How to Get Air Freshener Smells Out of the Car
by Melynda Sorrels
Though air fresheners are intended to help your vehicle or home smell nice, it is possible to go completely overboard and use too much. If this happens, the smell can seem overpowering and that can make travelling in your car unpleasant. If you want the smell gone, it's more of a time consuming task than it is a difficult one. With a little effort, your vehicle can once again be fragrance free.
Step 1
Clean out the interior of the car and dispose of all trash. Remove any blankets or seat coverings so you can wash them to help get the odor out of them. Read the care label or instructions before washing.
Step 2
Vacuum out the interior of the vehicle to remove any dirt or debris that may also be hanging onto the smell. If you don't own a shop vac, you can usually find one at a gas station or car wash.
Step 3
Fill a bucket half full and add a cup of white vinegar for every 2 cups of water.
Step 4
Add a large scoop of baking soda to the bucket. This will cause it to fizz quite a bit so it's important to make sure that the bucket isn't too full.
Step 5
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe down any plastic moldings and metal.
Step 6
Wipe all of the interior areas with a clean dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
Step 7
Sprinkle baking soda over the upholstery liberally. The baking soda will help to absorb odors out of the upholstery and out of the air.
Step 8
Vacuum up the upholstery in the morning.
References
Tips
- Leave the windows cracked to allow air flow throughout the car if the weather permits.
Things You'll Need
- Shop vac
- White vinegar
- Bucket
- Baking soda
- Clean cloth or sponge
Writer Bio
Melynda Sorrels spent 10 years in the military working in different capacities of the medical field, including dental assisting, health services administration, decontamination and urgent medical care. Awarded the National Guardsman’s Medal for Lifesaving efforts in 2002, Sorrels was also a nominee for a Red Cross Award and a certified EMT-B for four years.
