How do you keep your car smelling good all the time? The smells coming from your car can quickly become unpleasant, especially if you don’t happen to have a can cleaning spray with you. Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep your car smelling fresh.
There’s nothing like that new-car smell. It’s so fresh and so clean, the way newness should be. You can almost feel the excitement radiating from your car’s upholstery like it was a new puppy. But soon enough, it’s just a memory. What can you do to keep your car smelling as good as new?
Maintain a clean vehicle.
The more time people spend in their car, the more likely it is that they will notice an unpleasant odor. That is why it is a good idea to remove all trash, food items, laundry, or other odor-causing items every time you get out of the car. You can either carry a small, portable trash can in your car or just take everything out by hand when you get to your destination.
Avoid smoking in your vehicle.
Smoking in your car can be a source of some concern for you and for others. In addition to the smell and the smoke residue that may be left behind on your car seats, you may also put your car’s upholstery at risk. Cigarette smoke contains tar, which can be hard to remove from upholstery. It is important to clean your car as best as you can, but the smell may linger. If you smoke in your car, it is best to invest in small air fresheners that can be placed in the car to keep it smelling fresh.
Avoid leaving the windows open and using floor mats to keep the car dry.
At the very least, the presence of mold and mildew can cause allergies and respiratory issues, but it can also lead to breathing problems and other health concerns. Not to mention how it just makes your home smell bad. While it’s too late if you already have a mold and mildew problem, there is a way to stop it from occurring in the first place. To prevent water leaks, you should regularly inspect your roof for leaks and make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned. You should also check the seals around your windows and doors for leaks. If you do find a leak, make sure you are able to stop it as soon as possible.
To avoid spills, use spill-proof cups.
The flexible material of the drink holder expands to fit a wide range of cups. This can be a pro or a con depending on the size of your cups. I have some larger insulated cups that I use for hot coffee and there’s plenty of room for them in these holders. On the other hand, some of my smaller, more standard cups don’t fit well in these.
Always keep an air freshener in the car.
In a small room, even a small amount of pet urine can soak into your floor and walls and be nearly impossible to remove. This causes the urine to become even more concentrated, which is why it will often smell worse after it has been cleaned up.
Regularly vacuum.
Carpets and upholstery can trap a lot of odors. Vacuuming regularly will help remove these odors and keep your car smelling fresh. Most importantly, vacuuming will help get rid of the dirt, rocks and other objects that can damage your car’s interior. The best time to vacuum is after you’ve parked and are ready to leave. If you can’t park close to an outlet, park near a wall and park close to that side of the car. Run the vacuum over the side closest to the wall. Then move to the next side. Continue running the vacuum along the side of the car until you return to the starting point.
Once a week, shake out the floor mats.
If you have vinyl awnings, wash them down with a garden hose and be sure to bang out any crud that is trapped in the pleats. If you have fabric awnings, wash them in a large capacity washer and keep your fingers crossed. Be sure to look for a power washer that has a pressure washer attachment. This will enable you to clean from the top down and avoid the possibility of damaging the mounting hardware.
In summary, try not to let it get smelly! Simple steps would be to use natural air fresheners and cleaners in your vehicle. Another tip is to try to maintain your car’s interior vacuumed regularly, and wash your windows periodically. And finally, try to limit your intake of food and eating on the go, as that may attract bugs and other nasty things.
