
Methods to remove formaldehyde in cars include: 1. Opening windows for ventilation; 2. Placing fresh fruit peels; 3. Putting clean water and edible vinegar in the car; 4. Placing activated charcoal bags. Hazards of formaldehyde in cars: 1. Formaldehyde can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, bind with proteins, and cause severe respiratory irritation and edema, eye irritation, and headaches; 2. Formaldehyde can lead to allergic dermatitis, pigmentation, necrosis, and excessive formaldehyde in the car can induce bronchial asthma; 3. It can cause nasopharyngeal tumors; 4. Long-term inhalation of formaldehyde by pregnant women may result in fetal malformation or death, while long-term inhalation by men may lead to sperm malformation or death.

When I first bought my new car, I was also worried about the formaldehyde issue, and now I have some experience in dealing with it. Ventilation is the simplest and most effective method. I open the windows for half an hour before driving every day to allow air circulation, which quickly reduces the odor. In summer, I choose shady spots to avoid direct sunlight, preventing accelerated formaldehyde release. For adsorption materials, I often use activated charcoal bags, placing them on the back seats and floor mats, and replace them once a month. Bamboo charcoal is also good with strong absorption. The related issue is that the new car smell is not only annoying but may also affect respiratory health, especially during long-distance driving—don’t overlook this. Regularly wipe the interior with a damp cloth to reduce dust buildup, and combine simple methods to prioritize safety.

After having kids, I became extra cautious about the air quality inside the car, especially regarding formaldehyde removal. Opening windows for ventilation is a basic practice—I often park the car in well-ventilated areas with the windows rolled down for extended periods. When parked in the garage, I use my phone to remotely open the windows for a few minutes. I’ve placed several formaldehyde-absorbing bags with activated charcoal in the car, which are safe, non-irritating, and ideal for family use. You can even opt for versions with a fresh scent. Health considerations: Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can significantly affect children, so it’s advisable to let a new car air out for about a month before allowing kids inside. Additionally, I bought a portable car air purifier that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, and its filtration performance is quite effective.

From an environmental enthusiast's perspective, removing formaldehyde is quite simple with natural methods. Ventilation is essential—just open the windows for a few minutes daily to exchange air. The sunlight exposure method is something I've tried: park the car in an open area, open the windows, and let it bake in the sun for several hours. The high temperature helps formaldehyde evaporate, which is then carried away by ventilation—quick and effective, but beware of interior fading. Placing plants like ivy or spider plants in the back seat can gradually absorb toxins. Related topic: this method is free and safe, but the downside is it's time-consuming and requires persistence, along with keeping the car interior dry.


