How to Keep a Fresh Car Smell Without Damaging Your Car Interior

Whenever someone gets in my car, the first thing they ask me is, "How long have you owned this car again?" And after I respond, the next question is always the same: "Why does it smell like it's brand new?" I own a 2007 Suzuki Forenza, and I love my car. I have it washed bi-weekly and I'm constantly cleaning it. I've never gone without a timely oil change or tire rotation. But more importantly, I treat my car the way one should treat her house-I make sure it looks its best at all times, including the smell-and I have never bought a rearview mirror air freshener.

You don't have to spend a bunch of money to keep your car fresh. Just follow a few simple tips and your car can smell like it just left the dealership too.

Tip One:

When you go to a department store, specifically the fragrance section, test out some perfumes and colognes. If you find one that you like, keep the paper fragrance tester and put it in your car cup holder or ashtray area. The scent will usually last awhile, so every time you get in and out of your car, you'll smell that fragrance.

Tip Two:

Keep car wipes under the passenger seat of your car. If you eat in your car, make sure to wipe the steering wheel or whatever you've touched after you're finished eating so the car doesn't smell like a cafeteria when you leave.

Tip Three:

Use rearview mirror or car vent air freshener or spray if you like, but the new car scent (or any other scent) is temporary and usually dies as soon as you open a window. Colognes and perfumes last longer so consider taking the air freshener and spraying it with your favorite scent.

Tip Four:

Keep a car trash bag (or cartravel bag) on the back of the passenger seat to store your garbage in. If you have something that's regularly used for trash, you may be more likely to immediately throw the trash out when it's full instead of going through the trouble of collecting trash when it's unbearable.

Tip Five:

Use carpet cleaner or vacuum powder on the car floors underneath the mats when cleaning the interior of your car. Be careful with using this powder in the heat though and on your car mats because it may cause damage depending on the material. You might want to roll your windows down a few times after using vacuum fragrance powder because it tends to be strong and is usually meant for household floors.

Tip Six:

Be careful about using car deodorizer directly on your seats. Make sure the deodorizer spray airs out enough so it doesn't stain your clothes, seat belts or damage the interior. Don't use deodorizer spray that's not meant for cars. It should be suitable for the material on your seats, especially if you have leather car seats. Otherwise you'll damage your car interior.

Additional Notes: This entry was published by the Chicago Fragrance Examiner. To check out her fragrance reviews, visit the Examiner link.