How to Remove Odors from a Car?
2 Answers
Methods to remove odors from a car include: 1. Open the car doors to ventilate before driving; 2. Place activated charcoal bags to absorb odors; 3. Put fresh lemons, grapefruit peels, or pineapples in the car to release fragrances that mask odors; 4. Place a small bowl with a mixture of vinegar and water in an inconspicuous spot inside the car—vinegar can stabilize formaldehyde, while water can absorb it; 5. Regularly clean the dashboard. The causes of odors in a car are: 1. A burning plastic smell caused by overheated or short-circuited electrical components; 2. A dirty air filter leading to unpleasant smells when the AC is on; 3. A gasoline smell due to a damaged fuel tank; 4. A burnt smell caused by worn-out brake pads.
I just dealt with a weird smell in my car, and the solution was simple but quite effective. First, park the car in a well-ventilated area and open all doors and windows to let the air circulate for at least half an hour—this helps remove a lot of lingering odors. Then, thoroughly clean the interior: wipe down the seats and carpets with a damp cloth and a bit of white vinegar, which disinfects and eliminates odors. Take out the floor mats and let them sun-dry. I also placed a few packs of activated charcoal under the seats—it absorbs odor molecules. Check the cabin air filter weekly, and replace it immediately if it’s moldy. After sticking to this routine for a few months, almost all unwanted smells in the car disappeared, and it even saved money once it became a habit. Remember to regularly clean up leftover food or drinks in the car to prevent the problem from recurring.
