One of the problems that concerns drivers the most is being able to remove bad odors from the car.
How many hours do we spend sitting at the wheel throughout the day? How many people get into our car throughout the year? For these reasons, keeping the vehicle free of bad smells is essential to feel comfortable while driving and for those who accompany us. Statistics show that this problem is one of the aspects that most worry drivers, so we are going to give you some tips on how to remove bad odors from the car.
In many cars that are no longer new, it is easy for bad smells to start appearing caused by multiple factors such as sweat, humidity, tobacco, food, or pets.
The first step that should be taken to remove bad odors from the car is to carry out a thorough inspection and cleaning of it. This must be done because in many cases we may not notice the smell in our car, since it is possible that our sense of smell has gotten used to it.
During the cleaning process, and specifically in the drying stage, it is advisable to keep the windows closed. This will prevent a distinctive musty smell from appearing inside the car. It is also recommended that the cleaning be deep, passing the vacuum cleaner over all the seams of the backrests and seats and under the cover of the trunk.
To clean the upholstery, one of the most effective methods is to use a cloth dampened with water and fabric softener. This will allow the scent of the fabric softener to impregnate the car’s fabric and thus create a very pleasant smell.
Another home method worth noting is the placement of various jars with citrus peels throughout the car. This is very effective due to the great absorbent properties of lemons and oranges. Baking soda is also very effective for removing unpleasant odors in enclosed spaces.
Tobacco and pet odors are the most unpleasant and the hardest to remove from the interior of a vehicle. Tobacco odor permeates the car’s upholstery, roof lining, and dashboard, making it very difficult to eliminate. Among the remedies to eradicate it is the placement of lavender balls in the ashtray or cat litter to extinguish cigarette ends. Another home method is the use of anti-tobacco specific air fresheners, which, according to studies, can reduce the odor by up to 85%.
On the other hand, to combat odors left by pets, the most suitable methods are brushing or using spray air fresheners for the upholstery or the rear area.
For odors such as vomit or urine, one of the key factors for removal is time. Stains must be eliminated immediately to prevent the smell from setting in. To that end, the most advisable method is to use plenty of water and soap.
Sweat is another of the most unpleasant odors that can appear in the vehicle. This problem can be tackled with anti-sweat air fresheners along with a thorough cleaning of the upholstery.
One of the most effective methods to remove bad odors from the car is the ozone generator, which is also an excellent disinfectant. Combined with water or air, it is capable of destroying bacteria, viruses, mites, and even fungi. Its effectiveness is so high that at Ralarsa we have generators available to customers at our centers in Igualada (Barcelona) and Palma de Mallorca.
As a final tip, we would like to point out that in many cases air fresheners tend to worsen the problem rather than solve it, as instead of masking odors they make them stronger. Mixing smells is often not the best solution.
