How to Quickly Remove Odors from a Car?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction on how to quickly remove odors from a car: 1. Sun exposure: Accelerates the volatilization of substances like formaldehyde and toluene inside the car. Formaldehyde begins to volatilize at 19°C. In winter, formaldehyde levels are not too high. However, in summer, even cars used for 2-3 years can have formaldehyde levels three to four times above the standard. Therefore, even after 2-3 years of use, do not forget that formaldehyde still exists. Try to ventilate more and expose the car to sunlight as much as possible. Leave a small window gap whenever possible. 2. Photocatalyst or ozone-based methods: Photocatalyst sounds good in theory but has limited practical effects. It requires strong light, specifically strong ultraviolet light, to have some effect. Ozone-based methods involve using ozone generators to deal with formaldehyde, toluene, etc., inside the car. If the ozone concentration is high, it may have some effect.
I have an old car that often has unpleasant odors, mostly from smoke or food residue. The quickest ways to eliminate odors are: first, roll down all the windows while driving to let air circulate and disperse the smell—this is basic but effective; if the odor is stubborn, park the car in a sunny spot for a few hours, as UV rays can kill bacteria and reduce musty smells; sprinkle baking soda on the seats, leave it overnight to absorb odors, then vacuum it up; you can also place activated charcoal bags in the back seat for a few days—they act like sponges to absorb odor molecules. Finally, prevention is key—avoid smoking or eating in the car, and regularly check if the cabin air filter is moldy. I’ve tried these methods myself, and based on experience, ventilation plus natural deodorizers work the fastest, saving time and effort. Don’t rely on air freshener sprays—they just mask the problem.
