How to Remove Odors in a New Car?

[DiElisa]

Place activated charcoal in the car. Activated charcoal has a strong ability to adsorb toxic gases. When harmful gases in the air come into contact with activated charcoal, they are adsorbed onto it, thereby purifying the air inside the car. Whether it's a new or old car, it is recommended to keep activated charcoal in the vehicle long-term. Regularly use photocatalyst. Photocatalyst is a new odor-removal technology that involves spraying nano-sized photocatalytic semiconductor materials onto the surfaces of interior materials. Under light, it produces a strong catalytic degradation effect, effectively breaking down harmful gases in the car, removing formaldehyde, and providing antibacterial and disinfecting benefits. Use a car air purifier. Car air purifiers are compact and lightweight, allowing them to be placed in corners of the car. They effectively purify the air inside the vehicle and eliminate formaldehyde odors, making them one of the most effective methods for removing odors in cars today. Avoid exposing the interior to direct sunlight. Why does the odor become stronger when exposed to the sun? It turns out that direct sunlight causes the car's interior materials to release more toxic gases, and higher temperatures also cause toxic substances sealed in unseen areas to volatilize. Therefore, it's best to avoid parking the car under direct sunlight whenever possible. Try to park in underground parking lots or shaded areas and apply reflective window film to the car.

[MiguelMarie]

That new car smell can indeed be concerning, especially if you have kids at home - you'll want to be extra careful about potential health impacts. I always pick a sunny day to park the car in an open area, rolling down all windows and opening all doors to maximize airflow. Doing this around midday when sunlight is strongest works best, as the heat helps accelerate the off-gassing of those chemical odors. Before driving, I make a habit of opening windows for a few minutes before turning on the AC. Activated charcoal bags are an affordable and effective solution - I bought several packs from Taobao to place under seats and in the trunk to absorb odors. Natural remedies like placing pomelo peels or tea bags in the car also work surprisingly well while adding a pleasant fragrance. Don't forget to regularly clean interior surfaces, seats, and carpets to prevent odor-causing bacteria buildup. It typically takes several weeks for new car smells to dissipate completely, so be patient - health comes first. One final tip: avoid staying in poorly ventilated new cars for extended periods to prevent dizziness or discomfort.

[BennettLee]

The odor in new cars mainly comes from volatile organic compounds in interior materials and adhesives. I advocate for using purely natural methods to remove odors, opposing those chemical sprays that pollute the air. Opening windows for ventilation is fundamental; it's best to do so for several hours each day, especially in outdoor environments with fresh air, allowing the wind to blow in and expel harmful substances. Placing spider plants or small potted succulents in the car can help purify the air, but remember not to obstruct the view and to water them regularly. Avoid using air fresheners or sprays as they contain chemical additives that can be harmful in the long term. When parking, choose shaded or well-ventilated areas to prevent high temperatures from intensifying odor release. Source control is also crucial; opt for cars with eco-friendly interior materials when purchasing to reduce future issues. Health and the environment are interconnected; natural ventilation combined with simple plants can gradually improve odors. Stay patient and let fresh air slowly carry away that smell.

[McBrady]

I have extensive experience in quickly removing new car odors. Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to warm up, then turn on the air conditioning and open all windows to allow hot air circulation to carry away the smell—this method is noticeably effective. Always keep activated charcoal bags in the car, as they can absorb odors and only need replacement every few months. There are car deodorizers available on the market, such as sprays for seats and the dashboard, which work quickly—just choose ones with safe ingredients. Don’t forget to check the cabin air filter; if it’s dirty, it can cause odors to recirculate, and replacing it might solve the problem. During regular car washes, focus on cleaning the carpets and seat covers to prevent dirt buildup that adds to the smell. Combining these methods usually reduces odors significantly within a week or two, allowing you to enjoy driving with ease.