What are the methods to remove formaldehyde from the car interior?
4 Answers
Methods to remove formaldehyde from the car interior: 1. Ventilation: For the first six months after purchasing a new car or after interior updates, develop the habit of driving with windows slightly open to maintain fresh air circulation and accelerate the dissipation of odors inside the car; 2. Activated carbon adsorption: Activated carbon has strong adsorption properties and is a common method for removing formaldehyde in daily life; 3. Air compressor solvent atomization: Use an air compressor to evenly spray formaldehyde-removing solvents in the car, ensuring the spray covers all interior components and corners; 4. If financially feasible, purchase some high-quality formaldehyde removal products available on the market. Car interior disinfectants are highly effective in removing formaldehyde. For faster odor elimination, you can also opt for negative ion deodorization services at car care centers, which yield noticeable results.
The smell of a new car can indeed be quite bothersome. In the first week after buying my car, I did a lot of research on how to remove formaldehyde. The most basic method is to open the windows frequently for ventilation, especially on sunny days when you can park the car in direct sunlight for a few hours with the windows slightly open to let the smell dissipate—this method is very effective. Activated charcoal bags are also a must-have; they are affordable and effective. Just place a few bags under the seats and in the corners of the trunk, replacing them every two weeks. You can also try photocatalysts—spray them on the interior surfaces (make sure to use a reliable brand) and let sunlight break down the formaldehyde, though the effect doesn’t last long. The easiest solution is to buy a car air purifier with a formaldehyde-removing filter, which works automatically while driving. I combined these methods for two weeks, and the smell reduced significantly.
As a parent with kids, I'm particularly concerned about the air quality when my child is in the car. I learned from test reports that formaldehyde is slowly released, and covering the smell with perfume or deodorizers is actually more dangerous. My experience is: in summer when temperatures are high, formaldehyde releases faster, so using sunshades to reduce interior temperature when parked is crucial. I specifically bought a Xiaomi car air purifier with formaldehyde removal function, which uses manganese-carbon catalytic material in its filter, and the mobile app can monitor the data. Additionally, I leave a safe gap in the window when parked to let the smell dissipate, and remember to close the windows before heavy rain. An environmental engineer friend also reminded me to change the air conditioning filter frequently, preferably choosing an activated carbon composite material, which can filter harmful gases. My child no longer complains of dizziness after car rides, and the measured values have also decreased.
With over a decade of experience in professional auto detailing shops, customers often ask about new car aldehyde removal. Honestly, sun exposure and ventilation are the most effective methods—close the windows and expose the car to sunlight for 3 hours, then open the windows for ventilation for 20 minutes. Repeating this three times is equivalent to three days of ordinary methods. If the budget allows, I recommend a photo-oxygen purification treatment: apply a specialized solution to the interior, run an ozone machine for an hour, and finish with an odor remover. Testing immediately after the process can show a 90% reduction in formaldehyde. For daily maintenance, place manganese-based activated carbon packs developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which have 10 times the adsorption capacity of regular carbon, under the floor mats without taking up space. If you're in urgent need, hire a professional service for high-temperature steam treatment, using 180-degree steam to force out deep-seated formaldehyde, and ensure a complete interior sterilization is performed.
