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How to Get Rid of Smell in Car: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate car odors easily with our step-by-step guide. Discover how E-Cloth offers a simple, effective solution for a fresh ride.

Title

How to Get Rid of Smell in Car

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mild cleaning solution

Step 1: Air It Out

Open all the doors and windows. Let fresh air chase the stale odors out.
If possible, park your car in a breezy, shady spot to maximize ventilation.

Step 2: Declutter and Remove Trash

Take out all trash, including old food wrappers and forgotten gym clothes.
Don’t leave any damp or moldy items behind—they are like a perfume for bad smells.

Step 3: Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum every nook and cranny: seats, floors, and under the mats.
Focus on corners where dirt and debris hide; they’re the breeding grounds for odors.

Step 4: Clean Upholstery and Carpets

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over fabric seats and carpets. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb odors.
Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly. Repeat if stubborn smells persist.

Step 5: Wipe Down Hard Surfaces

Use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution to wipe the dashboard, door panels, and other hard surfaces.
This removes dust and residue that can trap odors even after the source is removed.

Step 6: Address the Source of Moisture

If there’s a lingering odor from moisture or spills, spot clean the affected fabric with a mixture of water and white vinegar. The vinegar smell will fade as it evaporates.
Leave the windows slightly open for a few hours after cleaning to allow thorough drying.

Step 7: Maintain Freshness

Keep a small bag of baking soda or activated charcoal in your car to absorb odors between deep cleans.
Regularly remove trash and avoid eating messy foods in the car.

Safety Precautions

Ensure proper ventilation when using cleaning products—keep doors and windows open to avoid inhaling fumes.
Wear gloves to protect your skin from cleaning agents, especially when using vinegar or commercial cleaners.
Test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area first to prevent damage or discoloration to upholstery and surfaces.
Do not mix chemicals (e.g., bleach and vinegar), as this can create toxic gases.
Keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets during and after use.
Allow all surfaces to dry completely before closing up the car to prevent mold and mildew growth.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Car: Extra Tips

Declutter and Remove Trash

Clear out all trash and unnecessary items from your car to prevent odor build-up and make cleaning more straightforward.
Regularly check under seats and in compartments for forgotten wrappers or leftover debris.
Organize items into bins or compartments to keep everything in its place and reduce clutter accumulation.

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Deep Clean Upholstery and Carpets

Vacuum seats, carpets, and floor mats to remove dust and loose dirt; use specialized car vacuum attachments for corners.
Apply a fabric cleaner or a mixture of water and gentle detergent to seats and carpets; scrub lightly with a soft brush.
For stubborn stains, consider a steam cleaner to penetrate deep into the fabric and neutralize odors.

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Maintain Air Fresheners and Odor Absorbers

Use odor absorbers like charcoal bags or baking soda placed strategically to soak up unwanted smells.
Refresh air fresheners regularly to complement your cleaning efforts without masking underlying issues.
Ventilate the car with fresh air by leaving windows open for a few minutes when safe to do so.

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Clean Vents and Surfaces Regularly

Dust and wipe down air vents, dashboards, and other surfaces with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup of pollutants that can cause odors.
Use a diluted vinegar solution for stubborn grime on hard surfaces, then wipe dry to avoid streaks.
Check and clean cup holders and door pockets, as these areas often gather grime and spills.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Car

Overlooking the Importance of Decluttering

Remove clutter from surfaces before you start cleaning. It not only speeds up the process but also lets dust and dirt be properly wiped away.
A quick declutter can turn a chaotic space into a clean canvas for efficient cleaning.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Not all surfaces share the same cleaning needs. Check the labels and use products tailored for each material.
Avoid mixing chemicals, as it can lead to ineffective cleaning and, in some cases, create hazardous fumes.

Neglecting High-Touch Areas

Door handles, light switches, and remote controls are hotspots for germs. Give them a proper wipe down regularly.
Overlooking these areas can compromise the overall cleanliness of your space, no matter how pristine the rest looks.

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How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Car

Set a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Every 2-4 weeks: For most car owners, a thorough interior clean every 2 to 4 weeks helps keep smells at bay. This regular frequency prevents the buildup of food crumbs, spills, and dust that can contribute to odors.
If you’re a heavy user: If you frequently transport kids, pets, or even smoke in your car, leaning toward the 2-week mark is ideal to outpace odor accumulation.

Deep Cleaning Intervals

Every 3-6 months: Even with regular surface cleaning, a deep cleaning every 3 to 6 months is crucial. It tackles ingrained residues in upholstery, carpets, and vents — common culprits behind persistent smells.
Seasonal attention: If you notice a chronic odor appearing around certain seasons (often indicating moisture or mold issues), consider aligning a deep clean with that time to reset the interior’s freshness.

Why This Frequency Works

Prevents buildup: Regular cleaning stops odor-causing agents from accumulating, meaning you’re less likely to face stubborn smells that require extensive effort to remove later.
Early problem detection: Routine cleaning lets you catch potential issues (like spills, mold, or moisture) early on, saving you from paying more time and money down the line.
Maintains a comfortable ride: Keeping a clean interior not only gets rid of existing smells but also discourages new ones from forming, ensuring your car always feels inviting.

E-Cloth

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Precision-engineered, uniform microfibers

Often crushed/less consistent fibers

No streaks with just water

May need chemicals for same results

Lasts ~300 washes

Many break down faster

Traps and locks in particles

Can smear dirt around

Reduces chemicals & waste, reusable

Less eco, more waste/chemicals

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A Clean You Can See

Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.

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