Weekly Car Tip: How to Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh!

Every car had that distinctive 'new car' smell at one point in time. However, it doesn't take long before it gets replaced with less-desirable scents such as body odor or stale french fries. We believe it is a smell that should not be limited to cars that are only weeks old. If you follow a few of these simple techniques, you can achieve a fresh smelling car for years to come. 

First, let us cover some preventative measures. They may seem like common-sense, but it's still worth mentioning. Obviously, avoid smoking in the car. While it seems like the smoke immediately disperses, it actually has a much more pervasive nature. Cigarette smoke has a tendency to find its way into fabrics and other hard-to-reach places in the car. This is the quickest way to displace that fresh scent. Another, maybe not so obvious (but still important), in-car activity to avoid is eating. And whatever you do, don't leave fast-food bags in the car during the day or overnight! If you must eat in the car, be sure to have some car wipes handy to clean the steering wheel and any other surfaces that may have been affected. It's also a great idea to keep an in-car trash bag that will contain any spills or messes that you may encounter.

Now, even following those rules, it's still inevitable that the new-car-smell will eventually fade away. What can you do to restore it? Here are a few suggestions:

1. We all know that you can buy the car-fresheners to place around the vehicle. Some of these work better than others, but there are certainly better options.
2. Next time you're in the department store, grab a couple cologne or perfume samples (depending on your preference) and leave them in the car. These scents are strong and will remain in the car for longer.
3. Vacuum often! Use carpet deodorizer, or baking soda, to absorb any scents left behind by the vacuum.
4. You can place orange peels in an inconspicuous place. As they dry, they will continue to release a naturally fresh scent.
5. Dryer sheets also work very well. Put an open box underneath the drivers seat. They absorb bad odors while also emanating a fresh smell.

Is there anything we missed that you have found success with? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line on the Ken Dixon Auto Facebook Page!