How to Cover a Mouse Smell in a Car

Mice may become stuck within or underneath a vehicle.

The smell of a dead mouse in a vehicle is unpleasant and difficult to remove. A great deal of time may be needed to fully remove the smell, but a few products can be used to conceal or cover it. Continuously airing out the vehicle may also help remove the smell.



Try to locate the mouse prior to attempting to conceal the smell. The smell will not go away if the mouse's body is still in the vehicle.

Instructions

Clean The Interior of The Vehicle.

1. Fill a bucket with a gallon of warm, soapy water and a squirt of liquid dish soap.

2. Dip a soft cloth in the soapy water. Wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, vents and seat belts.

3. Re-wipe the areas you cleaned with a damp cloth; remove any soap residue.

4. Clean the seats and carpets of the vehicle with a shop vacuum. If desired, a carpet refresher can be sprinkled on the car carpet. Allow the product to sit on the carpet for 15 minutes before vacuuming.

5. Clean the seat upholstery. Vinyl seats can be cleaned with soap and water. Leather seats require a leather-cleaning soap. Have the seats steam cleaned if they are fabric. The dead-mouse smell can linger in seats if they are not properly cleaned.

Airing Out The Vehicle

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the seats and carpet. Baking soda helps absorb the odor.

2. Open the doors or windows as frequently as possible. Airing the vehicle is the most effective way to remove the dead-mouse smell.

3. Remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.

4. Place an air freshener in the vehicle. Spray an air freshening, odor-removing scent on the seats and carpet.

References

• Techletter: Preventing and Eliminating Odors from Dead Rodents