As you get into your car and ready to drive off suddenly you’re hit with a stench described as a combination of last week’s fast food or gym socks or something unidentifiable but utterly foul. Fortunately, you can eliminate bad smells, for that you should simply have patience and time. So, it’s time to find out why your car suddenly smells like garbage. Additionally, this blog post will guide you to recognize the main problem behind why your car suddenly smells like a garbage?
Why My Car Smell Bad?
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to figure out why your car suddenly smells like a garbage. The cause could be something simple and obvious or maybe a more complex hidden issue. This article will help you pinpoint the exact cause and tackle it effectively.
Common Factors Behind the Smell
Food Wrappers and Leftovers:
The most obvious factors are often the ones most easily ignored. fast food bags, half-eaten snacks, and drink containers can quickly transform your car into a travelling dumpster.
Dirty Gym Gear:
If you’re someone who hits the gym regularly, those sweaty clothes and shoes can be a significant source of stinky surprises.
Pet Smells:
Most of us love pets because of their cuteness and we often give them ride in our vehicles. To avoid unbearable smells in your car it is better to use seat covers to protect the seats, vacuum often, and use sprays that are safe for pets.
Smoking:
Tobacco smoke can cling to fabric, leaving a persistent odor that’s hard to eliminate. Use a car air purifier designed to remove smoke particles. Place odor eliminators(such as activated charcoal) in the car to absorb the scent.
Fungal Growth:
Moisture in your car can lead to fungal appearance, which emits a musty odor. This usually happens when you forget to close the windows of your car during rain season.
How to Clean Out Your Car?
Once you’ve identified potential causes, the next step is cleaning out your car. This involves more than just removing the visible trash; it’s about deep-cleaning to ensure no odor-causing agents are left behind.
i- Remove All Trash and Debris
Start by taking out all the trash. Check under seats, in the trunk, and in any compartments. Be thorough!
ii- Vacuum Thoroughly
To avoid bad smells one should have to vacuum his car in a week. You should have to properly vacuum your car seats, carpets and most importantly the floor mats.
iii- Wash carpets and floor mats
After some time, wash your car carpet and floor mats so that the mess trapped in the fabric, can be washed out.
iv- Air Out Your Car
After a thorough cleaning, it’s essential to air out your car. This is one of the simplest and best solution to protect your car from stinking. For a few hours leave your car windows open so air can circulate in the car. As you know well, air freshners are not the best solutions to avoid bad odors.
Place some activated charcoal bags in the car. They’re excellent at absorbing smells naturally.
v- Check and Replace Filters
It is not necessary all the time that the bad smell is due to some trash in your car. It can be because of the dirty air filters which circulate the smelly air.
vi- Cabin Air Filter
It is usually important to check your car’s cabin air filters and if they are dirty then replace them at that moment.
vii- Engine Air Filter
Usually, engine air filters play no role in circulating bad smells but still there is a chance. So it is pretty good to check them also. The burning smell in car can be due to faulty engine air filters.
viii- Clean the Vents
Your car’s ventilation system can trap odors, making it crucial to clean the vents. Purchase a vent cleaner spray, specifically designed to eliminate odors from the air vents.
Read More: How to disable car limp mode permanently and temporarily?
DIY Solution
Additionally, you can opt DIY solution to get rid of that problem. In an empty spray bottle, add some baking soda and vinegar then spray it on air vents and after some time clean it with some cloth or tissue paper.
Address Moisture Issues
One of the basic problems that makes your car environment unpleasant is the moisture which causes fungal growth. To get rid of these problems you can opt following tips:
i- Check for Leaks
First of all, inspect your car for any leaks, especially around windows and doors. Fix any issues you find promptly. Moreover, dry your car’s damp areas carefully.
ii- Use a Dehumidifier
You must have to buy a portable dehumidifier for your car which makes the car environment fresh all the time.
iii- Verify the HVAC System
Sometimes, the HVAC system can be the reason for burning smell in your car as the smell become intensifies when you turn on the car’s HVAC system. It is obvious to resolve this you have to contact some HAVC professional. You can also try using an HVAC cleaning spray, designed to clean and freshen the system.
Preventions to Keep Your Car Clean
It is better to do prevention to avoid any struggle. Here are some habits that ensure the pleasant environment in your car.
i- Use Odor Neutralizers
Sometimes, even after cleaning, a little extra help is needed. Odor neutralizers can come in handy here. You can use baking soda or vinegar which are best at absorbing stubborn odors.
ii- Regular Cleaning
Make cleaning your car a regular habit. Remove trash and vacuum frequently. It would decrease the of your car smells like a garbage.
iii- Avoid Eating in the Car
Try to avoid eating in your car. If you must, clean up immediately after. Because if you leave the trash in your car it will certainly cause bad odor in your car.
iv- Pet Precautions
Use seat covers and clean them regularly if you travel with pets.
Know When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, you are not able to find out the reason behind the smell so at that time you must have to seek some professional help.
Persistent Odors
If the smell persists despite your efforts, consult a professional cleaner.
Mechanical Issues
Certain mechanical issues can cause bad smells. Find the best car professional that can fix your car’s mechanical issues.
Conclusion
A car that smells like garbage is not only annoying but also very unpleasant. It is better to find out the reason because of it your car smells bad. Remember, a clean car is a happy car!
I hope that this blog post will help you in finding out the solution. Happy driving!
