Your car can be many things to you— a transport system to arrive at your destination safely, the perfect cover for when it pours heavily, or the best space for a silent lunch after a long day at work. Over time, these activities could leave a lingering smell in your car making every ride in it unbearable. However, you do not have to live with a bad odor. With the right information and products, you can get rid of a bad car smell and breathe easy again. This guide provides key tips to help you get rid of a bad smell in your car, no matter the cause.
Do a Thorough Cleaning
More times than not, bad smells come from dirty items or spills that have been ignored over time, causing unpleasant odors in the car. Hence, you have to start by cleaning your car thoroughly so you can get rid of these dirty items.
You should empty your car, remove seat covers and carpets, and vacuum every part rigorously. Ensure you hit hard-to-reach areas as well. You should also use car-friendly products and avoid bleaches that can damage car parts.
Let Air into the Cabin
One of the common causes of bad smells in a car is an unattended wet area from water or drink spills. These leave the car’s cabin smelling musty. The solution to this problem is to let the affected area dry out.
Get your car in a dry and warm area and open all the doors and windows to allow air in. You can also use a hair dryer for smaller areas.
Replace Air Filters
Getting rid of a bad smell in your car may also involve replacing your car’s air filters. The air filters and vents help to get air into your car; however, if these parts have debris or dirt stuck in them, they could blow contaminated air into your car. Hence, you would need to replace the air filters in your car if this is the case.
Use Odor Eliminators or Bombs
Another way to get rid of bad odors in your car is to get odor Eliminators or Bombs designed for car cabins. You can also use household materials like Vinegar, Charcoal, or Baking soda which are natural odor absorbers. Place these items in your car and allow them to sit for some hours or overnight and they will reduce the smell in your car.
Get Professional Help
You may need an extra hand to get rid of bad odors in your car. If you have tried everything and you cannot seem to get rid of that bad smell, then you should talk to a professional who handles car cleaning.
These professionals have specialized techniques to handle problems like this, from deep cleaning to chemical treatments.
Useful Tips to Prevent Bad Odors from Occurring in Your Car
Avoiding bad smells in the first place is a great step to take to ensure your car is comfortable and habitable. You should also consider these tips to avoid a recurrence once you fix the issue:
- Clean spills immediately
- Regularly vacuum your car’s interior to remove dirt and debris
- Avoid smoking inside your car, it could leave a lingering smell
- Use air fresheners to keep your car smelling great. However, do not use air fresheners to mask an odor, make sure you fix it first
- Use a moisture absorber in your car to prevent musky smells
- Ensure that you regularly let air into your car. Let the windows down from time to time
- Get professional auto detailing services as frequently as possible
Where to Go in San Jose to Deal with Car Odor
The interior part of your car should look as 
good as the exterior part. Hence, you should ensure that you clean it regularly and keep it in great condition. AJ Professional Detailing offers the best auto detailing services in San Jose and the entire Bay Area, CA to help your car look and smell good. We offer deep cleansing services using high-quality products and effective tools to get rid of stains and dirt in both the interior and exterior parts of your car. Hence, if you are dealing with odor problems in your car, our interior detailing services are available to keep your car smelling fresh.