Bad odors in the car cabin are a fairly common problem faced by many car users and vehicle owners. These odors can come from the smell of leftover food, the smell of the AC system, or even the smell of items stored in the trunk. Of course, this is very disturbing to driving comfort.
In this article, otomodify will discuss how to overcome bad odors in the car cabin. Here are some things that can be done to keep the car cabin fresh and comfortable to use for driving.
Thorough cleaning, the first step that should not be missed
Cleaning the entire interior of the car is the first and most important step to overcome bad odors. Ignoring interior cleaning can make the odor worse and more difficult to remove.
- Vacuum the car interior: This method sounds simple but is effective in reducing odors in the car. Doing a thorough vacuum helps reach difficult areas where the odor may come from. For example, around the gear lever or under the seat. Make sure nothing is missed.
- Wash the car seat: Wash the car seat thoroughly for fabric car seats. This cleaning can remove odors that remain or stick to the seat. If the car seat is made of leather, simply clean it using a special gentle cleaner. This serves to avoid damage to the surface of the leather and maintain its softness. If you have difficulty washing the seat, it is recommended to use a professional cleaning service.
Using the right perfume
The next step to keep your car clean and odor-free is to use a fragrance.
- Natural car fragrance: Car fragrances generally contain chemicals. This odor can cause side effects such as dizziness and irritation. As an alternative, use a natural fragrance such as a fragrance based on cinnamon, lavender, or citrus. This choice not only reduces health risks but also maintains freshness in the car.
- Spray or gel fragrance: Each choice has its own advantages. Spray fragrances provide instant results but often the smell does not last long. While gel car fragrances will last longer because they do not evaporate easily. Choose according to your preferences.
Car AC filter and ventilation system maintenance
Bad odors in the car can also be caused by a dirty air conditioning system. A clogged cabin filter filled with dirt causes the air entering the car to feel stuffy and smell bad. Therefore, it is very important to keep the car's AC system clean. As recommended, replace the cabin filter regularly, usually every 10,000 to 20,000 km.
- Cleaning the AC system: If the filter has been replaced but the bad odor remains in the car, it is likely that the problem is in the AC duct. For maximum cleaning, you can use a professional cleaning service.
- Replace the cabin filter: The cabin filter functions as an air filter. Over time, the filter will become dirty due to being clogged with dust and dirt or even mold.
Use natural ingredients to absorb odors
In addition to using perfume, preventing unpleasant odors can also be done by using natural ingredients.
- Baking soda: Baking soda functions to absorb unpleasant odors and leave a fresh scent. You can use baking soda in the car freshener box. Or you can use other methods. Such as, sprinkling a little baking soda in areas such as carpets, seats, or chair gaps. then let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum or clean up the remaining baking soda.
- White vinegar: Another natural ingredient that is effective in removing bad odors. Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio, then spray this mixture on areas that smell like carpets or car seats. White vinegar can remove odors caused by mold or germs in the car. After spraying, let it sit for a while so that the vinegar smell disappears and is replaced by fresher air.
Maintaining car cleanliness regularly
This is the final step in preventing or overcoming unpleasant odors in the car cabin. It is better to make a schedule such as at least once a week to clean the entire interior of the car.
By doing some of the tips above, cleaning the car regularly is the main key to minimizing the occurrence of unpleasant odors in the car cabin. It will be very comfortable to drive in a clean and fragrant car, even if driving long distances.