It is always nice to be welcomed by that distinct smell of a new car! Although it won’t last forever, there are some good habits you can practice to help preserve your vehicle’s fresh scent. Here are a few tips to try.
Establish a No-Eating Policy
When you’ve found a great new Ford for sale and you’re driving it off the lot, don’t make a fast-food drive-thru your first stop! In fact, getting yourself out of the habit of eating inside your car will go a long way toward keeping its factory-fresh smell.
Even if you personally don’t snack while driving, you’ve got to make sure your passengers abstain, too. Food doesn’t only stink up your car while it’s being consumed; when scraps and crumbs fall to the floor or get lodged between your seats, their odors may stick around for weeks to come. A strict policy against eating in the car is the best way to stave off lingering food smells.
Keep Your Interior Clean
Anything that stays in your car can create lingering odors that cancel out the new car smell. Make it a habit to remove your belongings each night and give special attention to getting rid of trash. This is especially important if you or a passenger have broken your no-eating rule and haven’t disposed of food wrappers or bags. Keeping small garbage bags in your car makes it easy to gather and toss things rather than let them sit.
Wipe up any spills immediately, and make vacuuming your interior a part of your regular car-care routine. Food crumbs, pet dander, and even your own dead skin can pile up and cause your car to smell stale. Use a vacuum hose with a long extension and a narrow, wedged attachment so you can remove debris from every crack and crevice.
Take out your floor mats at least once a month and give them a good cleaning. Check the label, as some should only be hosed down while others are machine washable. While they’re out of your car, take the opportunity to vacuum your floors thoroughly to remove debris that was trapped under the mats.
Don’t Overlook the Vents
Your dashboard vents bring fresh air into your car cabin, so if there’s any buildup on them it can result in unpleasant odors circulating through your vehicle. Although there are specific cleaners you can purchase, a DIY approach works just as well.
For easy cleaning, use a toothbrush or small foam paintbrush dipped in a mixture of white vinegar and water. Insert the moistened brush as far as it will go, and then move it around so it has contact with as many surfaces as possible. Rinse the brush often, repeat the cleaning, and then dry your vents with a clean microfiber cloth.
Enjoy a Long-Lasting New Car Smell!
Now that you know how simple it is to keep your car smelling great, there’s no excuse for letting your vehicle’s fresh scent dissipate. Just a little bit of regular care goes a long way toward preserving that wonderful new car smell!
