If you spend a lot of time driving, it's important to make your car as comfortable as possible. Something that can decrease the comfort level is having a smelly car. If you don't have the time or money to get your car detailed, here are three easy ways to keep your car smelling nice.
Stop Using Your Vehicle As a Garbage Can
If you are putting in a lot of miles, there is a good chance you eat or drink in your car. If you fail to throw away your fast food bags, it could cause your car to start smelling bad. Besides food containers, other things you shouldn't leave in your vehicle include laundry, old newspapers, and other smelly items.
If you do accumulate garbage while you're on the road, be sure to throw it out every time you stop. Most rest stops and gas stations have convenient places to get rid of garbage. Also having extra plastic bags or small garbage bags in your car at all times will help you contain your garbage in one place so that it's easier to throw away.
Use an Air Freshener
It seems at one time every car owner had an air freshener shaped like a little tree hanging from their rear view mirror. While they might not be as popular these days, having an air freshener in your car is a great way to keep it smelling nice. Some of the most common types of air fresheners include:
- Air purifying bags
- Odor neutralizers that you can spray
- Odor eliminator gels
- Car air purifiers
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, many companies hand out promotional air fresheners and air purifiers that work just as well for keeping your car smelling nice.
Don't Smoke In Your Car
Many people would agree that cigarette smoke is one of the most offensive odors. Besides making your car smell bad, smoking can also ruin the upholstery in your car. If you want to keep your car smelling nice, avoid smoking in it and don't let passengers smoke, either.
If you bought a used car and the previous owner smoked, you can probably still smell it in your car. Because third-hand smoke can be bad for you, you'll want to do everything you can to get rid of it. Some ways to do this include:
- Remove the ashtray and soak it in bleach
- Give the steering wheel, dashboard, and center console a thorough cleaning
- Vacuum and shampoo the carpeted flooring
If young children ride in your car, it is especially important to remove the smell of smoke.
