How to Remove Smell from Upholstery & Fabrics
Whether it’s smoke, food, or that mystery odor, car interiors can trap unwanted smells fast. In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove odors from upholstery and fabric surfaces using Complete Cabin Cleaner — and how to keep your car smelling fresh without harsh chemicals.
Estimated Reading Time: ~9 minutes
Why Car Interiors Hold Onto Odors
Car fabrics act like sponges — they absorb sweat, food particles, and environmental smells like smoke or mildew. Over time, these odors settle deep into the fibers, making them tough to eliminate with air fresheners alone.
To truly get rid of odors, you need to clean the source — not just mask it. That means using a dedicated cleaner that lifts dirt, bacteria, and residue from the fibers themselves.
What You’ll Need
- Complete Cabin Cleaner – safe on all interior materials
- Microfiber towels (Everyday Microfiber)
- Interior scrub pad (Scrub Buddy Pad 3-Pack)
- Vacuum or wet/dry extractor (optional for deep cleaning)
- Air freshener or odor neutralizer (optional finish)
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Odors from Car Upholstery
Step 1: Identify the Source
Locate where the smell is coming from — seats, carpets, mats, or headliner. If the odor is localized (like a spill), focus your efforts there. For older smells (like smoke or mildew), plan for a full interior cleaning.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuum seats, carpets, and crevices to remove dust, food crumbs, and debris that can trap odor molecules. Use a crevice tool to get between seats and under floor mats.
Step 3: Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner
Apply Complete Cabin Cleaner directly to the affected surfaces. It’s designed to penetrate fabric fibers and neutralize organic odors at the source — not just cover them up.
Step 4: Agitate with a Scrub Pad
Use a Scrub Buddy Pad to lightly scrub the area. This lifts dirt and residue out of the fabric. For carpets, a drill brush can also be used at low speed for deeper cleaning.
Step 5: Wipe and Dry
Wipe up the residue with a clean microfiber towel. Allow the area to dry naturally with windows cracked, or use a fan to speed up drying time. Avoid over-saturating fabric.
Step 6: Optional Odor Neutralizer
For stubborn smells, mist an odor-neutralizing spray or ozone treatment after cleaning. This helps eliminate airborne odor molecules that cleaning alone might miss.
Erase Interior Odors Fast
Complete Cabin Cleaner safely eliminates smoke, food, and pet smells from fabric and plastic surfaces — without leaving residue or gloss.
Shop Complete Cabin Cleaner Buy on AmazonComparison: Odor Removal Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Surface Safety | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freshener Only | Low | Safe | ❌ |
| Steam Cleaning | High | Safe with caution | ✅ |
| Complete Cabin Cleaner | High | Safe on all interiors | ✅✅ |
Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
- → Always remove trash and food daily — smells build up fast in warm cars.
- → Clean fabric and vents monthly with Complete Cabin Cleaner.
- → Use a cabin air filter with activated charcoal to trap odors at the source.
- → Avoid masking sprays that just hide smells instead of removing them.
- → Keep microfiber towels and scrub pads dedicated to interior use only.
Scrub Smells Away Safely
Pair Complete Cabin Cleaner with Scrub Buddy Pads for deeper odor removal and spotless, matte interiors.
Shop Scrub Buddy Pads Buy on AmazonHow to Keep Your Car Smelling Great
Once you’ve eliminated odors, maintain freshness with regular cleanings and mild scent boosters:
- → Use Complete Cabin Cleaner weekly for light maintenance.
- → Keep interior dry — moisture is the #1 cause of mildew smells.
- → Try Jimbo’s Air Freshies for a subtle citrus scent that lasts.
- → Deep clean carpets and seats seasonally for best results.
Related Reading
- How to Deodorize & Sanitize Your Car Interior
- How to Clean Engine Plastics & Rubber
- How to Recondition Faded Exterior Plastics
FAQs
Does Complete Cabin Cleaner remove smoke smells?
Yes — it breaks down the organic film that traps smoke particles in fabric and surfaces, helping eliminate the odor at the source.
Can I use this cleaner on leather seats?
Absolutely. Complete Cabin Cleaner is safe for leather, vinyl, fabric, and plastic. It won’t leave shine or residue.
How long do odors take to disappear?
Light smells fade within minutes of cleaning. Strong odors may need a second application or ventilation overnight.
Will this product stain or discolor fabric?
No — it’s formulated for OEM-safe results and dries to a matte finish with no residue.
What’s the best way to prevent odors from coming back?
Clean regularly with Complete Cabin Cleaner and keep the interior dry. Add ceramic protection like Tough As Shell to help repel moisture.
