How to Deal With Smells in a New Car Interior

Jimbo Balaam on

Air fresheners mask smells — here’s how to actually remove them.

How to Deal With Smells in a New Car Interior

How to Deal With Smells in a New Car Interior

New car smell doesn’t last forever. Food, sweat, and daily use bring odors that air fresheners only mask. Here’s the beginner-friendly way to actually remove smells and keep your interior fresh.

Quick Answer:
  • Remove the source first (trash, spills, dirty mats).
  • Clean with Complete Cabin Cleaner to neutralize odors.
  • Use Air Freshies for a lasting, pleasant scent.
  • For stubborn smells: steam or ozone treatment.
In this guide
  1. Why interiors develop smells
  2. Step 1: Remove the source
  3. Step 2: Clean surfaces & fabrics
  4. Step 3: Freshen with safe products
  5. Handling stubborn odors
  6. Mistakes beginners make
  7. FAQ

Why Interiors Develop Smells

Cars are enclosed spaces that trap odors. Food crumbs rot, sweat absorbs into seats, and moisture leads to mildew. Over time, even a new car smell fades and everyday odors take over.

Step 1: Remove the Source

  • Take out trash and empty bottles regularly.
  • Remove and wash floor mats.
  • Check under seats for hidden food or spills.

Step 2: Clean Surfaces & Fabrics

Once the source is gone, clean the interior with Complete Cabin Cleaner. It’s safe on all surfaces—plastics, vinyl, fabric, and even headliners—and neutralizes odor-causing residues.

Pro Tip: For seats and carpets, spray onto a microfiber and blot rather than soaking. Over-wetting leads to trapped moisture and smells.

Step 3: Freshen With Safe Products

Once clean, add a pleasant scent with Air Freshies. Unlike cheap cardboard fresheners, they’re longer lasting and less overpowering—keeping the interior inviting without being overwhelming.

Handling Stubborn Odors

Some odors need stronger solutions:

  • Smoke: Requires multiple wipe-downs, ozone, or steam cleaning.
  • Mildew: Find and fix moisture leaks before cleaning carpets.
  • Pets: Use Complete Cabin Cleaner followed by an enzyme-based odor eliminator.

Mistakes Beginners Make

  • Masking smells with sprays instead of removing the cause.
  • Soaking carpets or seats—leads to mold and worse smells.
  • Ignoring air vents—dusty vents circulate bad odors throughout the car.

Related Guides

Beginner’s Guide to Cleaning Car Interiors
Best Interior Cleaners for Beginners

FAQ: Dealing With Car Interior Smells

What’s the fastest way to remove odors?

Remove the source, wipe with Complete Cabin Cleaner, and let the car air out.

Do air fresheners really work?

They mask odors. For lasting results, clean first, then use Air Freshies for a pleasant scent.

How do I get rid of smoke smell?

Multiple wipe-downs + ozone or steam cleaning. Smoke embeds in fabrics and plastics.

What if smells keep coming back?

Check for hidden leaks or spills. Persistent odors often mean moisture issues under carpets.