Discover 5 effective methods to eliminate car odours, including spills, leaks and smoke smells. Professional services are also available for a fresh interior.

How To Remove Bad Odours From Your Car : 5 Tips

There’s nothing quite as pleasant as that new car smell, reminiscent of fresh upholstery and pristine interiors. However, when the delightful smell of a new vehicle slowly fades, it can often leave behind less-than-pleasant odours from previous occupants.

From dropped food crumbs to spilt drinks, lingering cigarette smoke, and the aftermath of transporting furry companions, these common car odours can stubbornly cling to your vehicle, making it less inviting for both you and your passengers.

While banishing nasty car odours can seem like an uphill battle, it’s not an impossible feat. Whether you find yourself playing detective to identify the source of an unpleasant smell or seeking a remedy for your own mishap, we’ve compiled 5 practical tips to cleanse your vehicle and restore that fresh, inviting scent once more.

Where Do Smells Hide in Vehicles?

Unpleasant vehicle odours often seem elusive, lingering long after attempts to freshen the interior. Understanding where these odours hide is key to eliminating them and restoring a pleasant driving environment.

Here are some common hiding spots for car odours :

• Upholstery and Carpeting: Odours can become trapped in the fibres of upholstery and carpeting, especially in areas where spills or accidents have occurred.
• Air Vents and HVAC System:Mould, mildew, and bacteria can thrive in the damp environment of air vents and the HVAC system, circulating unpleasant odours throughout the car.
• Headliners and Ceiling Fabric: Over time, odours from smoke, food, or pets can permeate the headliner and ceiling fabric, lingering even after surface cleaning.
• Trunk and Cargo Areas:Spills, leaks, and forgotten items in the trunk or cargo area can create lingering odours that spread throughout the vehicle.
• Underneath Seats and Between Cushions: Small food particles, spilt drinks, or pet hair can accumulate underneath seats and between cushions, emitting odours as they decompose.
• Dashboard and Interior Panels:Dust, dirt, and spills on the dashboard and interior panels can harbour odours, especially in hard-to-reach crevices.
• Floor Mats and Floorboard:Spills and dirt can seep into floor mats and the floorboard, leading to persistent odours if not properly cleaned and deodorised.

Five Methods to Remove Smells from Your Car :

Unpleasant odours in your car can quickly turn an enjoyable drive into a less-than-pleasant experience. Whether it’s the lingering scent of spilt coffee, the remnants of fast food meals, or the unmistakable aroma of cigarette smoke, dealing with unwanted smells is a common challenge for car owners.

Fortunately, several effective methods exist for eliminating odours and freshening up your vehicle’s interior. From household remedies to professional treatments, here are five tried-and-tested methods to banish bad smells from your car for good.

1. Baking Soda (and Vinegar) :

Baking soda is a versatile and affordable solution for neutralising odours in your car. To use baking soda effectively, dampen the affected area (such as upholstery or carpeting), sprinkle baking soda generously, and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight.

The baking soda will absorb odours, leaving your car smelling fresh. For solid surfaces, you can create a powerful cleaning solution by mixing baking soda with vinegar and using it to scrub away odours and stains.

2. Charcoal :

Charcoal is known for its ability to absorb odours, making it an excellent natural deodoriser for your car. Simply place a bag of charcoal briquettes in your car overnight and let them work their magic. Charcoal is highly porous, effectively trapping and neutralising a wide range of odours, leaving your car smelling clean and fresh.

3. Ozone Generator :

An ozone generator is a powerful tool for eliminating odours and sanitising your car’s interior. Ozone, a naturally occurring gas, can penetrate fabrics, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas, neutralising odours and killing bacteria and viruses. Ozone generators are particularly effective for removing stubborn odours, such as smoke or pet smells, and can leave your car smelling fresh and clean.

4. Wet/Dry Vacuum :

A wet/dry vacuum is essential for deep-cleaning your car’s upholstery and carpeting and removing embedded odours. Use the vacuum to thoroughly clean and extract dirt, grime, and odours from these surfaces, paying particular attention to areas where spills or accidents may have occurred. By deep-cleaning your car’s interior, you can effectively remove odours and restore a fresh, clean scent to your vehicle.

5. Take it to the Professionals :

If all else fails, it may be time to enlist the help of professional cleaners. Professional car detailing services have the expertise, experience, and specialised equipment to tackle even the toughest odours and leave your car looking and smelling like new. From steam cleaning to ozone treatments, professional cleaners offer a range of services to suit your needs and budget, ensuring your car receives the thorough cleaning it deserves.

How Espresso Car Wash Can Help

Espresso Car Wash is New Zealand’s leading professional car hand wash & grooming provider. We offer a variety of premium 100% hand wash and car grooming services that will fit your needs and your budget.

Unlike regular car washes that only surface clean your vehicle, our expert technicians will remove stains, swirl marks and blemishes, restore the shine to your headlights and paintwork and leave your car in its best possible condition.

If you want to save on time and potentially costly repairs, let the experts at Espresso Car Wash restore your care to its showroom look and feel once more. With locations in major shopping centres across New Zealand, you can shop or catch up with friends while your vehicle is professionally restored.

Book online today or visit your nearest Espresso Car Wash branch.