How To Get Fish Smell Out Of Car? 6 Effective Methods

If you’ve ever brought fish home in your car, then you know how difficult it can be to get rid of the smell. The longer the fish is inside your vehicle, the more it will leave an odor that lingers for days or even weeks after. It’s not only unpleasant but also embarrassing when someone takes a ride with you. You don’t have to live with that stinky mess forever.

We understand how frustrating this problem can be and that’s why we’ve come up with this guide on six effective methods to help you get rid of the lingering fish scent from your car once and for all. Say goodbye to the eerie aroma! These steps are easy, inexpensive, and take just a few minutes of your time.

“We bring you some great techniques to help you eliminate the fishy smell in your car quickly and effectively.”

You’ll learn about simple household items you probably already own, such as baking soda, vinegar, and coffee grinds. We’ll give you some tips on how each method works best and how you can easily apply them. This article provides step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow, so there’s no need to worry if you’re not experienced in cleaning cars.

With these six straightforward yet efficient methods, you’ll finally be able to enjoy fresh air again when you drive your car without worrying about unwanted odors. These suggestions may surprise you with their simplicity, but trust us; they work wonders. Just keep reading!

Use White Vinegar

If you’re a fishing enthusiast or you love seafood, then getting fish smell out of your car can be quite challenging. The distinctive odor tends to linger on the upholstery, carpet and even in the air vents long after you’ve left the shore or restaurant. While there are several chemicals and commercial products that claim to eliminate the stench, most contain harmful toxins that pose health risks. Fortunately, using white vinegar is a safe, natural and effective alternative for removing fish smells from cars.

What is White Vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as acetic acid, is a versatile household disinfectant that’s used for cooking, cleaning, laundry, and pest control. It’s made by fermenting diluted grain alcohol (typically corn), which produces a sour-tasting liquid ranging from 5% to 20% acidity level. White vinegar works by neutralizing and breaking down the chemical compounds responsible for causing odors, such as trimethylamine oxide found in fish and other seafood.

How Does White Vinegar Clean?

White vinegar functions as an effective deodorizer because its acidic properties destroy odor-causing bacteria and fungi while dissolving tough stains and grime. When applied to surfaces, it penetrates deep into fabrics and pores, eliminates foul-smelling molecules, and leaves behind a fresh, clean scent. Additionally, white vinegar is non-toxic, biodegradable, eco-friendly, and inexpensive.

Where to Buy White Vinegar?

You can buy white vinegar at almost any grocery store, supermarket, hardware store, or online retailer. Look for distilled white vinegar that’s not mixed with other ingredients or dyes. Most brands come in plastic bottles or gallon jugs and cost anywhere between $1-$8 depending on the size and concentration level.

Tips for Using White Vinegar

• To get fish smell out of your car, start by wiping down all surfaces with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any solid debris or residue. Then mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake well.
• Next, generously spray the solution onto the carpets, seats, dashboard, headliner, door panels, and other areas affected by the odor. Be sure to test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure that the vinegar won’t damage the surface.
• Use a scrub brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to gently agitate the vinegar mixture into the fibers and crevices of the upholstery or plastic. Allow the liquid to sit and soak for at least 15-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and blotting dry with a towel.
• If the odor persists, you can repeat the process several times until it’s completely gone. Alternatively, you can also pour some undiluted vinegar into a shallow dish or cup and leave it overnight in the car with the doors closed. The vinegar will absorb the fishy smell and neutralize lingering bacteria.
• Afterward, sprinkle some baking soda over the freshly cleaned surfaces to absorb any leftover moisture and further deodorize the air. Let the powder sit for an hour or two before vacuuming up with a hose attachment.
• In addition to using white vinegar to eliminate fish smells from cars, you can also use it to maintain a pleasant scent throughout your home. Simply simmer a pot of water mixed with a few tablespoons of vinegar and aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender on your stovetop for natural air freshening.

Using white vinegar to get rid of fish smells in your car is a non-toxic, affordable, and eco-friendly solution that can be easily done at home. However, if the odor persists even after several attempts, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional detailer who uses specialized equipment and products for thorough cleaning.

Baking Soda And Activated Charcoal

What is Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It’s commonly used in baking, but it has also been used for cleaning purposes due to its abrasive nature.

What is Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a black odorless powder that’s made from different materials like coconut shells, bamboo, or wood. Once the raw material is heated in the absence of air, it undergoes a process called activation which gives it an incredibly porous structure. This makes activated charcoal highly effective at trapping impurities and odors.

