How to Remove Odors from a Car?

[McSpencer]

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.

[MacDylan]

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.

[MacKhloe]

I love playing with cars, and I rely entirely on DIY methods to remove odors, which is both fun and hassle-free. First, I remove the floor mats and rinse them with a high-pressure water gun before letting them dry. If the smell is stubborn, I make a baking soda paste and brush it onto the seats, leaving it overnight before wiping it off. I also place coffee beans or pomelo peels in the car as natural deodorizers, saving money by not buying commercial products. I stuff activated charcoal bags into the corners of the trunk and flip them regularly to maintain their absorption effect. Ventilation is key—I turn off the AC and open the windows for a few minutes while driving on the highway to quickly refresh the air. After handling everything, I give the car an ozone disinfection using a portable ozone machine that costs just a few dozen bucks. These methods are simple yet highly effective, and regular maintenance keeps the car fresh.

[PiperRose]

The odor in the car gives me a headache, affects my health, and may even cause allergies. I've summarized a few tips. Ventilation is the foundation—just five minutes of opening the windows daily can reduce stale air. Focus on cleaning the air conditioning system and replacing the filter to prevent mold growth. A professional steam cleaning at a shop, costing around a hundred yuan, can tackle stubborn smells in seats and carpets. Avoid masking odors with air fresheners; opt for non-toxic products like bamboo charcoal bags for safe, long-lasting results. From a health perspective, foreign objects like food residues are the source—regular cleaning can prevent issues. Keep the car interior dry, especially in southern regions after the rainy season, by airing out floor mats to prevent mold from spreading and causing air quality problems.