Do you remember the smell of your new car? That fresh and clear scent which made every drive 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 smell fresh can be a real challenge.
You might find yourself wondering “How can I make my car smell good again?”. Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! With a few simple tips, you can keep your car smelling amazing and make every drive a pleasant experience.
Let’s dive in to refresh your ride!
Things to Avoid for an Odor-Free Car
Eating and Drinking Inside the Car:
Eating or Drinking inside a car 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.
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 in 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.
Not changing Cabin Air Filters
You might be aware about the fact that the 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.
Leaving Trash in the Car
Allowing trash to accumulate in the car, especially items like food wrappers, used tissues, containers can quickly lead to unpleasant odors. If you want your car to smell fresh - use a small dedicated trash can in your car to manage your waste more effectively and keep your car’s interior fresh and odor-free.
6 Ways to Make Your Car Smell Good
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 thoroughly - making 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.
Use Bamboo Charcoal Bags
Bamboo charcoal bags are an excellent natural solution to neutralize 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 them in direct sunlight for at least 1 hour.
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 practiced by many people to make car smell good without air freshener. Lemon, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Cinnamon are few options for a fresh and clear scent.
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 seats. This easy DIY trick will make your life easier and car cleaner!
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is a key to ensure that your car stays smelling great. Start by regular cleaning habits and placing a small trash bin in your car to prevent litter from piling up. Use washable seats, covers and mats that are easy to clean. Most importantly, don’t forget to dust and clean your air vents with a small brush or canned air to avoid the buildup of dust.
Consider Professional Detailing Services
Your car deserves pampering every now and then. Professional 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 vehicle 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.
Achieving a really 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 but will also transform every drive into a luxurious ride. Happy Driving!