A stale or musty smell in the car is one of the most common complaints, and it usually has a simple cause. Here is how to find it, clear it and keep it from coming back.
Find the cause first
Musty smells almost always come from damp or trapped food and drink. Check under the mats, in the door pockets, under the seats and in the boot for anything wet, spilled or forgotten.
Dry the car out
Damp is the main culprit. Take the mats out and let them dry fully, wipe down any wet surfaces and leave the doors open for a while on a dry day. Running the heater with the windows slightly open helps clear moisture from the cabin.
Clean the fabric
Vacuum the seats and carpets, then freshen the fabric. A light mist of our fabric spray on seats and mats leaves a clean scent once everything is dry.
Add a scent to keep it fresh
Once the cause is gone, a hanging diffuser keeps the cabin smelling good. Follow our 5 step guide to set it up, or browse the flavours collection. Not sure which type to buy? Read our diffuser, card or spray comparison.
Stop it coming back
Little habits make the difference: clear rubbish, air the car out and do not leave wet coats or towels inside. Our 6 simple habits and our guide to making your car smell good for longer cover the rest.
Free UK delivery on orders over £20.