Bad Smells in Cars
Bad smells in cars may be caused by spilled drinks, forgotten food, mold growth and mechanical problems. These smells typically can be masked with a strongly scented air freshener or by sprinkling or spraying into the car a product designed to eliminate odors. Unfortunately, these cures only cover up the problem. Odor elimination in a car requires that you get to the root cause.
Other People Are Reading
-
Mechanical Bad Smells
-
Various odors can be caused by malfunctioning components, including the exhaust system, oil leaks, coolant leaks, excess moisture in the cooling system, a problem in the fuel system, clutch or even the transmission. Burning smells may be caused by belts or the braking system.
Mold
-
Mold growth is typically caused by moisture. If your car leaks or has been flooded, there is a good chance the foul musty smell you have noticed is due to mold. Mold and mildew can grow on the upholstery, carpeting or even in the cooling system. Mold needs to be dealt with immediately by a professional who specializes in cleaning automobile interiors because mold exposure can trigger a number of health problems.
-
Random Smells
-
Leftover food, either a forgotten packed lunch or the remains of a fast food meal that somehow wound up in the back floorboards, can decompose and mold in your vehicle. Spilled drinks also have the same effect, especially if you live in a hot climate. If you have children, a lost cup or bottle of formula or milk that has rolled under the seats can make your whole car smell bad. Forgotten items in the trunk may also cause bad smells if spilled or left in the heat for long periods of time.
Curing Bad Car Smells
-
Automotive air fresheners are good at masking smells, but they cannot actually get rid of the smell. You will need to figure out why your car smells bad and remove, clean, repair or replace the component causing the odor in order to get rid of the smell. In many cases, shampooing the carpets and seats in your car should help. Mold should be dealt with by a professional to reduce potential health problems and ensure mold is completely removed.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
