Professional Guide for Car Odor Removal: How to Eliminate Smoke and Food Smells

People spend a lot of time in their cars, whether a quick trip to the supermarket for groceries, a daily commute to work, or a long road trip with friends or family. With so much time spent on the road, it's natural that some vehicles pick up strong odors over time.

While a particularly bad smell could dissipate quickly when the windows are down, others can permeate the car interior and require professional attention to remove. Remember: Car air fresheners only mask stubborn odors. So, while they can help make a car smell fresh and clean, it's not a permanent solution.

Why Odors Cling to Car Interiors

There are lots of reasons why an unwanted odor can stick around in a car - from the variety of absorbent materials present to the many nooks and crannies that hide organic matter where it can decay in secret. Here are a few common reasons why stinks stick to a car interior:

• Absorbent materials: Fabric seats, carpets, and headliners absorb and retain odors from different sources such as food, beverages, smoke, and pets - just like upholstery found in homes and workplaces. If it can absorb matter, it can soak up smells, too.
• Confined space: A car interior is a relatively small and enclosed space, which can trap odors and make them more noticeable.
• Ventilation system: The car's HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system can recirculate "old" air, spreading odors throughout the vehicle. Mold or mildew in the ventilation system can also produce persistent smells.
• Organic matter: Food crumbs, spills, or other organic matter left in the car can decompose and emit odors over time. Even small crumbs or otherwise forgettable particles that fall between seats can be enough to cause an unpleasant odor.
• Humidity: Moisture in the car on hot days or in warmer climates can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can create and sustain vehicle odors.

How To Remove Odors From a Car: Three Professional Methods

The methods for removing odor-causing molecules vary depending on the source of the stink. If you're dealing with a strong smoke smell, use method one; for food odor removal, try method two; for an easy, all-encompassing solution, go for method three.

Method #1: Smoke and Tobacco Odor Removal Steps

1. Using a quart (32 oz) trigger sprayer, lightly spray 1/2 ounce of OdorX Tabac-Attack onto all absorbent surfaces and into the heater/air conditioner exhaust ports.
2. Using a portable extractor, clean all soft surfaces in the vehicle. For the best results, use the following recipe for your cleaning solution:
3. Prespray with Matrix® Grand Slam Pre-Spray with Matrix® Citrus Force ASD added as a booster. Follow label instructions for proper dilution.
4. Extract with clean water mixed with 1-2 ounces of OdorX Tabac-Attack added. Note: Pay special attention to the head-liner, as this can hold a lot of odor. Be careful not to overwet as this will loosen the adhesive.
5. Clean all glass surfaces. If there is heavy tar residue on the windows, it may be necessary to use a cream-type window/glass cleaner.
6. Clean dashboard/side panels.
7. After cleaning, and with the car running, turn on the air conditioner and recirculate the air.
8. Using a thermal fogger and Thermo-55 Tabac-Attack, fog the interior of the car. Doors and windows should remain closed for 30-45 minutes after fogging.
9. Ventilate the vehicle before reuse.
10. If after 24 hours there is still a slight residual odor, turn the car on with the air conditioner on to recirculate.
11. Place your ozone generator in the car for 2-4 hours.
12. After ozone treatment, let the car air out for 45 minutes.
13. Using a trigger sprayer, lightly spray the interior with FreshWave IAQ Air and Surface Spray.

Method #2: Food Odor Removal Steps

1. Find the source of the odor. If it's hard and crusty, use a bone spatula to break it up.
2. Apply Matrix® Release undiluted to a clean white cloth. Tamp and blot the cloth against the spot with a spotting brush.
3. Apply Matrix® Spot Out undiluted. Tamp and blot with a spotting brush and spotting towels.
4. Clean the automobile as normal. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as under car seats. Note: Be careful when wet cleaning a cloth head-liner; too much moisture can loosen the glue that holds it to the roof.
5. Apply PRS Biological Based Odor Control, ensuring areas stay wet for 1 hour.
6. Speed dry using air movers.
7. If after 24 hours there is still a slight residual odor, turn the car on with the air conditioner on to recirculate.
8. Place your ozone generator in the car for 2-4 hours.
9. After the ozone treatment is complete, let the car air out for 45 minutes.
10. Using a trigger sprayer, lightly spray the interior with FreshWave IAQ Air and Surface Spray.

Method #3: VaportekRestorator for Smoke and Food Odor Removal

The Vaportek Restorator is ideal for removing smoke/tobacco, food, biological, and other odors from automobiles - and it's easy to use!

• For light odors, simply run the Restorator for 15.30 minutes with all windows and doors closed.
• For severe odors, run the machine for 2-3 hours or more.

Tips To Share To Prevent Car Odors In the First Place

Accidents happen, but there are a few helpful tips you can share with clients to reduce the chance of their car holding onto unbearable odors:

• Regular cleaning: Regularly vacuum the seats, floor mats, and carpets to remove dirt, crumbs, and other debris.
• Clean spills quickly: Clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains and odors.
• Avoid eating in the car: Food and drink spills can cause lingering odors, so try to avoid eating in the car when possible.
• Change the cabin air filter: The cabin air filter can trap odors and pollutants. Replacing it regularly can help maintain a fresh-smelling interior.

Learn Valuable Odor Removal Techniques With Jon-Don

Tackling tough odors for clients elsewhere? Check out our library of odor-removal tech tips to teach you professional techniques to tackle even the toughest smells.

Interested in taking a seminar to learn expert odor removal methods first-hand? Check out our Training Hub, where you'll find upcoming classes for our IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) seminar.

When faced with particularly stubborn car odors, you can turn to Jon-Don for the products and processes that will deliver great results. From traditional odor-neutralizing chemistry to eco-friendly odor destroyers, Jon-Don has the products you need. Call us 1-800-400-9473