How to Remove Rotten Odor from the Car?
4 Answers
Methods to remove odors from the car include: 1. Place fruits with strong adsorption capabilities such as pomelo peel, pineapple, and lemon in the car; 2. Use white vinegar, which has sterilizing and cleaning properties, inside the car; 3. Utilize activated charcoal for odor removal; 4. Remove protective films inside the car; 5. Open windows for ventilation; 6. Spray an appropriate amount of air freshener. Causes of odors in the car: 1. Overheated wires or short circuits in electrical devices; 2. Dirty air conditioning filters or air ducts; 3. Malfunctioning tires or rubber belts, emitting a burnt rubber smell; 4. Damaged fuel tank or leaks in the fuel supply system; 5. Leakage or shortage of electrolyte; 6. Burnt clutch plates or failure to release the handbrake.
Ugh, the car smells rotten. I've encountered this several times, probably due to kids dropping food crumbs in the backseat or stuffy weather on rainy days. The first step is to find the source—check under the seats and in the corners of the trunk for moldy food or even dead rodents. If you find anything, clean it up immediately and wipe the area with disinfectant. Carpets are the worst for trapping odors, so vacuum thoroughly, sprinkle baking soda powder, let it sit overnight, and clean it up the next day—it works wonders. Then, leave the windows open when parked to ventilate, and on sunny days, let the car bask in the sunlight to kill bacteria. Don’t forget the AC system—run it for a few minutes to circulate air and prevent mold buildup. If the smell persists, take it to a professional car wash for a deep clean—they use steam machines to sanitize everything, ensuring a healthy ride. Remember to avoid leaving food in the car and clean regularly to prevent a recurrence.
There's a foul smell in my car, probably from spoiled food left behind after the last camping trip. At first, I thought it was a minor issue and tried using air freshener, which temporarily masked the odor, but it returned within days, proving it wasn't a long-term solution. Later, upon a friend's suggestion, I bought activated charcoal bags and placed them under the seats and in the trunk. Within days, they absorbed the odor—cost-effective and easy to use. Meanwhile, I checked the car's vents to ensure they weren't blocked; when parking, I try to leave a window slightly open or turn on the ventilation mode. If there's a smell from the AC vents, the filter might be dirty—remove and clean it or replace it with a new one. This natural method is more reliable and safer than chemical products, and it can also prevent future odors. The key is to spend more time identifying the root cause and not be lazy.
The musty smell in the car is really annoying and affects my driving experience. First, diagnose the cause by checking if the air conditioning system has mold, especially replace the filter if it's dirty; the evaporator can also be cleaned and disinfected. Carpets are the worst affected areas, so focus on scrubbing or rinsing them with car wash solution. Personally, I like using white vinegar as a DIY deodorizer—just pour it into a bowl and leave it overnight for excellent absorption. Ventilation is essential; open the windows when parked or use the car's fan to circulate air. Remember to maintain the interior regularly, avoid water accumulation that causes odors, and most importantly, keep the car dry and clean.
