I usually get to drive the newer of our two cars, but this week I'm using the older van. It's normally used by my husband as more of a work/utility vehicle hauling stuff, and it's developed a work-truck smell inside. (I guess that's not a scientific term, but maybe you can imagine it?) Anyway, I have to use it to carpool for a field trip tomorrow, and I so don't want my son to be embarrassed when his classmates drive with us.
I tried Febreeze yesterday, and now there's a strong Febreeze smell mixed in with the work-truck smell.
And I've tried a Glade liquid/oil type freshener that clips on the AC vents, but that's so strong it gives me a headache.
Has anyone found a good air freshener for the car that really works? What do you like to use?
I'd really appreciate any ideas. Thank you!!
Thank you all so much! Great ideas!
I tried the baking soda and vacuuming, and then left the windows open a couple hours while it sat in the driveway. It's much better already.
I'm doing laundry tonight, so I'll save the the dryer sheet to throw under the seat. That ought to get me through tomorrow at least.
Then I'm going to look for the odor aborbing and/or neutralizing stuff next time I'm at the store.
And I liked the idea of just being straight forward and telling the kids that we're using Dad's work van.
Thanks again!
What might work is to sprinkle some baking soda onto the seats and floor, let it sit for a little while and then vacuum it up. The baking soda should absorb the odours.
I agree that it is better to rid yourself of the smell than try to cover it up and just make it worse. Do you have one of those "odor absorbing gel" jars around the house? The citrus ones by "Natural Magic" are the ones I like the best. I can wave one of those things around my kitchen after a big Saturday morning breakfast and the bacon smell will NOT still be hanging around later on. Just be sure to get an odor ABSORBING one, b/c the same company makes sprays and things too, that I would think would ADD to the mix of smells rather than eliminate.
Stick one of those in the car for a couple of hours, then when you take it out, drive with the windows down.
Agree w/ baking soda and airing it out. One way I've freshened a car w/o being too strong is to throw a fabric softner sheet under a seat.... Good luck. Luckily kids are typically pretty tolerant of "smells".
Not sure what your weather is like? Can you air it out? that is best method, drive around with windows open for while. I like the sprays that say they neutralize odor. Neutra air i think.
I read somewhere that you open the hood of car on a sunny day and run the fan for a while but I think that is for a moldy smell.
You may try, very carfully, putting a bowl (or some other type of open container) of white vinegar in the car, and then close the car up. The vinegar should absorb the smell. It does work in the house. Good luck to you ! D. in Morgan Hill, CA
I believe the absolute best is OZIUM. It is a spray that absorbs odors and leaves a fresh smell.
I agree with baking soda...I have even used it when milk was spilled in the car. I soaked the carpet with a soda and water solution and it neutralized it. I found this out also when my child spilled a whole glass of milk on the carpet in my living room. S.
