Inside the car interior, unpleasant odors of food, animals, dirt and other types can develop; luckily, you can easily deodorize it in a few simple steps. Wash the car thoroughly and apply substances that absorb stinks; if you notice a potentially dangerous one, such as petrol, contact a professional immediately. However, most odor-related problems can be solved without the intervention of a mechanic or professional cleaner.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Car
Step 1. Look for the source of the bad smell
If you notice an unpleasant smell, look for the possible cause; look on the floor for dirty clothes, food, or liquid residue. Do not neglect the area under the seats, the various compartments or the cup holders and the trunk.
Step 2. Throw away anything that generates stink
Grab a large garbage bag and throw away any smelly items like food wrappers, old handkerchiefs and everything in between. If magazines and newspapers get damp, they can release a stale smell; remove items that are not needed to limit the stench.
Step 3. Use the vacuum cleaner to clean the interior
Make sure you treat every corner of the car, including the floor under the mats, the carpet and under the seats. Also clean the seats themselves; choose a vacuum cleaner accessory that can penetrate the cracks or seams between the seats to remove all traces of dirt.
You can use a small manual appliance if you have one, but if you do, it's worth going to the car wash and taking advantage of the large industrial vacuums. These machines are generally equipped with small spouts that allow you to carefully eliminate any residue that generates bad smells
Step 4. Get rid of all stains and traces of liquid from the upholstery
If you notice splashes and dirt while vacuuming, purchase a commercial carpet cleaner or shampoo at the grocery store and apply the product to the car floor following the instructions on the package. Rub the area with a soft cloth or sponge and then rinse the material.
- Most soaps need to be diluted with water before use.
- Remember to test a small, hidden corner of the upholstery first to make sure the cleaner does not damage the material.
Step 5. Scrub the non-woven surfaces
In addition to taking care of the areas covered by the upholstery, dust and wash the hard ones like the dashboard; get rid of any stains and traces of liquid using an all-purpose cleaner.
You should always try the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the car to make sure it does not damage it
Part 2 of 3: Apply Deodorant Substances
Step 1. Spray the vents with a cleaner designed for the air conditioner
Over time, dirt accumulates in these elements causing a bad smell. Remember to treat the air conditioning system when you deodorize the car by buying a specific product at the hardware store; spray the substance into the vents to minimize stinks.
Step 2. Place a packet of dryer sheet fabric softener inside the cabin
Fill a container with these slips and store it somewhere in the machine; the product absorbs bad odors while releasing a pleasant scent. Do this after washing the car.
Step 3. Treat the interior with white vinegar
Mix it with an equal dose of water and spray it on smelly surfaces; soak the area and let the vinegar penetrate the surfaces. Then use a brush or other similar tool to scrub; in this way, the passenger compartment should have a much fresher smell.
Step 4. Choose a pet deodorant
Contains specific enzymes that are designed to lift and eliminate animal odor. The methods of use vary according to the brand of the specific product, but generally it is enough to spray the substance on the stain and let it act for a certain period; at the end rinse the area.
Test a hidden corner of the upholstery first to make sure the deodorant does not stain or damage the material
Step 5. Sprinkle the seats and fabrics with baking soda
It is a very effective product for removing a wide range of odors, as it absorbs them naturally. All you have to do is spread it on the areas to be treated and let it act for a few hours or all night; when finished you can remove it with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 6. Leave a container of coffee beans in the machine
Put 200 g of coffee in a container and leave it in the passenger compartment; in this way odors are absorbed. You can also use grounds or ground coffee but if the container were to tip over, it would dirty the upholstery a lot.
Part 3 of 3: Contact a Professional
Step 1. Recognize smells that indicate a problem
The fish-like one could signal a loss of antifreeze, while those coming from the heating and air conditioning system could be a symptom of a mechanical problem. These are all potentially dangerous situations that require repairs; if you notice these stinks, take the vehicle to a mechanical workshop.
Step 2. Call a professional if you smell gasoline
If you perceive the classic stench of fuel in the passenger compartment, do not try to solve the problem on your own; it could be very dangerous, since there could be a leak somewhere in the system. Do not drive the car, but call the mechanic immediately for advice.
Step 3. See a professional cleaner for the smell of tobacco
Generally, you can't get rid of this type of stench without professional help, as even the most thorough cleaning can't help it dissipate; in this case, take the vehicle to a specialized car wash for a specific treatment.
