How To Keep That “New Car” Smell

Most of us love that smell of getting into a brand new car. It starts when we take it for a test drive. Then there’s the sense of satisfaction we get when driving it home for the first time. But, after a while, that new car smell seems to fade. Or maybe it simply gets replaced with other, less pleasant, odors. Here are some tips to help your vehicle maintain – or regain – that new car smell you fell in love with.

Keep it Clean

The most important thing you can do to help your vehicle stay smelling fresh and new is to keep it clean. Don’t let trash or debris accumulate. Vacuum the carpet and upholstery regularly, including the floor mats. If the mats are rubber, take them out and hose them off. If there are any spots or stains, try an upholstery shampoo. For leather upholstery, use a microfiber towel and leather cleaner or protectant. Finally, clean out the vents. You can use a toothbrush to get in those hard-to-reach spaces. Changing the cabin filter can also help eliminate stale air.

You might also like: Cool Off This Summer With A DIY Slip and Slide

Try Scented Products

Giving your vehicle a good cleaning will definitely help with getting rid of any unpleasant odors. But it won’t necessarily bring back that new car smell you’re hoping for. Thankfully there are products on the market that claim to do just that. Your local auto parts store will offer a variety of scented surface wipes, air fresheners, and aerosol sprays in fragrances that mimic the real thing. The resulting smell may not be exact, but it will definitely be better than it was before.

When trying to maintain that new car smell, just remember it’s easier to keep it present in the first place than it is to get it back when it’s gone. Stay in the habit of keeping your vehicle neat and tidy. Consider having it professionally cleaned periodically. And, when the smell starts to disappear, don’t give up. There’s still hope.

Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.