The aroma of a hot, sweaty dog. The odor of stale cigarettes. The scent of food left in your vehicle for a few days. In the confined space of your vehicle's cabin, these odors can quickly become overwhelming. You obviously want to get rid of them but you are unsure of the best way to take care of the stinky problems.
There are many odor-fighting products on the market available for your car. But before you go out and pick just any one, beware that not all of these products are created equal. Please read the label of the product to see how it tackles the smell and make sure it is completely safe for the vehicle and occupants before using it.
Most odor-fighting chemicals can be purchased at your local grocery store, but if you want a more varied selection, go to a janitorial supply store.
stench fighters
Since there are many different odors, there are a number of chemicals that address specific situations. Some of them cover up the offending smell with a pleasant aroma, however, the scent still resides there, and will return to bother you another day. Other chemicals eliminate the smell completely. The product you choose depends on the particular odor you have in your vehicle.Here's a list of the different chemicals available to fight odors in your vehicle.
Odor masks
These products introduce a new, more pleasant smell to mask the unpleasant aroma. They work well with scents that will dissipate over time on their own.
Encapsulants
These chemicals surround the odor source and prevent it from producing more odor.
Oxidizers
These products work to speed the oxidation of a compound and deplete its ability to create odors. These chemicals work well with skunk odors.
Neutralizers
These chemicals, sometimes called "pairing agents," eliminate odors by stopping their chemical reactions.
Absorbents
An example of this chemical is activated charcoal. These products are usually crystalline structures that attract odor molecules and trap them within their internal matrix.
Bio-enzymes
These chemicals will actually eat organic residue, eliminating them as an odor source. These products work well in removing bodily waste (remember Tammy who had one too many tequila shots?) and certain food spills.
Disinfectants
Smells caused by organic action, such as mold and mildew, can be eliminated by the application of a disinfectant. Killing the organism prevents it from generating odors.
removing the smell
The first thing you need to do when tackling a smelly problem is locate the source. Generally, your nose is the best resource for finding the culprit, but if you feel like spending extra money, an ion-wave ultraviolet light is a great tool for locating food spills or urine smells (from the dog, of course).When you finally find and identify the source, remove it completely. It's a good idea to wear gloves when you perform this task. Blot the stain with paper towels, applying pressure to remove as much of the stain as possible.
Next, apply the chemical according to the directions on the product. Allow the area to air dry. If the smell persists, you may want to reapply the product. If a smell still lingers after repeated cleanings, you may want to take your vehicle to a professional detailer.
If dealing with a urine odor, it's a good idea to treat it first with an acid rinse. This is because when urine dries, it becomes an alkaline deposit.
Tobacco smoke is usually difficult to remove because it seeps into areas of the car that cannot be cleaned unless you disassemble the vehicle. To remove this odor, you must use a product that will go into those hard-to-reach areas and remove the smell.
One way to do this is by using thermal fogging. This consists of pumping a chemical through a fogging device that produces a fog to reach areas in the vehicle that you can't. The fogging chemical contains an odor control compound that will counteract the tobacco smell.
preventative tips
So you finally conquered the disgusting smell. In the future, you should take steps to ensure it doesn't happen again.Start by spraying a stain repellent (such as Scotch Guard) on your carpeting and upholstery. This will make it easier to clean up accidents.
Keep a trash bag in your car and make sure everyone disposes their trash in it. It is also a good idea to clean out your car on a regular basis. Clean out the ashtray and check under the seats for stray food left behind.
Keep smoking to a minimum and try to avoid eating in your car. Upholstery absorbs the smell of cigarettes, and spills and odors are inevitable if you are eating in the car. Wait until you get home or, if on a road trip, stop at a rest area for a picnic.
Keep an air freshener handy or use aromatherapy that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter to keep your vehicle smelling fresh. But beware; these products will not remove smells caused by smoking, mildew or vomit.
If you do notice a smell in your vehicle, act quickly, otherwise the unpleasant aroma may be harder to remove. After all, who wants to have a foul odor ruining their driving experience?
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