A car is a small, closed space. Daily drives, snacks, drinks, and wet shoes or umbrellas on rainy days can slowly build up odours. Food crumbs, cigarette smoke, sweat, damp carpets and even the air-conditioning system can all be the source.
A lingering smell is not only unpleasant. It can also mean a part of your car needs a proper clean. These 10 simple methods can help, so pick the ones that suit the source of the smell.
10 Ways to Remove Bad Smells From Your Car
1. Open the windows and air the car
The easiest fix is fresh air. If the weather and surroundings allow, open windows at the front and back so air flows through the cabin. When the smell is strong, air the car first, then switch on the air-conditioner.
2. Use activated charcoal or charcoal
Activated charcoal or charcoal can absorb some odours. Put it in a breathable cloth bag or container and place it somewhere out of the way. Replace it or refresh it regularly once it has been in the car for a while.
3. Try pandan leaves
Pandan leaves are a popular natural fragrance among Malaysian car owners. Tie a few together and leave them in the car. Pandan only adds a pleasant scent and does not remove the source of a smell. Replace the leaves as soon as they dry out, rot or grow mould.
4. Use citrus fruit
Lemon, orange and pomelo have a strong natural scent that can freshen the air. However, do not leave fresh fruit or peel in the car for long. In hot weather, fruit spoils quickly and can create a worse smell.
5. Place white vinegar in the car
White vinegar can help with some odours. If you want to try it, put a small amount in a container and leave it in the car for a while. Make sure no liquid spills onto the seats, electronics or other interior parts. If the smell comes from mould or dampness, vinegar will not fix the root cause.
6. Sprinkle baking soda
Baking soda is another common deodoriser. On carpets or seats that suit it, sprinkle a thin layer, leave it for a while, then vacuum it up. Check that your seat or interior material can take it first, so you do not leave stains.
7. Keep coffee grounds in a bag
Dry coffee grounds in a breathable bag can work as a simple odour absorber. Do not pour loose grounds onto seats or carpets, because they are hard to clean up.
8. Use a car air freshener
A car air freshener or perfume is the quick option. Keep in mind that it only improves the scent and does not deal with the source. If the car keeps smelling of mould, smoke or spoiled food, find the cause first and clean it.
9. Vacuum and clean regularly
Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to cut down odours. Besides washing the exterior, remember to:
- Vacuum the carpets
- Clean the gaps between the seats
- Empty the rubbish bin or bag
- Clear away food and drink residue
- Wash the floor mats
- Check for water or damp spots inside the car
If the car often smells musty, also check the air-conditioner filter and the air-conditioning system.
10. Clear rubbish out of the car promptly
Food wrappers, drink cups, fruit peel, wet tissues and dirty rags should not stay in the car for long. In hot weather, leftover food spoils fast and causes strong smells. Make it a habit to check the car every time you park.
Never Throw Rubbish Out of the Car Window
Keep rubbish in the car until you find a proper bin. According to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), throwing litter from a vehicle can be acted on under Rule 52 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, with a maximum fine of RM300. Littering can also endanger other road users.
Find the Real Cause of the Smell
Light food or sweat smells can usually be handled by airing, vacuuming and a simple deodoriser. If the smell does not go away, do not just cover it with perfume. It is worth checking if:
- The car has a clear musty smell
- The carpet stays damp
- The air-conditioner blows out a bad smell
- There is leftover cigarette smoke
- Water has leaked into the car
- Food or drink has been spilled
- You suspect an animal has been in the car
Finding and cleaning the source usually works better than spraying perfume again and again.
Keep Your Car Insurance Up to Date
Alongside keeping the cabin clean, check your car insurance and road tax expiry dates regularly. Driving without valid motor insurance may breach Section 90 of the Road Transport Act 1987. Under the current rules, a conviction can mean a fine of up to RM1,000, imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both, and the court may also disqualify the driver from holding a licence for 12 months where the legal conditions are met.
Renew before your policy expires. You can compare car insurance quotes from partner insurers and takaful operators on BJAK and choose the cover that suits you.
Nabil Farhan· · 4 min read
