Taking home a fresh catch or picking up seafood for dinner can be exciting, but if the smell of fish spills into your car, it’s a whole different story. The distinct and overpowering odor of fish can cling to your car’s upholstery and be tough to eliminate.
Whether it’s from a cooler leak, forgotten fish in the trunk, or an accidental spill, knowing how to remove fish smell from your car is essential for keeping your vehicle fresh and odor-free. Let’s find out the efficient ways to remove fish smell from car –
Why Does Fish Smell Linger in Cars?
Fish odor is strong and can be difficult to remove because it contains compounds like trimethylamine and amines, which release a strong, unpleasant smell as the fish decomposes.
These odors can become trapped in porous surfaces like fabric seats, floor mats, or the trunk lining of your car. The confined space of a car also amplifies the smell, making it harder to ignore. If not addressed quickly, the smell can linger for days—or even longer—if the right steps aren’t taken to neutralize it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Fish Smell from Car
To remove fish smell from your car, clean any spills immediately, wash the affected areas with a mixture of vinegar and water, and use odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal to eliminate lingering odors. Proper ventilation and thorough cleaning will help remove the smell completely.
Don’t let a fishy smell ruin your car’s interior. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the odor and restore freshness to your vehicle.
Step 1: Remove the Source of the Smell
Before you can fully eliminate the fish smell, it’s important to locate and remove the source of the odor.
- Check for spills: Inspect your car for any fish spills or leaks. This could be from a cooler, grocery bags, or even residue left behind from seafood packaging. Be sure to check the seats, floor mats, and trunk where the smell is strongest.
- Clean up the fish residue: Use disposable gloves to pick up any fish or seafood remnants. If there was a leak, soak up any liquid immediately with paper towels or a clean cloth to prevent it from seeping deeper into the upholstery or carpet.
Removing the source of the odor is the first step toward eliminating the smell, as the odor will persist if any fish residue is left behind.
Related Post: Dead Animal Odor in Your Car? Here’s the Proven Way to Resolve It
Step 2: Clean the Affected Area
Once you’ve removed the source, it’s time to clean the affected areas of your car to remove any lingering fish smell.
- Make a vinegar solution: Vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer that works well for breaking down fish odors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Wipe down hard surfaces: Spray the vinegar solution onto hard surfaces in your car, such as plastic panels, dashboards, and doors. Use a clean cloth to wipe down these surfaces, ensuring that any traces of fish or smell are removed.
- Scrub upholstery and carpets: For fabric seats, floor mats, and carpeted areas, lightly spray the vinegar solution onto the affected areas. Use a soft-bristle brush or cloth to gently scrub the surface, ensuring that the vinegar solution penetrates the fibers to break down the fish odor.
- Let it sit: Allow the vinegar solution to sit for a few minutes to neutralize the smell, then blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Pro Tip: If the fish smell is particularly strong, consider adding a small amount of baking soda to the vinegar solution for extra deodorizing power.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda for Odor Absorption
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize fish odors, especially in fabrics and carpets.
- Sprinkle baking soda: After cleaning the affected area, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto your car’s upholstery, carpets, or mats. Focus on the areas where the fish smell is most noticeable.
- Let it sit overnight: Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours, or overnight if possible. This gives it time to absorb any lingering odors.
- Vacuum thoroughly: After letting the baking soda do its job, vacuum it up thoroughly. Be sure to use an attachment to reach crevices and tight spots where the smell might be hiding.
Baking soda helps pull odors out of fabric and carpeting, leaving your car smelling fresh once it’s vacuumed away.
Step 4: Air Out the Car
Proper ventilation is key when trying to get rid of a fishy smell. Airing out your car can help remove trapped odors and freshen the air inside the vehicle.
- Open all doors and windows: Leave your car’s doors and windows open for several hours in a well-ventilated area, such as a driveway or garage. Allowing fresh air to circulate will help push out the stale, fishy odor.
- Use a fan for better airflow: If possible, use a portable fan to help blow fresh air into the car and direct the odor out of the vehicle. The fan will speed up the ventilation process and improve airflow.
This step is particularly effective after cleaning and deodorizing, as it helps clear out any residual smells from inside the car.
Step 5: Use Activated Charcoal or Coffee Grounds
For stubborn fish smells that persist after cleaning, natural odor absorbers like activated charcoal or coffee grounds can help eliminate any lingering odor.
Activated Charcoal:
- Place activated charcoal in the car: Activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing strong odors. Place a few bags or containers of activated charcoal in your car, focusing on areas where the smell is strongest. Leave the charcoal in place for 24–48 hours to fully absorb the odor.
Coffee Grounds:
- Use coffee grounds as a natural deodorizer: Coffee grounds can also absorb strong smells and leave behind a more pleasant scent. Place dry coffee grounds in a bowl or cloth bag and leave them in the car overnight.
Both activated charcoal and coffee grounds work effectively to neutralize the odor without introducing artificial fragrances.
Step 6: Deodorize with Essential Oils or Air Fresheners
Once you’ve eliminated the fish smell, you can give your car a fresh scent using natural air fresheners or essential oils.
- Use essential oils: Add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus, to a cotton ball or small diffuser. Place it in your car’s cup holder or under the seat to keep your car smelling fresh.
- Try a car air freshener: For a more traditional approach, you can use a car air freshener to maintain a pleasant scent inside your vehicle.
This step helps mask any faint odors while adding a fresh and clean aroma to your car’s interior.
Related Post: Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Mold Smell from Your Car Interior
Step 7: Prevent Future Fish Smells
Now that you’ve successfully removed the fish smell from your car, it’s important to take steps to prevent future odors.
Store Fish Properly:
- Use sealed containers: When transporting fish or seafood, make sure it’s stored in airtight containers or bags to prevent spills and leaks.
Clean Spills Immediately:
- Act fast: If there’s a spill, clean it up right away before the smell has a chance to seep into the car’s upholstery or carpets.
Use Protective Liners:
- Line your trunk or seats: Consider using protective liners or plastic mats in the trunk or on the seats when transporting seafood to protect the surfaces from potential leaks or odors.
Taking these preventative measures can help you avoid having to deal with the smell of fish in your car in the future.
End Note
Dealing with the lingering smell of fish in your car can be frustrating, but with the right cleaning and deodorizing techniques, you can get rid of the odor and keep your vehicle smelling fresh. By removing the source of the smell, cleaning the affected areas with vinegar and baking soda, and using natural odor absorbers like activated charcoal or coffee grounds, you’ll be able to neutralize even the most stubborn fish smells.
Remember to air out your car, use essential oils or air fresheners, and take preventative steps when transporting fish to keep your car’s interior clean and odor-free. With these practical methods, you’ll have your car smelling fresh and ready for the next adventure—without the fishy reminders!
