How to keep your car smelling fresh

Because they carry us through so many of life’s moments, our cars are often littered with reminders of the past. Forgotten food wrappers, unopened mail, and stray coins are a few of the items that frequently clutter vehicles, but not every memory a car collects is so easily visible. Smells, both good and bad, often stick inside vehicles and overstay their welcome. If you’re sick of gross odors plaguing your vehicle, read these tips for maintaining a fresh smell and ensuring your car is a comfortable place to be. 

Clean cracks and crevices 

When washing out your car’s interior, several spots must be thoroughly cleaned. While a dusty dashboard is easily spotted, the other, less noticeable areas need regular cleaning as well. Floor mats, for instance, are veritable magnets for dirt and grime. They collect dirty debris from our shoes, which can pile up and become a mess. To give these mats a good cleaning, start by vacuuming up crumbs and other unwanted materials. When this is done, you can remove the mats entirely and give them a firm shake. If necessary, you can also grab a soapy sponge and scrub the mats down. Furthermore, the carpet and upholstery in your car require regular upkeep. Use a vacuum hose first, and then find an all-purpose cleaner to provide an additional wash. By paying attention to each and every part of your car, you’ll help avoid bad smells, stains, and other potential damage. 

When possible, avoid eating in your car 

Of all the unpleasant stenches you may find in a car, food is probably the biggest culprit. Quick fast food stops are convenient, but they can also cause a vehicle to take on the smell of greasy food. Crumbs can accumulate without you even noticing, especially if you’re distracted by driving or staring out the window. One of the best things you can do to maintain a fresh smell is waiting until you reach your destination to indulge in any food you’ve picked up. If McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches are your vice, hold off on indulging until you make it to work. Likewise, save the beef and broccoli from your favorite Chinese spot for your kitchen or living room. By choosing not to eat in your car, you’ll be removing one of the most obvious sources of odor. If you’re constantly on-the-go, rarely getting a chance to stop and rest, eating in the car might be the quickest way to get a bite to eat. In this case, we suggest opening your windows afterward to let the breeze air out the smell. 

Invest in an air freshener 

If your car has a lingering smell you can’t seem to get rid of, then purchasing an air freshener might be worth the money. These devices release a pleasant aroma, effectively disguising other smells. For most people, a hanging, tree-shaped piece of cardboard is what comes to mind when we think “car air freshener”. These also come in an abundance of other shapes, and some businesses allow customers to customize shapes of their own. You can even purchase an air freshener that looks like your beloved cat or dog! If these aren’t your style, you can also opt for a nice-smelling spray. By spritzing mist that smells of mint, vanilla, or whatever it is you like, you can camouflage bad odors and make your car’s interior smell like new again.

Don’t underestimate the value of baking soda

Known for its many uses, baking soda is a valuable ingredient to keep on deck in your household. While it can be used for teeth whitening or trying new recipes, baking soda also has properties that make it ideal for deodorizing. If you think the smell of food, sweat, or something else has sunk into your car seats, try dampening them and sprinkling baking soda on top. Let the substance sit overnight; your car should smell much fresher by the time morning rolls around. 

Shop Transwest 

At Transwest, our vehicles are clean, cozy, and reliable. Our goal is keeping customers happy, and we accomplish this by selling cars from numerous trustworthy brands. Explore the product line on our website, or visit us in person to check our cars out up close.