Do you love the smell of a fresh, new car? Want to keep your vehicle smelling great after years of ownership? Check out this article and learn how to keep your car smelling fresh.

Nine Tips to Keep a Car Smelling Fresh

Here’s a few simple ways that you can keep your car smelling fresh and new:

Keep an Air Freshener in Your Vehicle.

Hang a little tree from your mirror or stick an air freshener on to your A/C vent. A quality air-freshener absorbs odor without giving off an overwhelming smell. Replace your air freshener every few weeks or as directed.

Vacuum Your Floors.

Significant bad smell build-up in your car can be caused by your shoes. Regularly vacuum the inside of your car to remove dust and tiny debris. You can also vacuum your seats, trunk and dashboard.

Wipe Your Dashboard and Interior Surfaces.

Dust and other microscopic particles can build up on your car’s surface area and create bad smells. Use vehicle wipers to clean the interior surfaces of your car.

Don’t Keep Trash in Your Car.

The longer trash sits in your car, the more likely it is to stink! Check for trash and get rid of your car garbage after every trip.

Install Floor Mats.

Floor mats can collect dirt and other foreign substances before they have the chance to ingrain themselves in your car floor. Remember to regularly shake the dirt out of your floor mats.

Don’t Smoke Inside Your Vehicle.

Tobacco smoke can really stink up the inside of your car, and once it’s there it can be impossible to get rid off. Avoid smoking in your car completely, even the old smoking with the window down trick will not prevent smells.

Spray Odor Neutralizer.

Use professional grade odor neutralizer, like Ozium, to eradicate awful smells. Spray the neutralizer, and then run your air conditioner for five minutes. This will take care of any bad smells lingering in your heating and cooling system.

Slap a Box of Baking Soda in the Car

Some smells can be eradicated by leaving a box of baking soda in the car for a day or so. It’s cheap, easy, and eliminates smells rather than just covering them up.

Use Dryer Sheets.

Place a box of open dryer sheets under the driver or passenger seat. The dryer sheets will help absorb unwanted smells while adding a fresh, natural scent to your car.

Keep a Cleaning and Detailing Schedule.

Consistently cleaning your car keeps smells from sneaking up on you, so make car cleaning a routine. If you don’t have the time to clean and detail your car yourself, hire a professional auto body detailer once in a while to keep your car clean and fresh.

For more information on keeping a clean car and keeping your car smelling fresh, check out this guide by YourMechanic.com.