The secret to removing bad odors from your car
Say goodbye to unpleasant odors in your car! Here we present the foolproof methods to eliminate them. When it comes to cars, both the exterior and interior are important.
While there are many cleaning products available for your car, not all of them can eliminate the stubborn smells that linger in hard-to-reach places. To perform a thorough cleaning, you need a little extra help. Some of the odors in the car’s interior are unavoidable and can become persistent over time.
What produces the bad smell in your car?
During its use, the car generates gases and uses substances that produce unique odors. However, these odors should not penetrate the passenger compartment unless the doors and windows have cracks.
Similarly, components such as tires, rubbers, and plastics in a car can produce unpleasant odors over time, due to usage and poor hygiene practices.
Additionally, strong or unpleasant odors can indicate issues such as clogged ventilation ducts, a need for an oil change, gasoline burning in the combustion chambers, or leaks. This information was mentioned in an article by Mitsubishi Motors.
External factors like humidity, mold and dust can also contribute to your vehicle retaining unpleasant odors in the carpets, seats and upholstery.
Similarly, be aware that tobacco smoke can seep into vents and permeate interior panels. If you smoke, or if one of your passengers does, remember to empty the ashtrays and roll down the windows to circulate the air.
Check to ensure that the odor is not coming from between the seats, under the floor mats, in the glove compartment, in the trunk, or that it has not been carried in by the sole of a shoe or by food remnants.
Tricks to remove bad odors from your car
If you have already checked and confirmed that your car does not have any mechanical issues causing the odor and it still persists, it’s time to try the trusted solution of using a glass of ammonia.
Ammonia is an excellent substance for absorbing unpleasant and difficult-to-remove odors. Its chemical composition makes it an effective cleaning aid. Although its use is simple, caution must be taken.
Another effective trick is to use baking soda. Mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste, and apply it to carpets, upholstery, and any other surfaces that may be stained and causing odors. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up the next day. This will help remove any odor-causing substances and leave your car smelling fresh.
If the source of your odor problem is tobacco smoke, simply wet a cloth with water and vinegar and use it to wipe down the upholstery. You can also use this opportunity to clean the dashboard, steering wheel, and ashtray.
Finally, you can try placing pieces of activated charcoal, which have a strong absorption capacity. Simply leave a few pieces under the seats and floor mats to reduce odors. The odors in your car reflect your maintenance and cleaning practices. If you notice a strange scent, don’t ignore it and start searching for the source in order to take action as soon as possible.
