Ways to Get Rid of Car, RV, Truck, and Boat Smells

Does your vehicle smell like your dog has been living in it? Can't get the odor of spilt takeout food and drinks from the floor mats or under the seats out? Then, maybe it's time to try some of our useful hints and tips to eliminate odor from your car, RV, truck, or boat.

Interior odors in cars can be caused by numerous things, each one requiring special attention. The aroma of a hot, sweaty dog; the odor of stale cigarettes; the scent of food left in your vehicle for a few days: in the confined space of your vehicle's cabin, these odors can quickly become overwhelming.

A vehicle can easily take on offensive odors that can be hard to get rid of. Sometimes an interior just has a stale smell for no other apparent reason than it's been well lived in for years. Moreover, many odors in cars are dragged in on shoes. Even if you become desensitized to the smell, your passengers won't be! Odors can contaminate the entire vehicle by getting trapped in the upholstery fibers, and though you might get rid of the offending element, it can become trapped in the fibers of the carpet and upholstery and linger, effectively contaminating the entire vehicle.

The "new car smell" is a common term for the odor that comes from the combination of materials found in new automobiles. Some people regard it as a pleasant and desirable smell. However, there is some question about whether the chemicals in the odor pose a health risk. Most of the interior of an automobile consists of plastic held together with a number of adhesives and sealers. A recent study in Japan found that the volatile organic chemicals in a new minivan were over 35 times the health limit the day after its delivery. In 4 months they had fallen under the limit but increased again in the hot summer months, taking three years to permanently remain below the limit. Scientists who have studied the chemicals released recommend keeping new cars well ventilated while driving, especially during the summer.

Articles and Advice on Eliminating Vehicle Odors

Vehicle Mechanical Smells and Their Causes - Information on types of vehicle smells that can occur due to mechanical failure or faulty components.