How to Use Baking Soda and Activated Charcoal for Cleaning

If you’re wondering how to get fish smell out of your car, using baking soda and activated charcoal is one of the most effective methods without leaving any harsh chemical residue. Here’s how:

• Mix one part baking soda with two parts water to create a paste
• Gently rub the paste onto the affected area (e.g., seat covers, carpet)
• Leave the paste on for several hours (or overnight) to allow it to absorb the odor
• Vacuum up the baking soda residue after
• Sprinkle activated charcoal onto the upholstery or carpet and leave it on for several hours before vacuuming
• You can repeat these steps until the strong fishy smell is gone from your car

Where to Buy Baking Soda and Activated Charcoal

You can purchase baking soda in any grocery store or supermarket. Activated charcoal can be found at health food stores or online retailers like Amazon. Just make sure that the activated charcoal you’re buying is meant for cleaning purposes rather than consumption.

“Baking soda and activated charcoal are safe, non-toxic, and inexpensive ways to clean your home and get rid of odors.” -The Spruce Eats

If you need to remove fish smell from your car, consider using baking soda and activated charcoal as a natural solution. These two ingredients work together to eliminate odors while being gentle on your upholstery and carpets. Best of all- they’re readily available at your local grocery store or health food store.

Coffee Grounds

Why Use Coffee Grounds for Cleaning

Coffee grounds are known to be excellent at absorbing odors, which makes them a perfect household item to have around. Not only can they mask unpleasant smells with their own strong aroma, but because they’re a natural deodorizer, they’re also great for neutralizing tough and lingering scents. Using coffee grounds is cost-effective, too, since you already brewed your cup of coffee, giving it an eco-friendly advantage over air fresheners.

Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which is the same component in fertilizers that promotes plant growth. This makes coffee grounds extremely effective not just as a cleaner, but also as a means of pest control. Once infused with hot water, the coffee ground mixture becomes acidic, permitting the use of pH-sensitive pesticides on plants.

How to Use Coffee Grounds for Cleaning

If you’re dealing with fishy odors in your car, try using coffee grounds. Begin by taking several tablespoons of used coffee grounds and placing them into a bowl or any other container you have lying around in the kitchen. Add some warm water and stir, allowing the solution to brew much like how it does with regular drinking coffee. After brewing for 20-30 minutes, strain the liquid until you have about 1-2 cups of concentrated coffee.

To start removing the fish smell out of your car, place the coffee concentrate in a mug or small container and put it inside your vehicle overnight. Be sure to secure the lid of the container to ensure that the coffee fragrance doesn’t spill out, otherwise, you’re going to make more messes to clean up later. In the morning, the odor should dissipate alongside with the acrid tang of fish oil.

You may want to double-check if there are fish guts lying around your car instead, which may require a thorough cleaning. Experts recommend that you vacuum the surfaces of your vehicle first before spraying any liquid or cleaning solutions to prevent dirt and grime from getting trapped in challenging spots. It’s advisable to use a waterproof solution when scrubbing hard-to-reach-surface areas.

“Over time, coffee grounds will absorb odors.” -Nicole Sandoval

If the smell still doesn’t go away, it’s possible that some pieces of fish have gone unnoticed and deteriorated inside particular crevices of your interior. If so, give those hard-to-reach spots a final wash-down using an all-purpose cleaner, mixed with baking soda and vinegar combination. Mix three parts water, one part vinegar, and one tablespoon of baking soda together into a spray bottle. The baking soda reacts with the vinegar and foams, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that break up strains effectively. Spray this mixture, rinse properly, then let fully dry off.

Coffee ground deodorizers could help solve many pesky odor problems beyond what you would have imagined. As natural, accessible household alternatives for chemical cleaners, they offer not only various uses but also create a more eco-friendly method of cleaning. Employing coffee grounds and other natural cleaning mixtures helps us reduce our dependency on skin irritant-infused products that can cause severe side effects such as rashes, wheezing, shortness of breath, and watery eyes.

“The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” -Bertrand Russell

Orange Peels

Why Use Orange Peels for Cleaning

If you’re wondering how to get fish smell out of your car, orange peels might be the answer! Not only do they have a refreshing scent, but they also contain natural oils that can help break down and eliminate odors. Plus, using orange peels as a cleaning solution is eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, orange peels are all-natural and won’t harm the environment or your health. In fact, the citrus oils in orange peels are known for their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which can help kill bacteria and germs on surfaces.

In addition to deodorizing your car, orange peels can also be used to clean various household items, such as cutting boards, countertops, and sinks. So, why not make use of this versatile fruit and give it a try?

How to Use Orange Peels for Cleaning

To make an orange peel cleaner, here’s what you need:

• Orange peels (as many as you like)
• Vinegar or rubbing alcohol
• A jar with a lid

First, collect a few fresh orange peels and remove any flesh or pulp. Then, place them into a jar and cover them with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Make sure the peels are fully submerged in the liquid. Close the jar tightly and let it sit for at least a week. The longer you leave it, the more potent the orange peel cleaner will be.

