8 Easy Ways To Make Your Car Smell Good

Do you remember the smell of your new car? That fresh and clean scent makes every driver feel luxurious! Unfortunately, as time goes by, everyday use can replace that pleasant aroma with less pleasant odors. From pet smells to fast food, keeping your car smelling fresh can be a real challenge. 

You might find yourself wondering, “How can I make my car smell good all the time?” Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered with a few simple tips to keep your car smelling amazing and make every drive a pleasant experience. 

How to Make Your Car Smell Good Naturally

1. Start with Cleaning

Before you add any new scents or try DIY hacks, it’s important to remove any existing odors from your car.  

• Begin by removing all the trash, personal items, and unnecessary objects from your car and vacuum the interior thoroughly. Make sure to reach all the corners. 
• For a deeper clean, clean the upholstery with a fabric cleaner or any specialized cleaner for leather seats. 

These steps will help to eliminate existing odors and give you a fresh starting point to add new pleasant smells. 

2. Use Bamboo Charcoal Bags

Bamboo charcoal bags are an excellent natural solution to neutralize the odor of your car’s interior without overwhelming scents. 

The bamboo charcoal bags work by absorbing moisture and odors from the air. You can place a few bags in the trunk or under the seats to keep your car’s smell fresh. This bag can be recharged and reused after placing it in direct sunlight for at least 1 hour. 

3. Add Pleasant Smells

Once you’ve eliminated all the bad smells, it’s time to add some pleasant aroma. 

Car Air Fresheners

You can find 100s of options for air fresheners, including sprays, hanging air fresheners to vent clips. Choose the smell that you like and place it in your car. But be mindful of using it as fresheners contain chemicals and can be overpowering.

Essential Oils

Take a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place it under your seat or in the cup holder. This works as an excellent natural freshener and is practiced by many people to make cars smell good without an air freshener.

Lemon, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Cinnamon are a few options for a fresh and clean scent.

Related article: 5 Types of Car Air Fresheners: Which One is Right For You?

4. Baking Soda

You might have heard this a million times, and it’s worth repeating! Baking soda is a game changer to make your car smell good naturally. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and works wonders without overwhelming scents.

Simply sprinkle some baking soda on your car seats and carpets, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. If you want ongoing freshness, place an open box of baking soda under the seats. This easy DIY trick will make your life easier and your car cleaner!  

5. Regular Maintenance

• Set a regular cleaning habit and place a small trash bin in your car to prevent litter from piling up. 
• Clean up the spills immediately
• Use washable seats, covers, and mats that are easy to clean. 
• Don’t forget to dust and clean your air vents with a small brush or canned air to avoid the buildup of dust.

6. Clean the Air Conditioning System

The air conditioning system of your car can often trap and circulate unwanted odors. 

In order to clean the AC, you can:

• Buy AC cleaner sprays that are designed to disinfect and deodorize the vents. Spray it into the intake vent and run the system to let it circulate. 
• Regularly switch to fresh air mode instead of recirculation mode to pull in cleaner air from outside.
• Check and replace the cabin air filter regularly. A clogged or dirty filter can reduce airflow and contribute to poor air quality inside your car.

7. Clean the Trunk

Many people have a habit of putting random things in their trunks and eventually forgetting about them, which leads to unpleasant odors. And if you use the trunk for groceries, gym bags, or pets, there is a high chance for odors to build up. 

• Empty the trunk of anything that doesn’t need to be there. 
• Vacuum the trunk floor and use a damp cloth or upholstery cleaner if you notice stains.
• Place any odor absorber, like baking soda or activated charcoal, in the trunk to keep it smelling fresh.

8. Consider Professional Detailing Services

Professional car detailing services can be another game-changing solution for you to maintain that fresh smell of your car. The detailing experts go beyond regular cleaning and tackle stubborn odors, giving your car a deep clean. 

From shampooing carpets to steam-cleaning upholstery and polishing every surface, detailing experts know all the tricks to make your car feel brand new again. It’s a great way to restore your ride and enjoy that luxurious, fresh car scent. 

Things to Avoid for an Odor-Free Car

1. Eating and Drinking Inside the Car:

Eating or drinking inside a car is a common habit for most of us, but it is a disaster when it comes to odors! 

Most people will eat and drink in their car out of convenience, but spills from food and beverages can seep into your car’s fabric, leading to stains and sour smells. And, imagine forgetting about the spilled food! It’s even worse because forgotten food items can rot and attract pests. So to maintain a fresh-smelling car, make it a habit to remove all the food and beverages after every trip, and don’t forget to clean up any spills immediately using appropriate cleaning products to prevent odors from setting in. 

2. Smoking or Vaping:

Smoking or vaping inside a car is the most common issue for an odor, as smoke particles embed themselves deeply into the carpets, upholstery, and even the AC. This results in a stale and lingering smell, which is difficult to eliminate. So, if you want to keep your car smelling fresh, avoid smoking inside the car to protect your interiors. 

Here’s a detailed guide on how to remove smoke smell from car.

3. Not Changing Cabin Air Filters

You might be aware of the fact that cabin air filters play a crucial role in maintaining air quality inside your car. If not replaced in time, these filters can become clogged with dust, which can then circulate bad odors through the ventilation system. Regularly changing the air filter ensures that the air inside your car remains fresh and clean. 

It is generally recommended to change the cabin air filter at intervals of every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, this may vary depending on the environment you are driving in and how the vehicle is used. 

4. Leaving Trash in the Car

Allowing trash to accumulate in the car, especially items like food wrappers, used tissues, and containers, can quickly lead to unpleasant odors. If you want your car to smell fresh naturally, use a small dedicated trash can in your car to manage your waste more effectively and keep your car’s interior clean and odor-free.

Achieving a fresh and clean-smelling car isn’t just a dream; it’s entirely possible with just a few mindful habits and DIY hacks. With these simple tips, you will not only know how to make the inside of your car smell good naturally but will also transform every drive into a luxurious ride!

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