What Causes a Foul Smell in the Car
2 Answers
It may be due to insects or animals falling into the air conditioning ducts or dying in the engine compartment. Here are the solutions: 1. Car deodorizers and activated charcoal bags: Car deodorizers and activated charcoal bags are the most cost-effective methods to eliminate odors inside the car. Although this requires a relatively long process, tests have shown that their deodorizing effects are much better than traditional methods. However, it's important to note that these deodorizers or charcoal bags have an adsorption limit. For example, deodorizers need to be replaced after a period of use, while charcoal bags require regular exposure to sunlight to restore their activity. This is essentially a process of "transferring" odors, so persistence is key—don't give up halfway. 2. Car air purifiers: There are many types of car air purifiers available on the market. Their purification methods generally fall into two categories: "filter" purification and "ion cluster" purification. The former mainly uses a fan to draw air into the machine, filtering and purifying the air through multiple layers of filters and activated charcoal. Ion cluster purification, on the other hand, involves an ion generator emitting ion clusters into the air to actively purify it. Higher-end car air purifiers even feature triple-layer filters like HESA and HEPA, along with UV sterilization functions. 3. Professional sterilizing deodorants: With the continuous advancement of technology, many professional sterilizing deodorants specifically designed for car odors have emerged on the market. These differ from ordinary air fresheners due to their unique formulations. Most of these sterilizing deodorants can kill mold and bacteria while eliminating smoke, musty smells, and other odors. Some products require use with the air conditioning system, while others can be sprayed directly inside the car. However, it's important to note that some products should not be sprayed directly on leather surfaces. 4. Photocatalyst/gas catalyst: Photocatalyst and gas catalyst deodorizing methods differ from typical adsorption techniques. They involve a chemical reaction process that breaks down odors like formaldehyde and smoke. Although their prices are relatively higher, their effects are very noticeable. Both methods require thoroughly cleaning the car interior before using specialized tools to spray the mist-like catalyst into every corner. However, photocatalysts require sunlight to work, while gas catalysts can be used in any environment, making them more convenient.
I find the unpleasant odor in the car quite annoying, and I've encountered it frequently before—it's usually caused by mold growing in the AC system. Especially after using the AC in summer without turning it off, the evaporator gets damp, allowing mold to grow and produce a musty smell. Sometimes, forgetting to clean up food residues in the car, like chips or fruit peels under the seats, can lead to a sour, rotten smell after a few days. It could also be pet urine if an animal sneaks into the car, or cigarette ash falling on the carpet, making the smell hard to dissipate. I recommend checking the cabin air filter regularly and replacing it every six months, and using the external air circulation mode more often when parked. For dirty interiors, spray some alcohol and wipe them down to disinfect, and empty the trash bin daily—don’t leave it overnight. Once, my car had a dead rodent smell, and I discovered a small animal had hidden in the engine bay and died—it took a long time to clean it up. In short, maintaining cleanliness is key, and if the smell persists, consider getting a professional interior cleaning and sanitizing service.
