How do I get rid of a bad smell in my car?

Question

The seats got wet, and after that the windows remained closed. That is why it smells bad. I've tried leaving the windows open when is sunshine, driving with the windows open, and putting air freshener.

Answer 1

Set fire to it and drive it off a cliff.

Answer 2

There are several ways depending on what originally caused the problem. If it's organic (mold/mildew) you need to remove the source. There are several kinds of fungicide available in your local grocery store, but one of the most effective ways is washing with a mixture of bleach and water. Bleach will kill just about anything, just make sure the area is dry and will remain dry after the application or your problem will come back.

Be aware that if it is mold or mildew, and the problem is extensive, you are probably looking at replacing your upholstery (depending on the car make and model it might be as cheap to replace the seats) regardless of what you do to remove the smell.

A lot of people recommend Febreeze or a similar products which contain a small amount of bleach and a "cover up" odor. These will work on some things, but I'd start with one of three easier and cheaper solutions:

1. The next time you eat a citris fruit, like an orange or a grapefruit, set aside the peel. Put it in an open container, like a plastic bowl, and leave it in your car until it's completely dried out. Chances are by that time the smells will be gone.

2. Put a cup or two of coffee (dry beans or grounds) in a sock and tie the end tight. Leave it under the car seat until the smell is gone. Coffee is also a more effective odor mask than most other remedies, natural or chemical.

3. Leave a bowl of vinegar on the floor of your car overnight. There's a good chance the smell will be gone by morning.

It's true that all three of these solutions leave a different kind of smell in your car when you first get in - but don't let that stop you. All of the above will air out quickly.

Answer 3

First of all, it's usually the carpet that smells, not the seats. But if you smell the dank coming right out of the seats, follow this:

The smell is mold/mildew and bacteria. When your seats get wet, they will stay wet long enough to culture some nasty bugs that will take a while to die, and the mold and mildew will never go away on it's own.

If you can possible take your seats out, do so. If not, this will be difficult. If you can remove your seats, you will find that the bottom of them is usually hollow. What you need to do is get a vacuum(one that can handle wet and dry) and put the hose on the bottom so it latches on. Now, there is a cleaner made specifically for this: Lane's Dry Foam. The cleaner doesn't need water, so just pour it on and start scrubbing(according to instructions of course). After the seats are soaked with the stuff, start pulling it through the seats with the vacuum from the bottom. Do it a little at a time so the cleaner has a chance to kill and biologicals. When finished wipe dry, and soak as much as you can out with the vacuum and a towell. It has a pleasant smell too. You may have to repeat, so don't put your seats back in till they dry.

Answer 4

A lot of auto detailing shops use what is called an ozone generator. It removes odors from upholstery and the heat/ AC vents. Wouldn't hurt to get the car detailed at the same time. It would get rid of the smell and its like driving a new car when they're done with it. Shop around though some of those places are pretty steep. From $50.00 to $150.00. It doesn't hurt to ask about the ozone generator though.

Answer 5

i offered a motor vehicle from a guy who use to artwork as a mechanic he could of have been given interior the motor vehicle with oil throughout him and the boot gave the effect of it had an engine or some thing in it lol the finished motor vehicle stunk of oil and alter into lined everywhere even the interior component of the roof!!!! it tok me an prolonged time to get the scent out, i bumped off each and everything i ought to like carpets and so on and jetwashed them many times untill they have been spotless, i additionally washed the finished of he indoors with warm water and laundry detergent and used oxy clean on the obdurate bits, i used vannish on the carpets and washed them with a carpet washing gadget, accompanied via a lot and a lot or fabreeze, it took some tries even with the undeniable fact that it worked interior the top, i additionally positioned approximately 3-4 of those magic tree air fresheners in there basically for good degree lol i now have an rather advantageous smelling motor vehicle

Answer 6

Try sprinkling baking soda all over the carpet and seats (if they are cloth) Let it sit over night, then vacuum. You could also try sprays made for removing pet odors from carpet. Once, it's some better, put orange peels in a container and leave them in your car during the day..... Hope it helps...

Answer 7

Spray all seats with Febreeze and put a car air freshner in the car.

Answer 8

if febreez and the airfreshner dont work, try putting some charcoals or a loaf of bread (under the seats) in the car until the pungents gone...

good luck

Answer 9

Get a pet odor and stain remover. The enzymes will help, with any organic smells, that are probably the main cause.

Answer 10

A car cleaner called Tuff Stuff.

Answer 11

Probably should get hold of the old Seinfeld episode with the same plot and see how he resolved it. In the episode the cause was BO.