How to Remove Odor From Car Carpet

Everyone seems to love the new car smell they inhale after purchasing a new vehicle. You even make vows about how well you will care for your shiny, clean new automobile. Soon, however, the business of life takes over and before you know it you are transporting all the neighborhood kids around, eating dinner on-the-go and dropping sticky substances on your car's carpet. After a while, you may notice an odor coming from the carpet and when that happens, take care of it immediately or endure a nauseating car ride.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Carpet shampoo
• Carpet scrub brush
• Towel
• Dust buster
• Carpet deodorizer

Instructions

1. Clean out your car entirely before attempting to clean your carpets this will give you full access to your car's carpets and may reveal the source of any odors, such as a spilled cup of coffee, resonating in your car.

2. Remove the removable carpets if your car has them. Lay the carpet pieces flat on the ground and vacuum them until all the dust and dirt particles are gone. Pour a carpet shampoo onto the carpet until it is sufficiently covered. Take a carpet scrub brush and scrub the entire carpet vigorously. Allow the cleaner to soak into the carpet for up to 10 minutes. Blot the carpet dry with a towel and hang it so it will air dry. Repeat this process with all the removable pieces of carpet.

3. Use a dust buster or the hose of a vacuum to remove all the dust and dirt from the carpet attached to the inside of your car. You will have to move the seat forward and back to access some areas of carpet. Pour your carpet shampoo onto the carpet and scrub it vigorously with the carpet brush. Continue this over the entire carpet of your car. Allow the soap to penetrate the carpet for up to 10 minutes before blotting it dry with a towel. Leave all windows and doors open to allow the car carpets to air dry.

4. Pour carpet deodorizing powder onto your dry car carpets. Allow it to sit there for several minutes. Vacuum the deodorizer off of the carpet.

5. Consider purchasing plastic carpet covers to protect your carpet in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• If you car has been damaged from an accident, a leak may be allowing rain to seep in and wet the carpet, causing an odor after it has sat stagnant for some time. If this is the case, it is a good idea to have your car repaired to prevent the wetness induced odor in your carpets.