How to Get Rid of Bad Smell in the Car?
2 Answers
Methods to eliminate bad smell in the car: 1. Keep the car clean: Maintain cleanliness inside the car, avoid eating or smoking in the car; open windows frequently to ensure air circulation. 2. Regularly clean or replace the air conditioning filter: Regularly clean or replace the air conditioning filter to prevent dust accumulation and mold, which can affect air quality and cooling efficiency. 3. Place fruits or peels: Put fruits or peels like orange, grapefruit, or lemon in the car; you can also place flowers, tea leaves, car perfumes, or agarwood pendants to improve air quality, though these won't eliminate the odor completely. 4. Use bamboo charcoal bags: Purchase and use bamboo charcoal bags, which can absorb toxic substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide, as well as reduce odors. 5. Visit a professional car detailing shop: Go to a professional car detailing shop for odor removal, where you can choose from ozone disinfection, high-temperature steam sterilization, or photocatalytic disinfection. Photocatalytic disinfection is the most effective but also the most expensive, while ozone and high-temperature steam options are more affordable. Car owners can schedule regular cleaning for their vehicles. 6. Purchase and use a car air purifier: Buy and use a car air purifier, which filters the air inside the car and is highly effective in removing odors.
There used to be a strange smell in my car that was really unpleasant, so I put activated charcoal bags inside for a few days to absorb the odor, and it worked quite well. A thorough interior cleaning is also necessary, as food crumbs or cat hair can easily accumulate in the seat crevices—vacuum carefully and then wipe with a neutral cleaner. Ventilation is crucial too; when parking in the sun, leave the windows open for half an hour to help dissipate odors. The air conditioning system can sometimes harbor bacterial smells, so change the filters regularly. If that's not feasible, spray some antibacterial cleaner yourself—it's cheap and effective. In the long run, avoid eating snacks in the car to develop good habits and prevent odors from recurring. Remember to try multiple methods during the deodorizing process; don’t just rely on air fresheners, as they may mask but not eliminate the root cause.
