How to Get Rid of Car Smells: Milk, Smoke, Dog & More
An unpleasant car smell can quickly ruin your driving experience. Whether you’ve bought a second-hand car with lingering smoke, noticed a damp or mouldy odour after heavy rain or accidentally left fast food or gym kit behind, car smells have a habit of sticking around. Bad smells in a car can also affect its resale value.
The good news is that most odours can be tackled with the right approach. Below, we explore common causes of car smells, proven ways to remove odour in a car, how to get rid of dog smell in your car and how to stop smells from returning.
Common reasons your car smells
Cars are enclosed spaces, which makes them especially prone to trapping odours. Some of the most common causes include:
- Smoke from cigarettes or vapes soaking into upholstery
• Damp smells in cars caused by wet carpets or leaks
• Spilt food and drink, including milk or takeaway leftovers
• Pet odours, particularly dog smell in car upholstery
• Mould or mildew forming after rain or condensation
• Forgotten items like sports kits, rubbish or beach towels
Identifying the source of the smell is the first step in learning how to remove smell from a car effectively.
How to get rid of a smell in your car
Professional valeting service
The easiest way to remove odour in a car is to call in a professional detailer. A full interior valet focuses on the areas most likely to trap smells, such as seats, carpets and headlining. Professionals use specialist products to tackle stubborn odours like smoke, mould and damp smells in cars.
While this is the most thorough solution, it is also the most expensive. If you’d rather try a DIY option first, there are several cost-effective alternatives.
Baking soda
Baking soda is one of the simplest ways to remove bad smell in car interiors. Place a bowl of bicarbonate of soda inside the car overnight and allow it to absorb odours naturally.
Make sure the bowl is placed securely and removed before driving to avoid spills. For strong smells, repeat for several nights.
Tumble dryer sheets
Tumble dryer sheets are a quick and affordable way to freshen up your car. Tuck a few sheets into door pockets or under seats to help mask mild car smells. While this won’t remove odour in car upholstery completely, it can help keep things smelling fresher.
White vinegar
White vinegar is highly effective at neutralising odours, including smoke and damp smells. Leave a small cup of diluted vinegar in the car overnight to absorb lingering smells. If the odour is localised, gently wipe the area with a cloth dampened with a vinegar and water solution.
Never use neat vinegar directly on car interiors, as the smell can be overpowering.
Air fresheners
Car air fresheners are ideal for a quick fix and are widely available. While they can mask unpleasant smells, they don’t remove the root cause. For long-term results, it’s best to combine air fresheners with a proper clean.
How To Get Rid of Dog Smell in your Car
Fresh air circulation
Before reaching for cleaning products, start by airing the car out. Open all the windows and take a short drive. Fresh air circulation can significantly reduce trapped odours, especially after transporting pets.
If the smell remains, it’s time to focus on the upholstery.
Cleaning dog smell from car upholstery
Seats and carpets are the main culprits for dog smell in car interiors. Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove loose hair and dirt.
Next, use a bio-enzyme cleaner designed for upholstery. These products break down odour-causing bacteria rather than masking smells, making them ideal for removing dog smell in car seats. Scrub all affected areas, then leave doors open to allow the interior to dry fully.
Baking soda for dog smells
Baking soda is also effective for pet odours. Place around a quarter cup in a bowl and leave it in a central, stable area of the car overnight. For stubborn dog smells, repeat over a few nights.
If you’ve tried multiple methods and the odour persists, a professional valet may be the best solution.
Supagard Fabric Protection
Supagard offer a professional internal protector, which protects the interior of your car from spills, mud, dirt and mucky pets! When professionally applied by a ChipsAway technician, each fibre of the seats and carpets are coated with a resin-based formula, which eases the removal of interior dirt and spillages. The Supagard protection prevents staining on the interior of your car, whilst also preserving the texture and appearance of the material.
How to prevent car smells from returning
Car seat covers
Seat covers are a cost-effective way to protect upholstery from spills, muddy paws and lingering smells. They’re easy to remove and wash, helping prevent bad smells in car interiors.
Car air fresheners
Keeping spare air fresheners in your glovebox means you can act quickly if a smell appears. They work best as a preventative measure rather than a cure.
Regular interior cleaning
Frequent vacuuming and wiping down surfaces prevents smells from building up. This is especially important if you transport pets, children or food regularly.
Avoid smoking in the car
Smoke is one of the hardest odours to remove from a car. Even with windows open, smoke particles embed themselves into upholstery and headlining. Avoiding smoking in the car altogether is the most effective solution.
When to call a professional detailer
If you’re dealing with stubborn odours such as smoke, mildew, damp smells in cars or spilt milk that won’t shift, professional help may be required. A detailer has access to industrial-strength products and equipment that can remove smell from car interiors more effectively than DIY methods.
FAQs
How to get the new car smell?
The new car smell comes from chemicals used in manufacturing. To replicate it, keep the interior spotless, use a subtle leather or interior cleaner, and avoid overpowering air fresheners.
Do car odour bombs work?
Odour bombs can temporarily neutralise smells, but they often don’t address the source. For best results, clean the affected area first before using one.
How to get milk out of carpet in car?
To remove milk smell from car carpet, blot the spill immediately, clean with warm water and mild detergent, then use a bio-enzyme cleaner. Baking soda left overnight can help absorb remaining odours.
Why does my car smell like mildew?
A mildew smell usually indicates trapped moisture. Wet carpets, blocked drains or leaks can cause this. Dry the interior thoroughly and clean with an anti-mould product to remove the smell.
Why does it smell in my car after it rains?
Rain can introduce moisture into carpets and upholstery, leading to damp smells in cars. Check door seals, dry wet areas promptly and ventilate the car well.
Unpleasant car smells can make even the shortest journey uncomfortable, but they don’t have to be permanent. From everyday spills and damp odours to smoke and dog smells, knowing how to get rid of a smell in your car can make a huge difference to both your driving experience and your vehicle’s value. Whether you choose a simple DIY solution or decide to call in a professional, tackling the source of the problem is key. With regular cleaning and a few preventative measures in place, you can keep your car smelling fresh, clean and enjoyable to drive all year round.
