
There are three methods to remove odors from car interiors: 1. Place items that emit a pleasant fragrance or bamboo charcoal bags in the car. Examples include fruits or fruit peels, car perfumes, agarwood pendants, etc. Alternatively, you can place fruits or fruit peels like orange peels, pomelo peels, or lemons in the car. These fruits release their distinctive aromas, which can freshen the air. Additionally, purchasing bamboo charcoal bags can help absorb harmful substances and odors in new cars. 2. Ozone sterilization, high-temperature steam disinfection, and photocatalytic disinfection. Visit a car detailing shop for odor removal, with photocatalytic disinfection being the most effective method, though it is also more expensive. Ozone sterilization and high-temperature steam disinfection are relatively much cheaper, allowing you to choose the appropriate cleaning method for your car. 3. Use a car air purifier. Car air purifiers can filter the air inside the vehicle, with higher-quality products offering more noticeable filtration effects. However, due to their limited size, the cleaning efficiency of car air purifiers is also quite limited.

I find the smell of new cars or lingering food odors particularly annoying, and my solution is quite straightforward. First, it's essential to ventilate by opening the windows. On a sunny day, I roll down all four windows and drive on the highway for half an hour—UV rays help kill bacteria and eliminate odors. I also leave a small gap in the window when parked for ventilation. Additionally, activated charcoal bags are highly effective. I place four or five under the seats and in the trunk, replacing them every two weeks, and they noticeably absorb formaldehyde. For stubborn mildew smells, I use a mix of white vinegar and water to wipe down seats and carpets, neutralizing odors without damaging the interior. I also make it a habit to vacuum food crumbs from corners weekly to prevent bacterial growth. In summer, avoid leaving fruits or drinks in the car, as the fermented smell from high temperatures is harder to remove. Sticking to these methods has kept the air in my car much fresher.

Last time I bought a used car, the smell was overwhelming, and I tried many methods. A car air purifier is essential—choose a model with a HEPA filter that automatically purifies while driving, effectively removing bacteria and smoke odors. I wrap coffee grounds in gauze and place them in the cup holder, replacing them every three days—it's more natural than air fresheners. For leather seats that develop a sour smell, I wipe them down with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, which removes odors and conditions the leather. Once, when my child spilled milk on the carpet, I sprinkled baking soda on it overnight and vacuumed it clean the next day. Remember to replace the cabin air filter every quarter—dirty filters can produce a musty smell when the air blows. Now, my car is practically odor-free, and friends always comment on how pleasant it smells when they get in.

Preventing odors in the car is key. When I worked at a 4S dealership, I learned a trick: remove the plastic seat covers immediately after getting a new car, otherwise formaldehyde gets trapped inside and can't dissipate. Make it a habit to use the air conditioning's external circulation mode, which ventilates three times faster than internal circulation. Wipe the steering wheel and floor mats with a damp cloth weekly—sweat and grease are major odor sources. Remove any leftover food from the car fridge the same day; spilled yogurt can stink for half a month. Opening the sunroof after parking in the sun is highly effective, as high temperatures help break down harmful gases. Place bamboo charcoal bags behind the dashboard and replace them every six months. If you notice odors, avoid chemical air fresheners—they actually pollute the air.


