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Step 1
Locate the source of the odor. Check the floor mats, carpet, upholstery and air ducts for any signs of where the smell originates. Keep an eye out for stains or areas where the smell seems particularly strong.
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Step 2
Spot-treat the car's smelly areas with baking soda or another car-safe commercial cleaner. It may take several applications to complete the odor removal.
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Step 3
Leave the car windows cracked. While this isn't possible in every climate, it can help circulate fresh air and let the bad odor dissipate.
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Step 4
Change the air filter in your car. The air conditioning unit in some cars uses a filter that can become less effective over time. Switching it out for a fresh one can help with odor removal.
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Step 5
Shampoo the car's carpet. Occasionally, foot traffic can leave it smelling worse than it should without any tell-tale signs, like a stain.
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Step 6
Seek a professional if all else fails. A professional detailer can help remove the odor quickly and painlessly, for a fee.
Comments
ShirleyS said
on 8/26/2008 Personally, I'm not thrilled with those fragrances for cars. They just cover up smells, so instead of spilled milk smell, you get strawberry spilled milk smells. Instead try a product that I read about and been using since for my car -- Innofresh AUTO odor eliminator. Totally fragrance free activated carbon filter that works great to get rid of pretty bad smells in car. I bought mine at Checker Auto parts. Think also you can get it at www.innofresh.com
AirQualityMike said
on 7/23/2008 I keep my car really clean and the best tool I’ve found is the Mobile Pro from RGF. It quickly eliminates car odors from the interior and even takes the smell of cigarettes out of the upholstery. I use it over and over again whenever I discover a weird smell in my car.
I found the Mobile Pro at http://www.rgf.com