Is a bad odor hanging over your car? You can get rid of the smell!
Credit: Philip Mason | ©Philip Mason - SXC
It Stinks!
Have you ever owned a brand new car and wished you could keep your car smelling new forever? There are air fresheners that smell just like a brand new car, but they aren’t the answer if your car has developed a terrible odor. Air fresheners are fine if your car smells clean to begin with, but if you’ve forgotten food, bait, or other perishable items inside your car, all of the air freshener for sale in the store won’t get rid of the stench.Try the following methods to get rid of a bad odor in your car. You’ll save yourself a great deal of money over hiring a professional, and your car will smell fresh and clean once again. You can get rid of the odor yourself!
Clean it First!
You can’t get rid of a bad odor if the source of the odor is still present, so make certain the offending substance is completely gone. Soak up as much liquid as possible with paper towels, and clean the area with a power steamer. If you don’t have access to a power steamer, clean the soiled area with a top-quality cleaning product of your choice.
The biggest mistake people can make when cleaning a terribly odorous substance from a car is not allowing the area to dry completely before closing the vehicle. Allow the car to air out for as long as possible, preferably outside. If weather is a factor, air the car out inside a garage, but whatever you do, don’t close it up until the freshly cleaned area is absolutely dry.
Charcoal
After the mess has been properly cleaned and the carpet or fabric is completely dry, set an open bag of charcoal in the car. Charcoal is one of the best natural products you can use to absorb and get rid of odors, and after your car smells fresh and clean, you can still use the charcoal for outdoor grilling.
Coffee Grounds
Many truck drivers use coffee grounds to get rid of bad odors from their trailers after hauling fresh onions and other strong smelling loads. As the coffee grounds dry, they absorb odors and leave behind nothing more than the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
Vinegar
Comments
Sorry I didn't notice your comment sooner, JAS. If it still smells it isn't completely clean. Have you tried everyting I suggested? Ground coffee really does work wonders. For anyone with a smelly vehicle problem, give it a try, but you have to completely clean away the mess or you'll only cover up the smell. Take it one step at a time, and it should work.
JAS
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/02/2009
we just got home from buying shrimp off the boat. They spilled on the way home and my new car now smells like shrimp. We have cleaned it left windows open and it still smells. Can anyone help me out with suggestions for getting the smell out.
we'll see...
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/07/2008
someone said to use vinigar. I just used it I will let you guys know in a few days if it works.
Sabrina Bitch
(Guest)
(Guest)
10/14/2008
YO i just wanted to give a shoutout to my friends at associatedKontent thanks for the sweet tips, I just used it in my 68 Cadillac and it took all those smells right out.
Lorik
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/31/2008
Great ideas. I also read about an activated carbon odor absorber called Innofresh AUTO ODOR ELIMINATOR, so I tried it for a combination of smoke odor and spilled milk? Well, it worked incredibly well. I had tried lots of different things before and I really don't like those fragranced air fresheners (besides read the warning statements). Instead, this little carbon odor absorber is totally fragrance free so it actually gets rid of the smell. I strongly recommend it. I checked on line and you can also get it at Checker auto, Schucks, Kragen auto and Murrays. Probably also online I'd guess.
If you're car smells and you hate those fragrances like I do, then I suggest you also give this a try.
Stan Andy
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/05/2007
Great Golly! Coffee Grounds Worked Wonders!
Thanks for writing this. My husband left the windows down in our car, which got rained in heavily for hours overnight. He then left the windows up all day when he parked the car at work. I cannot describe the stench when I next opened the door other than to compare it to a decomposing body. I will certainly try these!
Great Ideas! Thank You
This is wonderful! I am going to sneak these odor reducers into my friends car, maybe under the seats.
Great ideas! I once accidentally left a roast in my car for a few days (it had slipped under the seat on my way home from the grocery store). I never did get the odor completely out. Wish I'd known these helpful ideas! Thanks!
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