How to Get Rid of Odour in Your Car?

The hot Australian climate can compound the issues and make it even worse. If you’re wondering how to get rid of the smell in a car, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are 5 powerful DIY hacks you can do at home to remove car odours fast and keep your vehicle smelling fresh.

Identifying the Smell

The first thing is to be sure that the smell doesn’t have anything to do with your car’s upkeep or maintenance. If you’re smelling a petrol smell, it could be a dangerous leak that should be checked immediately. Anything that smells like burning could be coming from your tires, clutch or other engine parts and should also be handled by a professional mechanic. If the smells you’re dealing with are run-of-the-mill (food, sweat, mildew), then chances are, they can be eliminated with regular cleaning.

Vacuum

The first thing to try may seem obvious, but vacuuming can take a lot of grit and grime out of your interior. A good vacuuming with an upholstery attachment can eliminate many surface-level odours. Make sure to take special care with the seat cracks and the floor beneath the passenger and drivers seats. If you’re dealing with wet upholstery smells, try a steam cleaner.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for spot cleaning. It works well for any unfortunate spills that have hit your seats or floors. Sprinkle on a bit of this pantry staple, lightly rub it in and leave it to work for a few hours. Once the spill has been absorbed, you can vacuum up the remaining baking soda and be left with a clean smelling car.

Charcoal

If you’ve done a deep clean and still can’t seem to get rid of a lingering odour, you can always turn to charcoal. These briquettes actually absorb odours and are great for those smells that you can’t seem to get rid of. Pop one in your cup holder for a few days until you notice the smell has simply disappeared. You can use activated charcoal or barbeque products that don’t contain flammable.

Vinegar

This is a chemical-free way to eliminate bad odours. Create a mix of warm water and white vinegar to fight tough stains and smells. Using a cloth, scrub the solution into upholstery and leave it to soak in and dry. It will go deep beneath the surface and get to the odours living inside the fabric. It can also be used on other interior panels, just make sure to wipe it clean after.

Bring It to a Professional Car Wash: The Best Way to Remove Bad Smells from Your Car

If your at-home methods aren’t cutting it and you have odours that you just can’t shake, bring it to the pros and save yourself the headache. At Magic Hand Carwash, our interior cleaning experts can make quick work of eliminating odours and you’ll leave with a shiny, fresh-smelling car. Visit your nearest location today!
We have Magic Hand Carwash locations across Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Hobart—ready to help you remove car odours fast.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get Rid of Odour in Your Car?

1. What are the first steps to take when trying to get rid of a bad smell in my car?

Before attempting DIY solutions, it’s crucial to identify the source. Check for dangerous smells like petrol (indicating a leak) or burning (suggesting issues with tires, clutch, or engine). If these persist, consult a professional mechanic immediately. For common odors like food, sweat, or mildew, start with a thorough cleaning.

2.  Can vacuuming alone effectively remove car odors?

Yes, a good vacuuming with an upholstery attachment can eliminate many surface-level odors by removing grit and grime from your car’s interior. Pay special attention to seat cracks and the floor beneath seats. For wet upholstery smells, consider using a steam cleaner.

3. How can baking soda help eliminate car odors?

Baking soda is excellent for spot cleaning spills. Sprinkle it on the affected area, lightly rub it in, and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the spill and odor. Afterward, simply vacuum up the remaining baking soda for a cleaner-smelling car.

4. Is charcoal effective for persistent car odors?

Absolutely! Charcoal briquettes (activated charcoal or unscented barbeque charcoal) are great for absorbing lingering odors that deep cleaning might not eliminate. Place a briquette in your cup holder for a few days, and you’ll notice the smell gradually disappear.

5. Can vinegar be used as a chemical-free solution for car odors and stains?

Yes, a mixture of warm water and white vinegar is a chemical-free way to fight tough stains and odors. Apply the solution to upholstery with a cloth, letting it soak in and dry to penetrate deep into the fabric. It can also be used on other interior panels, just remember to wipe them clean afterward.

6. When should I consider professional car odor removal?

If your at-home methods aren’t cutting it and you still have persistent odors you can’t shake, it’s best to bring your car to professionals like Magic Hand Carwash. Their interior cleaning experts can efficiently eliminate stubborn odors and leave your car smelling fresh.

7. Where can I find professional car odor removal services from Magic Hand Carwash in Australia?

Magic Hand Carwash has locations across Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Hobart, ready to serve you to remove car odors fast and effectively. Visit their nearest location today!