Our car is a sort of home away from home that takes us everywhere we need to be. That’s why having a car that is clean, efficient and that smells good is so important. Most of us spend a lot of time in our cars, and yes, cars can get dirty and accumulate some nasty smells. That’s why it’s so important to keep that automotive “home” smelling great so we can enjoy our rides.

Cars can start to smell bad when they are not cleaned regularly, as trash and those inevitable spills and food odors build up. There are some good ways to keep your car smelling great, however, so let’s review a few of them.

1. Clean the car regularly.

This might seem like a “no-brainer,” but some people forget to clean out their car, and the odors can really build up. This is especially an issue for smokers who leave butts in the ashtray, and for those who have to eat on the run and leave remnants of a lunch or dinner sitting in the car. Just cleaning out old trash will do wonders, followed by a wash with baking soda and vinegar and soap on a sponge.

2. Use a Disinfectant.

Disinfectants do wonders with eliminating bad odors that come from bacterial growth, like from mold, from old trash or wet carpeting. Do a wash down with a disinfectant spray or with a sponge and a bucket of water to keep odors at bay.

3. Clean the carpet thoroughly.

A dirty carpet is a big trap for odors in the car. This can get especially nasty if food or milk has been spilled and dried onto the carpet. This can be a big job, but it’s a way to significantly reduce car odors. If you don’t have time to vacuum and shampoo the carpet in the car, there are car odor removal services that can help. Also, some car washes have deluxe services that include carpet cleaning.

4. Use car odor removal services.

Yes, cleaning out the car is a job that has to be done, but many working people are just too busy to take it on themselves, or to do an adequate job. That’s why car odor removal services are such a great idea. Some services work by first cleaning the car and then use a neutralizing system to take out odors. Some of the most effective car odor removal services use oxidizers to clear the air of particles that are causing a lingering odor. Though these services can cost a few dollars, it can be well worth it to really clean the car, and not just mask the odor with spray perfumes.

Your car is almost your second home, so isn’t it worth it to have a clean one?