The problem

Why cars start to smell

A car is a small, closed space that’s often shut for hours. Food crumbs, a forgotten gym bag, a damp floor mat or smoke quickly build up, and seats, headrests and mats soak up the smell.

That’s why a car freshener works best in a car that isn’t actively producing smells. Find the source first, then add freshness that lasts.

Fresh air matters: the US EPA explains that inadequate ventilation lets indoor pollutants build up. In a closed car, airing it out is the first step against any car smell.

Quick answer

To get rid of a bad car smell, check under the seats and in the trunk, remove the source and let the car air out. Then clip a Car Freshener onto the vent, refresh seats and mats with Fabric Fresh and add a 40 Day Gel for background freshness.

Your fix

The car-fresh combo

Smell Crusher Car Freshener Cherry vent clip in packaging

Car Freshener

Clips onto your air vent and uses the airflow to spread fragrance through the whole cabin. Four scents: New Car, Anti Tobacco, Black and Cherry.

Shop Car Freshener
Smell Crusher Fabric Fresh 250 ml fabric spray and odor eliminator

Fabric Fresh

Seats, headrests and floor mats hold onto smells. Fabric Fresh removes the smell of sweat and pets from fabrics. Spray from about 30 cm and test on a hidden spot first.

Shop Fabric Fresh
Smell Crusher 40 Day Gel Cherry 100 ml air freshener and odor eliminator

40 Day Gel

A jar in a secure spot keeps working between drives, so the car smells good the moment you open the door.

Shop 40 Day Gel

Step by step

Your car-fresh checklist

  1. Find the source. Check under the seats, in the door pockets and in the trunk for forgotten food, wet sports gear or a damp mat.
  2. Air it out. Remove what you find and leave the doors open for a while.
  3. Refresh the fabrics. Spray seats, headrests and mats with Fabric Fresh and let them dry.
  4. Clip on a Car Freshener. Pick New Car for that fresh-off-the-lot feel, or Anti Tobacco if smoke is the problem.
  5. Add a slow-release option. Place a 40 Day Gel in a secure spot and keep a compact Air Perfume in the door pocket for quick fixes.
Smell Crusher sprays in a car trunk to fight car smell

Questions

New Car for a clean leather-and-cedarwood feel, Anti Tobacco against smoke smell, Black for something bold, Cherry for sweet and fruity.

Remove hair and dirt first, then spray seats and blankets with Fabric Fresh, which removes the smell of pets from fabrics. Add a Car Freshener for ongoing freshness.

Yes, Absorber Spray can be used in cars. Spray into the air and avoid plastic, lacquered or laminated surfaces such as the dashboard.