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.
If you are struggling with that unpleasant, lingering question of how to get stale smell out of car (often caused by forgotten food or spills) the solution lies in a multi-step attack targeting both the fabric and the air system. Start by deeply vacuuming your carpets and seats, then treat all porous surfaces with natural odor absorbers like baking soda or a white vinegar solution to neutralize trapped mildew and spills. Critically, to permanently get the stale smell out of car, you must address the HVAC system by replacing the cabin air filter and using an A/C cleaning fogger to eliminate the source of mustiness growing inside the air vents.
Is the Smell Dangerous? First Steps to Identify the Odour Source
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.
DIY Odour Removal Hack 1: Vacuum Deeply
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.
DIY Odour Removal Hack 2: Use Baking Soda for Spot Cleaning
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.
DIY Odour Removal Hack 3: Activated Charcoal for Lingering Smells
If you’ve done a deep clean and still can’t seem to get rid of a lingering odour, turn to charcoal. These briquettes actually absorb odours. Pop one (activated or unscented BBQ charcoal) in your cup holder or under a seat for a few days until the smell has simply disappeared.” (Slightly shorter, clarifies the type of charcoal).
DIY Odour Removal Hack 4: The Vinegar Solution (Chemical-Free)
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.
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Professional Car Odour Removal
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 (FAQs) on Car Odour Removal
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.
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.
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