What can be placed inside a new car to remove formaldehyde and odors?
3 Answers
Placing bamboo charcoal bags, car air purifiers, photocatalysts, etc. inside a new car can help remove formaldehyde and odors. Bamboo charcoal bags for formaldehyde removal: The bamboo charcoal in bamboo charcoal bags has a porous structure with strong adsorption capabilities, which can absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide inside the car, while also releasing natural minerals. Additionally, bamboo charcoal bags have excellent moisture absorption properties, helping to dehumidify, deodorize, and prevent mold in the car. Car air purifiers for formaldehyde removal: Car air purifiers can filter the air inside the vehicle, effectively removing not only formaldehyde but also significantly reducing PM2.5, TVOC, odors, bacteria, viruses, and other air pollutants, thereby creating a healthier in-car environment. Photocatalysts for formaldehyde removal: Photocatalysts are similar to air fresheners and come in liquid form, with titanium dioxide as the main component. Upon absorbing ultraviolet light from sunlight or artificial lighting, they undergo a reaction. The resulting photocatalytic substances can break down organic compounds and their nutrients, decomposing harmful substances in the air such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene into harmless water and carbon dioxide. This achieves air purification and effectively prevents mold, eliminates odors, and provides antibacterial and germicidal effects.
When I first bought the new car, the pungent smell gave me a headache. I tried placing activated charcoal bags under the seats and on the rear window ledge—they're quite effective at absorbing formaldehyde and are inexpensive; a box bought online can last for months. Ventilation is fundamental; I made it a habit to open the windows for half an hour every day, especially on sunny days when the heat accelerates air circulation. I also placed a spider plant in a pot, though its effect is slower, requiring frequent watering to maintain. Don’t trust those air freshener sprays; they might just mask the odor and could be harmful to health. The new car smell mainly comes from adhesives and plastics, with formaldehyde emissions potentially lasting up to six months, so remember to regularly clean or replace the activated charcoal to enhance its effectiveness. Combining these methods, the smell significantly reduced after two months.
For parents driving with kids, new car odor removal is a top priority. My first choice is activated charcoal bags placed in corners—safe, non-toxic, and quick to absorb. Ventilation is crucial; open windows during commutes for cross-ventilation, and parking in sunlight doubles the effect. I’ve heard placing green plants like pothos or aloe vera can help, but don’t rely too much on them, as their effect is limited in small car spaces. I’ve also used formaldehyde-removing gel boxes, available in supermarkets—simple to use but effectiveness varies. The key is not to rush into letting kids ride in the new car; ventilate for at least a few days first. Excessive formaldehyde can trigger allergies or respiratory discomfort, so patience is a must—health comes first.
