How to Remove Odors from Automobile Interiors

People spend a great deal of time traveling by car, whether it’s a quick trip to the supermarket for groceries, a daily commute to work, or a long road trip with friends or family. With so much time spent on the road, it’s only natural that many vehicles pick up an odor at some point.

While some odors dissipate quickly when the windows are down, others can permeate the car interior and require professional attention to remove.

Removing Smoke/Tobacco Odors from Automobiles

Instructions:

1. Using a quart (32 oz) trigger sprayer, lightly spray 1/2 ounce of OdorX TabacAttack Concentrate onto absorbent surfaces and into the heater/air conditioner exhaust ports.
2. Using a portable extractor, clean all soft surfaces in the vehicle. For the best results, use the following recipe for your cleaning solution. 
   (NOTE:  Pay special attention to the headliner, as this can hold a lot of odor. Be careful not to overwet as this will loosen the adhesive.)
   1. Prespray with Matrix Grand Slam with Matrix Citrus Force ASD added as a booster. Follow label instructions for proper dilution.
   2. Extract with clean water mixed with 1-2 ounces of OdorX TabacAttack added.
3. Clean all glass surfaces. If there is heavy tar residue on the windows, it may be necessary to use a cream-type window/glass cleaner.
4. Clean dashboard/side panels.
5. After cleaning, and with the car running, turn the air conditioner on recirculate the air.
6. Using a thermal fogger and Thermo-55 TabacAttack, fog the interior of the car. Doors and windows should remained closed for 30-45 minutes after fogging.
7. Ventilate the automobile prior to re-use.
8. If after 24 hours there is still a slight residual odor, turn the car on with the air conditioner on recirculate.
9. Place your ozone generator in car for 2-4 hours.
10. After ozone treatment, let the car air out for 45 minutes.
11. Using a trigger sprayer, lightly spray the interior with FreshWave IAQ Air and Surface Spray.

Removing Food Odors from Automobiles

Instructions:

1. Find the source of the odor. If  it is hard and crusty, use a bone spatula to break up.
2. Apply Matrix Release undiluted. Tamp and blot with a spotting brush and spotting towels.
3. Apply Matrix Spot Out undiluted. Tamp and blot with a spotting brush and spotting towels.
4. Clean the automobile as normal. Pay special attention to areas under seats. 
5. Be careful when wet cleaning a cloth headliner; too much moisture can loosen the glue that holds it to the roof.
6. Apply PRS Biological Based Odor Control, ensuring areas stay wet for 1 hour.
7. Speed dry using air movers.
8. If after 24 hours there is still a slight residual odor, turn the car on with air conditioner on recirculate.
9. Place your ozone generator in the car for 2-4 hours.
10. After ozone treatment is complete, let the car air out for 45 minutes.
11. Using a trigger sprayer, lightly spray the interior with FreshWave IAQ Air and Surface Spray.

When faced with particularly stubborn car odors, you can turn to Jon-Don for the products and processes that will deliver great results. From traditional odor-neutralizing chemistry to eco-friendly odor destroyers, Jon-Don has the products you need. Call us 1-800-400-9473!