11/06/2020
TIP OF THE WEEK:
Cheap, Natural Ways to Deodorize Your Car
WAIT!
Don't spray chemicals that may irritate your lungs or allergies...Don't hang air fresheners which will just mingle a sweet smell with an offensive smell, often making matters worse...Don't overpay a detail shop...until you try these easy fixes yourself.
First step is to identify the source of the smell and remove it, if possible.
Secondly, allow fresh air to circulate as much as possible. Just be careful not to leave your windows down if there is a chance of rain!
CHARCOAL
Nature’s toxin absorber can filter the air in your car, just like it can filter your water or your body. Simply leave an open bag of charcoal briquettes in your car overnight. To be even more effective, you can place the charcoal in a burlap bag to allow more airflow. Charcoal is extremely porous and absorbs anything floating around in the air. Best of all, you can still use the charcoal to cook when you're done. (Note: don't use charcoal with additives such as mesquite or lighter fluid.)
BAKING SODA
Baking soda, or sodium carbonate, has myriad cleaning uses. If you’re dealing with vomit, this should be your first choice. The abrasive, alkaline powder consumes odors and can help remove stains. It is cheap and simple to use: Clean and wet the stinky area, sprinkle the baking soda on liberally and let it dry. Wait at least a few hours and vacuum the dried powder. You can also keep baking soda in a sealed container with a few holes in the top, which acts as a natural air filter. The used baking soda can later be reused: mix it with vinegar to clean out sink drains!
VINEGAR
It may be hard to believe that this harsh-smelling liquid is ideal against overpowering smells, but it is! Vinegar has a clean smell somehow and is a great deodorizer. Simply leave it overnight in a small cup or bowl inside your car. The evaporation process will greatly reduce even the strongest of odors. You can also try spraying a mix of vinegar and water on a stinky area and rubbing it with a damp cloth. Be sure to never directly pour or spill vinegar anywhere in your car -- it is strong enough to damage materials such as carpet or leather.
If these remedies don't solve your problem, there are many effective chemical deodorizers available to use on your own or at a detail shop.
