We know how terrible it can be to have a stinky car. No matter have much air freshener you use or how many times you get the interior professionally detailed, the smell still lingers. That’s because these methods cover up and remove some of stinky culprits. However, they fail to eliminate smells that live deep within the carpet and other porous materials. In this article, we’ll show you how to permanently eliminate the smell inside your car using a cheap, easy, and sure-proof method.
Method
To permanently eliminate the bad smell in your car, we will be borrowing a trick from Mother Nature. You will need an Ozone generator such as the Enerzen model above (Amazon link). To understand how this method works, let’s jump quickly into basic chemistry.
Ozone is O3, which is just three oxygen atoms combined. While two oxygen atoms combine to have a very stable bond, think of the third oxygen atom as a third wheel on a date who’s barely clinging on. Because of this weak bond, O3 is unstable and easily willing to shed the third oxygen atom. When O3 encounters other molecules, the third oxygen atoms break away and bond with them. As a result, this chemical reaction changes the composition of these stinky odor causing molecules and, thus, eliminates the bad smells.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Place the ozone generator inside the car
Ozone is damaging to your lungs, so start by ensuring there are no people, children, or pets around your car. Then, place the ozone generator inside your car.
Step 2 – Set the timer on the ozone generator
With the ozone generator plug disconnected, set the timer dial on ozone generator. Typically, you should only need to run the ozone generator for 20-30 minutes to remove all the odors.
Step 3 – Turn the ozone generator on
Place the ozone generator plug outside of your car, then make sure all of your car’s doors and windows are closed. Plug in the ozone generator to an extension cord and let it run until the timer stops.
Step 4 – Turn off the ozone generator and let the car air out
After letting the ozone generator run its course, disconnect the power. Ensure there are no people, children, or pets around the car. Then, while holding your breath, quickly open all the car doors to let the ozone escape. Wait two hours before getting inside your car.
Step 5 – Repeat as necessary
When you return to your car, the smell should be completely eliminated. You will have an ozone smell, which is hard to describe, but it should go away in a few days. If your car still smells, repeat this process as needed.
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