What to Put in a New Car to Quickly Remove Odors and Formaldehyde?
3 Answers
Methods to Remove Formaldehyde: Ozone is a highly oxidizing gas that can indeed decompose harmful gases inside the car. However, ozone is harmful to the human body, and harmful gases in the car are continuously emitted. Moreover, this highly oxidizing substance also has oxidizing effects on various components inside the car, and frequent use can damage the vehicle. Using activated carbon is also a good option: Activated carbon has a porous surface that can adsorb indoor odors and has a certain effect on pollution control. However, the treatment capacity of activated carbon is limited, and it will become saturated after about half a month of use, making it unable to continue working. To achieve the goal of pollution control, new carbon packs need to be replaced continuously, which invisibly increases the cost of treatment. The simplest method: Drive the car to a place where it does not affect anyone and where the sun can shine directly, open all the doors, and use the sun exposure method to remove odors. Continuous exposure for 2 hours, repeated 2-3 times, can remove carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the car as well as odors. This method is very effective. However, be aware of the damage caused by high temperatures to the car and pay attention to maintenance.
When I first got my new car, the strong smell inside was really overwhelming, and I was worried about formaldehyde affecting my health. To quickly tackle it, I recommend a three-pronged approach: Opening windows for ventilation is the top priority—open the sunroof and side windows for 20 minutes before each drive to let air circulate and carry away the odor sources. Place multiple activated charcoal or bamboo charcoal bags, tucking a few under the seats and in the corners of the trunk—they’re highly efficient at absorbing odors, and within three days, the smell noticeably fades. Pair this with some natural odor absorbers like sliced pineapple or lemon in a bowl, but don’t rely on them for formaldehyde removal. Health risk note: Excessive formaldehyde levels may cause dizziness or allergies, so avoid staying in the car with windows closed for long periods. For car maintenance, avoid exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight, as heat accelerates formaldehyde release. I stuck to this routine for a week—daily ventilation and replacing charcoal bags—and the smell was basically gone.
As an eco-conscious individual, I believe natural and harmless methods are best for eliminating new car odors. The most effective approach is to open the windows for ventilation. On sunny days, park under a tree and leave the windows open for half an hour—airflow directly dilutes formaldehyde. Placing small plants like pothos or spider plants on the dashboard also works wonders for air purification. You can also sprinkle used tea leaves or coffee grounds in the car to naturally absorb odors (though they don’t absorb formaldehyde). For safety, avoid chemical air fresheners—they mask the problem and can irritate the skin. On a health note: it’s common for new car materials to release odors, so reducing plastic interior items can prevent the issue at the source. After two weeks of this routine, the smell lightened up, and it’s hassle-free. A simple practice is ventilating for an hour each morning and evening, combined with natural materials—quick and worry-free.
