How to Remove Bad Smells from your Car's Interior?

Have you ever opened your car door and been hit with an unpleasant smell? You’re not alone.

Bad odors in cars are one of the most common complaints drivers have — and the longer you leave it, the worse it gets.

In this article, we’ll explain why your car smells, how to get rid of the odor for good, and what products work best to keep your car fresh.

Rule #1 - Remove the Source, Don’t Mask the Smell

Before reaching for air fresheners, identify and remove the root cause of the odor. It could be:

1. Forgotten food or drink spills
2. Wet clothes or gym wear
3. Pet accidents
4. Leaking fluids
5. Mold in carpets or seats

Until the source is eliminated, the smell will always come back — no matter how strong your air freshener is.

Rule #2 - Wet Extraction: Only If Absolutely Necessary

You may have seen detailers or car washes recommending a full wet extraction of carpets and fabric seats — and yes, it’s a valid solution. But it should be your last resort, not the first.

Why?

Every drop of water used during deep cleaning must be properly extracted. If moisture is left behind, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which only makes odors worse in the long run.

So if you go this route, make sure:

1. You're using proper equipment
2. Extraction is thorough
3. Drying time is sufficient (ideally with airflow or a dehumidifier)

If unsure, contact us. We'll be happy to help with either products needed for the process or we can assist with the service itself. 

Rule #3 - Use an Odor-Eliminating Finisher

Once you’ve removed the source (and performed extraction, if needed), apply a quality finisher product. The right finisher will:

1. Break down odor-causing molecules
2. Eliminate leftover organic residues
3. Slightly sterilize the surface for long-term freshness

This step is often skipped, but it’s crucial to ensure that any invisible contaminants don’t resurface with time.

Rule #4 - Replace Your Cabin Air Filter

This one’s simple but often overlooked: change your cabin air filter.

If you’ve never changed it, or haven’t done so in over a year, chances are it’s clogged with dust, pollen, and possibly mold.

Remember — this is what you’re breathing when the AC is on.

Don’t cheap out here. Invest in a high-quality filter, especially if you suffer from allergies which is common here in Malta.

Rule #5 - The Final Touch: Alchemy Odor Bomb

To seal the deal, we recommend our Alchemy Odor Bomb — a professional-grade product designed to neutralize odors and leave your car smelling clean.

3 scents are available:

1. Linen
2. New Car Scent
3. So Fresh

You can use it in two ways:

Quick freshen-up: Spray lightly like a deodorant when needed.

or

Deep treatment (recommended):

1. Turn on your AC to full blast with internal circulation mode.
2. Open all vents.
3. Place the Odor Bomb in the footwell and fully depress the trigger to lock it.
4. Close the doors and let it run until empty.
5. Once done, turn off the engine and blower.
6. Allow ventilation before re-entering.

⚠️ Important: Do not occupy the car while the Odor Bomb is active.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to removing bad smells from your car, don’t rely on gimmicks. A proper odor removal process involves:

-Finding the source
-Cleaning the surface properly
-Using the right odor-neutralizing products
-Maintaining your ventilation system

And if you need a reliable product to finish the job, try our Alchemy Odor Bomb — trusted by professionals for a reason.