Whether it’s food, pets, sweat, or any odor-causing allergens or bacteria, using harsh chemicals in your car is not such a good idea since it can be dangerous and costly. Therefore, using natural, organic, and eco-friendly ways of car odor removal can reignite the freshness and comfort in the environment.
Natural and Eco-Friendly Car Odor Removal
In this blog by Stay Dry, Go Green, we have discussed various natural methods and ingredients that you can use to create a fresh fragrance in your car while eliminating any lingering foul smells.
Here are some of the tools/materials that you should gather:
Materials You Might Need | Tools You Might Need |
Baking soda White Vinegar Activated Charcoal Essential Oils Coffee Beans Citrus fruits’ peels | Sprinkler An empty Bottle Vacuum cleaner A small bag or container Cleaning pads Cotton |
Let’s dive into some methods for car odor removal now:
Method 01: Sprinkle and Vacuum Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most natural and organic methods of cleaning. It not only removes the stains but also eliminates the foul odor. Therefore, sprinkle the baking soda on your car’s carpets and the car seats, let it sit for several hours (or overnight for stubborn odors), then vacuum it up thoroughly.
Method 02: Activated Charcoal As Odor Absorber
Another organic and eco-friendly material to use is activated charcoal—a highly effective material at trapping and neutralizing odors due to its porous nature. This is a rather slow yet effective organic way of car odor removal. Place the activated charcoal in small bags and put them under your car’s seats or in the trunk to absorb all odors. But replace or reactivate them at regular intervals.
Method 03: White Vinegar Spray Solution
White vinegar has antibacterial characteristics that help in eliminating foul odors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist this solution onto carpets and fabric surfaces to neutralize the light odors. However, for stronger smells, place a bowl of white vinegar in your car overnight for it to absorb odors.
| Pro Tip: Always remember to ventilate the car afterwards to dissipate the vinegar smell. |
Method 04: Essential Oils As Homemade Air Fresheners
Homemade oils have a fresh fragrance and are an effective, eco-friendly way of removing car odors. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon, lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus are popular choices) to cotton balls or reusable felt pads and place them carefully in your car. There are two ways to go about it:
| Vent Clip Diffusers | DIY Sprays: |
| Consider reusable vent clip diffusers with essential oils as an alternative to synthetic air fresheners. | Combine water, a few drops of essential oil, and a tablespoon of white vinegar in a spray bottle for a quick freshening mist. |
Method 05: Coffee Grounds for Odor Absorption
One of the interesting facts about coffee is that it neutralizes every smell, good or bad. So, to neutralize the car odor in a natural or eco-friendly way, you can place an open container of dry coffee grounds in your car overnight to absorb all the odors and leave a subtle coffee aroma behind.
Method 06: Citrus Peels’ Natural Fragrance
Last but not least, have you ever wondered how citrus fruits have a very strong yet very fresh fragrance? So, you can hang dried orange or lemon peels in a mesh bag from your rearview mirror or place them in a small container to release their natural oils and freshen the car’s interior.
Method 07: Cleaning And Vacuuming
Apart from the natural and organic elements to create a pleasant aroma in the car, there are three ways by which you can eliminate any car odor and bring back the nice, subtle, and fresh look of your car.
| Regular Cleaning Regularly vacuum your car’s: Interior: seats, carpets, floor mats, Hard-to-reach areas: under the seats and between seat cushions | Upholstery Cleaning Clean your carpets or fabric seats to remove stains and odors via: A mild upholstery cleaner A mixture of mild detergent and water | Steam Cleaning Consider steam cleaning (without any detergents or harsh chemicals) for: Removing tough stains Eliminating bacteria and allergens from carpets, fabric linings, and seats |
Preventative Measures: Keep The Odors Away
Here are some preventive measures to keep your car free from any bacteria, allergens, and foul odors:
Measure 01: Remove and Replace Cabin Air Filters
Cabin air filters can accumulate dust, pollen, and other particles that contribute to odors, so replace them regularly based on your car’s owner’s manual recommendations.
Measure 02: Address Moisture Issues
Regularly check for and address any sources of moisture to prevent mold and mildew growth, which can cause significant odors.
Measure 03: Ventilation
Regularly open your car’s windows and doors, especially after long commutes or when transporting items with strong smells, to allow fresh air to circulate and remove odors.
Conclusion
Hence, by implementing these natural and eco-friendly solutions, you can effectively tackle car odors without relying on harsh chemicals, creating a fresh and pleasant environment for your driving experience, whether it’s a long commute or just a drive.
FAQs
1. How to permanently remove odor from a car?
It is important for you to thoroughly get your car’s interior cleaned with a detergent and regular spraying of scent.
2. Can car detailing remove smells?
Without a second thought, car detailing not only removes smell but also provides a fresh look to your vehicle’s interior.
3. Why are white vinegar and baking soda used for cleaning purposes?
White vinegar helps in getting rid of foul odors due to its antibacterial characteristics, whereas baking soda removes stains!
4. How can I prevent odors from coming back?
Keep your car ventilated, avoid eating inside, regularly vacuum, and use natural deodorizers like activated charcoal or coffee grounds.
5. Are natural odor removal methods safe for all car interiors?
Yes, most natural solutions are safe, but always test on a small hidden area to ensure they don’t damage upholstery or surfaces.
