Depending on what’s going on inside, there’s a good chance your car has a bit of a smell. Maybe you’re used to it, but newcomers notice right away. And we don’t blame you – we know that life tends to get messy on the road, especially for those with kids and pets.
In this article we’re going to help you avoid and even remove those stinky odours from your vehicle. But first, here are some of the worst smells we’ve encountered:
The Worst Odours in Your Vehicle
At Mill Bay Auto Spa, where we detail vehicles inside and out, we’ve experienced nearly every vehicle odour there is to endure. Some of the most common are no surprise:
- Wet dog
- Body odour
- Mold or mildew
- Burning plastic or oil
- Cigarettes
No surprised there, but that’s not all. As experienced auto detailing experts, we’ve also smelled:
- Dead rodents
- Human vomit
- Rotten dairy
- Pet poop
There are plenty of unpleasant smells to come across inside a vehicle. We’re not here to judge, only to help you avoid and eradicate these smells for good.
How to Avoid Awful Odours
Preventing smelly odours from accumulating in your vehicle can be difficult – especially with kids and pets. The easiest strategy is a more hardline approach. That means no smoking and no food inside the vehicle. If eating on the road is unavoidable for you and your family, ensure you’re getting between the seats and elsewhere when you vacuum the vehicle interior regularly. Then if you spot stains, get to them ASAP before they get the chance to decompose and really begin to stink.
Furry Friends
Pets in the vehicle are an unavoidable part of life for many. There isn’t much you can do about a smelly, wet dog. One of your best defense mechanisms is a physical barrier. If your dog travels in the back seat, you can buy heavy-duty seat covers or hammocks that protect the seats and flooring. If you remove it from your vehicle afterwards and wash it semi-regularly, the smell should be minimal.
Quick Cleanups
At the end of each week or after a long road trip, it’s always a good idea to do a quick cleanup to avoid odour buildup. Track down and remove all food wrappers, bottles and garbage. Wipe spills with a microfiber cloth and shake out the floor mats. Even run the vacuum around if you can. Then when you’re done, leave the windows cracked to prevent trapped moisture and humidity.
If you want to use some kind of air freshener, they can be effective at masking certain smells. But this is only a Band-Aid solution – attacking the source of the smell should always be top priority.
Removing Bad Odours From Your Car
If your vehicle is already plagued with nasty odours, a strategy of action is required.
Time for Repairs?
The first tactic should be to identify a smell coming from the vehicle itself. If something isn’t working correctly, it will often smell and need to be taken in for repair. If you’re getting a hint of rotten eggs or sulfur, that could be your catalytic converter or a fuel pressure issue. If the weird smell is sweet like syrup, that’s probably a coolant leak. And if you smell burning oil, rubber or plastic, something is certainly wrong under the hood. Your local mechanic can help you eradicate any of these smells being produced by your car.
Spray AC Vents
Another common source of odour is the air conditioning system. If your vehicle smells like body odour or a sweaty gym locker, the AC might be the source. Condensation tends to leak inside these systems, which collects and creates a musty smell. There are sprayable disinfectants you can buy – simply turn the vents on low and spray the product directly into the intake vents. Then while you’re at it, change your cabin air filter if it’s accessible.
DIY Treatments
The upholstery and fabrics in your car are another likely source of odours. That includes the seats, the floors and even the ceiling. Online or at your local hardware store, there are dozens of different products available designed for unique materials inside your vehicle. Watch for leather seat treatments, fabric fresheners, enzymatic sprays and foaming upholstery cleaners and follow the directions on the label.
Car Detailing
With a smelly car, the best and most comprehensive approach to ensure all odours are eradicated is to visit your local car detailer. They have all of the equipment, products and know-how to get the job done with a professional touch.
At Mill Bay Auto Spa, we’ll indulge your vehicle with spa-like treatments. In the interior, that includes VIP leather treatment, UV protect on vinyl surfaces, full interior shampoo, vacuuming, steam cleaning and more. Contact us today to request a detailing service for your car.