How To Make Your Car Smell Good

Spending time in your car is part of daily life for so many of us, and nothing makes that experience better than a fresh, clean-smelling car! At Grand Wash Auto, we want to make sure you always feel great in your car. That’s why we’ve gathered a mix of preventative tips and refreshing measures you can take to ensure your car smells great every time you buckle up.

Preventative Measures to Stop Smells At The Source

Avoid Exposed Food in the Car: It might be challenging, but avoiding eating in your car can significantly prevent lingering odours. We understand that from time to time, you’ll need to have some transport strong-smelling takeout in your car, so we’d recommend sealing it in a zip lock cooler bag placed in the boot until you’re out of the car to keep those food smells contained.

Don’t Smoke Inside: The smell of smoke can deeply embed itself into car fabrics, making it a persistent unwelcome guest. For a fresh-smelling car, it’s best to keep smoking outside.

Immediate Clean-Up: Spills can turn into smelly disasters if not addressed immediately. Always clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent odours from settling into your car’s interior.

Routine Cleaning Tips

Air Vents and AC System: Dust and debris in air vents can circulate unpleasant smells. Regularly cleaning these with a vacuum or brush helps prevent this issue. Additionally, cleaning your air conditioning system by spraying a disinfectant into the air intake with the engine off can tackle odours caused by bacteria and mould.

Upholstery and Mats: Fabrics in your car, including floor mats and seats, can harbour smells. Clean these components regularly; for mats, browse our detailed guide on the best practices to keep them as clean as possible. For upholstery, you can always use fabric freshener or sprinkle some baking soda, letting it sit before vacuuming.

Natural and Homemade Solutions

Baking Soda: A fantastic natural odour absorber, baking soda can be sprinkled on seats and carpets, left for a few hours, and then vacuumed up, leaving behind a cleaner scent.

Coffee Grounds: For coffee lovers, placing a small cup of coffee grounds in your car overnight can absorb unwanted odours, leaving your vehicle smelling like your favourite Melbourne cafe.

Essential Oils: For some, essential oils are a staple of a clean and tranquil house, and they can also be used to keep your car smelling fresh! Essential oils can give a gentle fragrance to your car; just a few drops on a cotton ball can make all the difference. 

Refreshing the Air

Keep Windows Open: Whenever the temperamental Melbourne weather allows, keeping your windows open while driving helps circulate fresh air and eliminate stale smells.

Use Air Fresheners Wisely: While air fresheners are great for making your car smell in the exact scent you want—it’s crucial to use them appropriately. When some drivers have a particularly funky-smelling car, they can fall into the trap of trying to overcorrect the smell – using up to five different air fresheners at one time. Overuse can overwhelm the senses and merely mask odours, not eliminate them.

Innovative Ideas

Use Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is not just for your kitchen; it can also deodorise your car. Lightly sprinkling a few drops of lemon juice on a washcloth and placing it under a seat can combat strong smells naturally.

By combining these preventative and active cleaning methods, you can maintain a pleasant aroma in your car, making every journey more enjoyable. Remember, tackling smells before they become ingrained makes your efforts more effective and your car a more inviting space.