Removing Funky Car Odor
When the car gets smelly, find out the source and clean it up. (Photo Credits)
Stinky car smell can make a lasting impression. For someone who regularly allows other people into their car, unwanted car odors can definitely reflect on the car owner.
The website Consumer Reports came up with a very comprehensive guide into de-stinking one’s vehicle.
“First, the obvious: Toss any leftovers or trash before they can stink up the car, and wipe up or vacuum any dirt you’ve tracked in as soon as you can. If a spill happens while you’re driving, Pennington says, pull off the road safely and soak up any liquid with paper or cloth towels (keep some in the car) before it seeps into the car’s fabric. If the mess has hit the floor, remove the floor mats and shampoo them as soon as you can at a hand car wash or at home using a solution of water and detergent. Test the cleaner in a small area first to make sure it won’t stain. Household cleaners should work on most surfaces, but if necessary, buy a product designed for the surface you’re working on—carpet, leather, or vinyl—at an automotive supply shop.”
Read the continuation here.
When the odor worsens
The website YourMechanic.com says car owners should never skip scanning and cleaning their whole car when determining where the offensive scent is coming from.
“If you haven’t found the culprit and it’s not mechanical, take your car to a car wash and clean it thoroughly. You may have driven over a dead animal on the road or have a bird stuck in your car’s grille.”
Read the other possible sources of stinky smell here.
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DoItYourself.com meantime shared a homemade spray solution that will help make any vehicle smelling cleaner and fresher.
“Before proceeding with the car odor removal process, you will need to produce a homemade cleaning solution. To do this, combine 1 cup of white wine vinegar with 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle then shake the bottle until your cleaning solution has taken shape. If the stench you are trying to remove comes from vomit, produce a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup of ammonia with 1 cup of hot water. While you don’t necessarily need to use boiling water for this solution, the water should still be very hot. Once your cleaning solution is fully formed, you’ll be ready to begin the car odor removal process.”
Check out the whole recipe plus procedure here.
Keeping the car clean, and cleaning up spills and dirt right away are one of the best ways to ensure a clean-smelling car.