Bad odors in a car can be a sign of engine problems. Odors that are trapped within a car’s air-conditioning system can be hard to do away with. Some common types of odors are caused by cigarettes, stale food and dampness within the carpet or upholstery. Offensive odors can be removed by following a regular maintenance routine.
Gather cleaning materials. Park your vehicle in a shady and well-ventilated location.
Clean out the interior of the vehicle by discarding piled-up trash. Wipe up spills using paper towels.
Brush the upholstery carefully. Vacuum the inside of the vehicle.
Open the car doors and windows to allow the car to aerate. Turn on the vehicle.
Raise the hood of the car. Turn on the air-conditioning unit to the highest setting.
Modify the air-conditioning unit to allow outside air into the car. Find the cowl vent within the engine compartment, usually on the passenger's side below the windshield.
Spray deodorizer directly onto the cowl vent screen. Wait for a few minutes to allow the deodorizer to circulate through the air-conditioning unit. Turn off the air conditioning.
Turn on the heater using the highest settings. Spray the deodorizer into the cowl vent again. Use the car refresher to keep offensive odors away.
