Here are some out-of-the-box ideas will help get rid of car smells and keep unwanted odors at bay.
Make a DIY scented sachet for your car
Car freshening hacks don’t get easier than this DIY scented sachet. Simply pour fragrant bath salts into a loose-leaf tea strainer (an old—clean—sock will do in a pinch!) and place it in the glove box. You’ll enjoy a burst of fresh fragrance every time you pull out the map.
Freshen your car with wax
Drop a potpourri wax tart—commonly made by candle companies—into a cup holder, and take your favourite scent with you wherever you go.
Freshen your car with herbs
Lay fresh herbs, such as basil, on a piece of newspaper in the backseat and leave the windows rolled up to dry the leaves and banish bad odours. This eco-friendly car-freshening hack still won’t be the strangest thing a mechanic has ever found in a car!
Freshen your car by sprinkling oil
Shake a few drops of lemon or eucalyptus essential oil onto car mats for a naturally sweet scent that will last a few weeks.
Glue cotton balls or pom poms
Glue cotton balls or pom-poms to a clothespin, and add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Clip it to your vents, turn on the air or heat, and your car will be smelling sweet in just a few seconds.
Gain Fireworks (or Downy Unstopables)
Use Gain Fireworks (or Downy Unstopables) to make these mason jar air fresheners. Put them in your cup holder, and voila! Instant smelly-goodness.
Essential oil and rice air freshener
This essential oil and rice air freshener is a nifty trick. You’ll want to put it in a jar with small holes in the lid, but just give it a shake whenever the smell becomes faint, and it’ll smell like new again.
Wool felt balls
Thread wool felt balls together into a pretty wreath. Add your favorite essential oils as needed. See the above note about objects dangling from your mirror, though.
