4 Tips for Removing Odor From Your Vehicle

Eliminating unpleasant odors lingering inside your vehicle’s cabin can be challenging, often requiring a lot of effort. While some smells can be removed by following the tips below, there are instances where the source of the odor can be tricky to locate, and eliminating the smell is only possible with professional help from a car detailing service specializing in odor removal.

Car Detailing: 4 Tips For Odor Removal From Your Vehicle’s Cabin

1. Locate the Source of the Odor

Unpleasant odors inside your vehicle can be caused by different sources, some of which are easy to identify and remove, like pet odors, food, cigarette smoke, or a bag of dirty gym clothes. However, some scents are more difficult to diagnose and require more effort to eliminate. For example, fluids that seeped into the upholstery, especially milk, blocked air conditioning drains, old cabin air filters, and water leaks are elusive sources of unpleasant smells.
 

Addressing these issues may require more effort, including a professional vehicle interior detailing service or a certified technician, but it’s important to tackle them nevertheless. 

2. Start With a Thorough Cleaning

After searching the entire interior for the source of the smell and removing it, take out the floor mats and wash them thoroughly. Use clean microfiber towels, as they won’t scratch delicate surfaces or leave any lint behind, and a specialized cleaning solution designed for vehicle interiors to wipe down the surfaces.
 

Avoid using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage your car’s upholstery, anti-glare/anti-fingerprint coatings, and touchscreen. Avoid scrubbing the leather seats too hard, as it may wear off the protective finish. 

3. Use Odor Absorbers and Deodorize

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been used for ages to minimize odors around the house. It reacts with acidic odors and neutralizes them. To use it in your vehicle, sprinkle baking soda over the carpets and floors once they are dry. Leave it overnight, and then vacuum the interior and carpets.
 

You can also leave an open container of ground coffee or a chunk of charcoal under a seat to absorb smells. 

4. Rely on the Professionals

If you want to simplify your life and get rid of the smell once and for all without spending hours cleaning your car or relying on unsatisfactory home remedies, trust professionals. Professional car detailers are skilled in removing unpleasant odors from your vehicle’s cabin using expert cleaning techniques and appropriate cleaning products that won’t damage the interior.

If you’re looking for a much easier and hassle-free solution to remove unpleasant smells from your car’s cabin, head to Seattle Auto Detail and Tint today. Our detailing specialists will provide a complete interior cleaning and a complimentary car wash, ensuring that every inch of your car’s interior is thoroughly cleaned and odor-free.