Also, regularly clean the interior with neutral cleaning agents to avoid chemical residues. Timely replacement of the air conditioning filter is also crucial to reduce circulating odors.

[MacJace]

My new car had a strong odor when I first got it. As a working professional, I needed a simple and efficient solution. Every morning before heading downstairs, I open all the windows for 5 minutes to air it out before starting the car. I bought a small car deodorizer that plugs into the cigarette lighter, which automatically releases negative ions to absorb odors. On weekends, I take the time to park in an open area at the park and leave the doors open for half a day to speed up gas dissipation. I also installed simple rain guards so I can crack the windows for ventilation even on rainy days. The smell faded quickly. I avoided adding new air fresheners or plastic decorations that could complicate things. While driving, I keep a window slightly open to allow a gentle breeze, which is low-cost and hassle-free.