Transportation plays a major role in most of our daily lives. Daily use or your vehicle accumulates wear and tear and sometimes strange smells. A few tips can go a long way in keeping your car smelling fresh as a daisy.
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Remove Smelly Items
Like any area that accumulates “stuff,” prevention is key in keeping your car smelling fresh and clean. Removing fast food wrappers, empty soda cups, sports gear such as smelly sneakers, or any other potential smelly items is the first step in removing bacteria that results in unpleasant smells.
To eliminate trash accumulation, place a small bag in the car to collect items that can ferment into smelly odors.
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Use Vinegar Water
A natural disinfectant used for cleaning in the home can also be a lifesaver in removing odors from your car. Simply combine 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and place the mixture into a spray bottle for easy use. Spray a soft, clean cloth with the mixture, and wipe down the areas in your car that would be considered “smell magnets” including the steering wheel, shifter, dash, console, front and back door panels and door fixtures, knobs and buttons, and interior window and windshield glass.
Open the car doors and clean all around the inside frame to remove the built-up gunk that could be rotting or molding and creating a stench. This non-toxic mixture kills bacteria without discoloring fabric. Best of all, it is safe to use around children and pets.
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Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda is the cure-all for just about anything. Like vinegar, it is another natural cleaner that has been used by households for generations.
Consider all the dirt, debris, and other material that gets tracked inside the car and accumulates, especially on floor mats. The accumulated particles can begin to deteriorate and result in a hodgepodge of bacteria.
To clean carpets and floor mats, rub baking soda into the material vigorously to loosen up dried particles. The baking soda will absorb lingering odors such as cigarette smoke and pet odors. Let it sit for a few minutes before thoroughly vacuuming the floor.
For fabric floor mats, blend a solution of baking soda and water. Apply the solution to the mats, and use a bristle brush to scrub, especially areas that are heavily soiled. Rinse the mats, wait for them to dry, and then vacuum them.
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Clean the Glass
Vinegar is the ideal glass cleaner. Mix another solution of 1-2 parts vinegar to water and with a soft lint-free cloth or spritzer apply the mixture to the interior side of the windows and the front and back windshields. Use paper towels to wipe off the mixture leaving the glass crystal clear and free of any film that may be harboring smells.
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Add Dryer Sheets
A simple but effective trick is to place several dryer sheets under each seat and in the console, side pockets, or glove box. The sheets absorb odors while supplying a fresh fragrance. Replace the sheets periodically.
Keeping your car smelling fresh is easy as one, two, three when following these simple steps.
“Heinz White Vinegar, By Mike Mozart, (CC BY 2.0)
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