We’ve all been there. You step into a friend’s car and catch a whiff of something sour-going-on-rancid. Maybe an old got sock left in the backseat or a half-finished yogurt became stuck under something and forgotten. Whatever it is, it’s awful. Luckily we’re going to give you some ideas on how to get rid of those odors fast. Our friends over at One Crazy House have 15 suggestions on getting rid of odors in your car. Maybe you can pass these tips onto your friend with the smelly car. Or just use ’em yourself.
Vacuum It Up
Most smells in your car — good or bad — are stuck to your upholstery. One of the best ways to remove a bad smell is to vacuum out your car, especially the seats. Use as powerful a vacuum as you can, because the stronger vacuums pull out more small particles holding the odors in the fabrics. Plus, as you vacuum, you may find the *ahem* culprit that was stinking your vehicle up in the first place! This is an especially good tip for parents with small children who may have conveniently “forgotten” an item in the back seat, like food or smelly clothes.
Check for Mold
That’s right: Mold may be the reason your vehicle smells. We get it. The idea of breathing in mold particulates is pretty gross, right? So check your vehicle. Clean your vents. Try an air-conditioner odor treatment. But whatever you do, don’t let that potential mold smell linger around.
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DIY Odor Removers
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your vehicle and eliminated clothing, food, drinks, or other items that might be the odor-causing culprit, there are a ton of DIY solutions in the article linked above, and the easiest may be the jelly jar filled with scented candle wax: Drop scented wax cubes in a jar, then screw on the lid. Punch holes in the lid, and then set the jar in one of your cupholders. As the wax warms, it releases its fragrance into the car.
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