17 Ways to Keep Your Car Smelling Good All the Time

Your car is a personal space where you spend a lot of time. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or going on a road trip, you want your car to be a pleasant place to be. A bad smell can make even the shortest drive extremely unbearable. Whether it’s the lingering scent of fast food or a stale, musty odor, an unpleasant smell can make your driving experience uncomfortable and even affect your health. Fortunately, there are some ways to keep your car smelling fresh all the time. Let’s explore some of them.

1. Don’t Eat In The Car

It is important that you never eat in your car, no matter what. Always remember to avoid it at any cost. It is by far the most common way by which people get their cars smelly and generally dirty. Not eating in the car is the easiest habit you can immediately implement with low effort and can see a big difference from it. It is the action with the highest ROI.

2. Clean Your Air Vents

Air vents are the perfect place for dust and debris to accumulate. When the air blows through them, it can distribute unpleasant odors throughout your car. To clean your air vents, you can use a small brush or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any accumulated dust or debris.

3. Use an Air Freshener

Air fresheners come in many forms, including sprays, plug-ins, and vent clips. Choose one that you like the smell of and place it in your car. Be mindful not to overdo it, as too much fragrance can be overpowering and unpleasant. Also, try to avoid air fresheners that contain harsh chemicals.
If you’re not sure which one to choose, we can help you with that. Namely, Big’s Mobile Detailing provides every customer with a free air freshener after every service!

4. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can help eliminate unpleasant smells in your car. Sprinkle baking soda on your seats and carpets, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. You can also place an open box of baking soda in your car overnight to absorb any lingering smells.

5. Dryer Sheets and Fabric Fresheners

Dryer sheets and fabric fresheners can be used to freshen up the upholstery in your car. You can tuck a few dryer sheets under the seats or use a fabric freshener spray on the carpets and seats.

6. Clean the Air Conditioning System

Your car’s air conditioning system can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can cause unpleasant odors. To clean the system, turn off the engine and spray a disinfectant spray into the air intake vents while the air conditioning is on. This will kill any bacteria or mold and help keep your car smelling fresh.

7. Keep the Windows Open

If the weather permits, keeping the windows open while driving can help circulate fresh air and eliminate any stale or musty smells. This is especially important if you or your passengers smoke in the car, as the smell of smoke can linger for a long time.

8. Use Essential Oils

Using essential oils is a natural way to add fragrance to your car. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a cotton ball and place it in a cup holder or other convenient spot in your car. Lavender, peppermint, and lemon are all great options for a fresh, clean scent.

9. Scented Candles

Scented candles can also be used to freshen up your car. Choose a scent that you like and place the candle in a secure holder. Be careful not to leave the candle burning unattended.

10. Use Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are another natural odor absorber that can help keep your car smelling fresh. Place a small bowl of coffee grounds in your car and leave it overnight. The coffee grounds will absorb any unpleasant smells and leave your car smelling like a coffee shop.

11. Clean Up Spills Immediately

Spills and stains can cause unpleasant odors in your car, so it’s important to clean them up as soon as possible. Use a carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner to remove any stains, and then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Spills need to be quickly cleaned as they have a tendency of turning into molds, which can be dangerous and can make your car smell. Visit this article to know about ways to remove mold from car interiors.

12. Clean the Mats

Floor mats are another place where dirt and debris can accumulate, leading to unpleasant smells. Remove them from your car and shake them out to remove any loose dirt. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean the mats thoroughly. If the mats are particularly dirty, you can use a carpet cleaner to remove any stains.

13. Don’t Forget the Trunk

The trunk of your car can also be a source of unpleasant odors. Clean it out regularly and make sure to remove any wet or dirty items that could cause a bad smell. You can also place a small bag of charcoal in the trunk to absorb any odors.

14. Observe Clean Habits

One of the best ways to keep your car smelling good is to observe clean habits. Avoid eating in the car and dispose of any garbage promptly. Make sure to clean up any crumbs or spills right away, and avoid leaving wet items like towels or gym clothes in the car for too long.

15. Don’t Smoke in the Car

Smoking in the car is one of the quickest ways to create an unpleasant odor that can linger for a long time. If you must smoke, do it outside of the car to avoid filling it with the smell of smoke.

16. Freshen up the Upholstery

The upholstery in your car can absorb odors over time, especially if you have pets or frequently transport items with strong smells. To freshen up the upholstery, you can use a fabric freshener spray or sprinkle baking soda on the seats and carpets and vacuum it up after a few hours.

17. Consider Auto Detailing

If you don’t have the time or inclination to clean your car yourself, consider hiring an auto detailing service. Auto detailing services typically use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, and odors from every nook and cranny of your car. Not only will your car look and smell great after a detailing, but it will also help maintain the value of your vehicle over time.

17 Ways to Keep Your Car Smelling Good All the Time