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This post is all about how to make your car smell good, with and without air fresheners.
Whether you’re driving to and from work or school, running errands, or just chilling – there’s no doubt that you spend a lot of time in your car.
But aren’t you tired of getting into your car only to be met with a hard-to-ignore odor?
We hear you!
With so much time spent behind the wheel, your car should be a place of comfort, not an assault on your sense of smell.
Luckily, we’re sharing 10 simple and effective ways to make your car smell so good that you’ll never want to leave.
Whether you’re dealing with a lingering odor or you just enjoy a car that smells really, really good, we’ve got tips and tricks to help.
So buckle up and get ready for a ride that smells as good as it feels!
How to make your car smell good
How to make your car smell good with fragrances
One of the most effective and easiest ways to make your car smell really good is to use a fragrance.
Fragrances come in lots of different forms and most of them are easily accessible and affordable.
Here are 5 different kinds of fragrances you can use in your car:
1. Air fresheners
Of course, air fresheners are at the top of our list. They come as sprays, gels, ornaments, vent clips and so much more. Best of all, you can get them in all sorts of scents, from freshly glazed doughnuts to the popular black ice.
If you’re using a spray, just a couple of spritzes and your car will smell amazing in no time.
If you prefer one of the other types of air fresheners — those that stay in the whole day — you’ll love how they infuse your car with a wonderful fragrance every time you open the doors.
2. Essential oils
Essential oils are a great alternative to chemical air fresheners, so they’re perfect for people who want a natural approach. They’re also known for their therapeutic properties!
Scents like lavender and chamomile are calming, which can be really helpful for those who deal with driving anxiety. Some essential oils can even help purify the air.
Related: 40 Driving Affirmations to Keep You Calm & Confident
Obviously, essentials are a great option for making your car smell good.
To use them, add a few drops to a diffuser or cotton ball, and enjoy the scent as you drive. You can also mix your favorite oil with water in a spray bottle and mist it throughout your car.
TIP! Some essential oils don’t go well with pets, so be sure to do your research first if you’re a pet owner.
3. Dryer sheets
If this is your first time hearing of this trick, we can understand why you may find it weird.
But hear us out:
Dryer sheets are designed to soften fabrics in the dryer, but they also have a pleasant scent that can help mask unpleasant odors in your car.
All you have to do is place a few dryer sheets under your car seats, in the trunk, or in a cup holder and let the fragrance work its magic.
The best part about using dryer sheets is that it’s a cost-effective way to keep your car smelling fresh, so your car can smell great without you needing to break the bank.
4. Coffee grounds
Who says coffee is only good for perking you up in the morning?
It turns out that coffee grounds can also be used to make your car smell for a long time.
And what’s better than the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to keep you alert and energized on the road?
(This only works for regular coffee drinkers. Read more here.)
All you need to do is put some coffee grounds in a sachet or a small bag and place it in your car.
The coffee grounds will absorb any unpleasant odors and release a pleasant coffee aroma, making your car smell fresh and inviting.
Plus, using coffee grounds as an air freshener is an eco-friendly option since you’re repurposing something that would otherwise be thrown away.
5. Perfume
And finally, perfume. No one says we only have to spray it on our skin!
While you may not want to use your favorite and most expensive perfumes on your car seats, you can always use old ones that you no longer wear.
All you need to do is spray a little perfume onto a cotton ball or a piece of fabric and place it in your car.
The fragrance will linger in your car and make it smell great.
Perfumes also have the ability to evoke memories and emotions, making them a powerful tool for creating a specific atmosphere in your car.
By using perfumes that are associated with positive memories or experiences, you can have a more pleasant and relaxing driving experience.
Just be careful not to spray too much or use a scent that is too strong, as it can be overwhelming in a small space like a car.
How to make your car smell good without air fresheners
Fragrances are amazing, but they aren’t the only way to make your car smell good.
Below are 5 ways to make your car smell good naturally, without any air fresheners or other scents.
6. Keep it clean
This may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your car clean is one of the best ways to keep it smelling good.
Vacuum the carpets, wipe down the seats, and clean any spills or stains as soon as they happen.
A clean car not only looks great, but it also smells great.
7. Let it air
Sometimes, all your car needs is a good airing out.
On a sunny day, roll down your windows and let the fresh air circulate in your car. You can also leave your car windows cracked open just enough to allow for ventilation without compromising the security of your car.
Just be mindful of the weather and location of your car because you don’t want rain, frost or bugs to get in.
8. Keep it dry
Moisture can cause bad odors in your car, so it’s important to keep it dry. You can do this by fixing any leaks or cleaning up spills as soon as possible.
You can also use a dehumidifier or moisture absorber to prevent mold and mildew.
This one has 4.5 stars on Amazon. It’s reusable — just reactivate it in the microwave or oven, then use it as needed.
9. Odor Eliminators
Dealing with stubborn odors that just won’t go away?
Try using an odor eliminator like this powerful one from Amazon that removes tough odors like sweat, cigarette smoke and wet dog.
If you’re looking for a more natural option, baking soda is a another great choice. Sprinkle it on your carpets and seats, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it up.
You can also try activated charcoal or white vinegar for a natural odor-fighting solution.
10. Change your air filter
Last but not least, try changing your cabin air filter.
Changing the air filter might not sound like the most exciting thing, but trust us, it can make a huge difference in the smell of your car.
A dirty air filter can lead to a musty or stale odor, so by swapping it out for a new one, you’ll be breathing in fresh, clean air on every drive.
Luckily, changing your air filter isn’t difficult at all.
Check out this TikTok by @2jz_rotary to learn exactly how to do it.
@2jz_rotary Don’t get charged 💰to change your filter. #carcabinairfilter #carfilter #diy #dadsoftiktok ♬ Somewhere Only We Know – Gustixa
TIP! Some people also spray their filter with fragrance, which is a cool little hack you can try.
Conclusion
There you have it!
By following these simple tips, you can make your car smell amazing and elevate your driving experience to a whole new level.
From using air freshener to letting your car air out on a sunny day, these are easy and affordable solutions will have you breathing in fresh air every time you get behind the wheel.
So go ahead and give them a try. Your nose (and passengers) will thank you.
Your article on ‘How To Make Your Car Smell So Good That You’ll Never Want To Get Out’ is a fantastic guide for those who want to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere in their vehicles. The tips and DIY ideas you’ve shared for achieving a delightful fragrance are both creative and practical. It’s a reminder that a well-scented car can make every drive a more enjoyable experience. Thanks for these wonderful suggestions on keeping our cars smelling great