When it’s ready to use, strain the liquid into a spray bottle and dilute it with water if needed. Now, you can start cleaning! Simply spray the solution onto surfaces and wipe them clean with a cloth or paper towel. For tough stains, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.

Another way to use orange peels is to simmer them in a pot of water on your stovetop. This creates a natural air freshener that will make your home smell amazing! Just fill a pot with water, add some orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or other herbs you like, and let it simmer on low heat. Keep an eye on the water level and refill as needed.

“Orange peels are rich in limonene, a natural compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.” -Healthline

Orange peels are a powerful tool when it comes to cleaning and eliminating odors. Not only do they smell great, but they’re also safe for the environment and your health. Give them a try next time you need to freshen up your car or home!

Lemon Juice And Water

What is Lemon Juice?

Lemon juice is the acidic liquid extracted from the fruit of lemon. It has several uses in cooking, cleaning and medicinal purposes. The acidic nature of lemon juice makes it a good natural cleaner especially for surfaces that require deep cleaning.

In addition to its cleaning properties, lemon juice also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that make it an excellent disinfectant agent for kitchen surfaces such as countertops and cutting boards.

How to Use Lemon Juice and Water for Cleaning

If you are wondering how to get fish smell out of your car, then try using lemon juice and water solution. Follow these steps:

1. Mix equal parts of fresh lemon juice with water into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the mixture on any fabric surface affected by the fishy odor like car seats, carpets, or mats.
3. Gently rub the mixture onto the surfaces with a soft cloth and let it sit for about 15 minutes before wiping clean.
4. Rinse the surface thoroughly until all the lemon juice residue is gone and allow it to air dry completely.

This simple yet effective method works as the natural cleansing action of lemon neutralizes the strong fish smell while its refreshing citrus scent leaves your car smelling fresh and clean.

You can also use this same method to clean other areas around your home such as refrigerators, microwaves, trash cans, and more. You will be amazed at how versatile and powerful this natural cleaning solution is.

“Lemon juice isn’t just for making drinks, it’s great for green cleaning too!” – Jennifer Lance

Using natural cleaning agents not only helps in keeping allergies at bay but also protects the environment by avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals found in commercial cleaners.

Now that you know how to use lemon juice and water for cleaning, get ready to enjoy a fresh smelling and clean car without spending too much money on expensive air fresheners or professional cleaning services

Professional Detailing Services

What are Professional Detailing Services?

Professional detailing services refer to the process of thoroughly cleaning and restoring a car’s exterior and interior. This type of service involves a deep-cleaning treatment that covers everything from the engine bay, wheels, paintwork, upholstery and carpeting to bring it back to a nearly new condition. These services are performed by experienced technicians, using specialized products and techniques, which ensure thorough and long-lasting results.

How to Choose a Professional Detailing Service

If you’re looking for a professional detailing service, there are several factors to consider in order to find one that best suits your needs:

• Experience: Look for a company with years of experience in this field so that they can offer high-quality services.
• Equipment: Make sure the company uses high-tech equipment and tools that can effectively clean and polish your vehicle inside-out.
• Certification: Choose a company whose staff is certified, insured and licensed to work on vehicles.
• Services offered: Ensure the company offers a comprehensive range of services including paint correction, ceramic coating, engine detailing etc.
• Reviews: Read online reviews left by previous customers to understand their experience with the company before making a decision.

What to Expect from a Professional Detailing Service

A professional detailing service should provide the following outcomes:

• Clean Interior and Exterior: A detailed cleaning of all surfaces both inside and out, removing grime, dirt, dust, and stains.
• Protection: A good detailing service should provide protection that lasts from the time of application. This may include waxing, coating, or sealing the paintwork or carpets against potential damage such as UV rays and environmental contaminants.
• Rust Proofing: Some services will add rustproofing to the undercarriage or critical components in order to protect from corrosion over longer-term use.
• Renewed Look: Your car will look significantly better once it has been fully detailed with a fresh shine on both interior and exterior finishes alike.

How to Maintain Your Car After a Professional Detailing Service

Maintaining your vehicle after it has undergone professional detailing is important for keeping it looking its best. Here are some key tips to help maintain your vehicle’s pristine look:

• Clean Regularly: Monthly washes are highly recommended to keep off all dirt and debris collected during normal usage.
• Keep it Dry:The humidity can promote mold growth inside your vehicles if given the right conditions. Encourage airflow by rolling windows down and airing-out where possible. Prevents dampness hanging around which causes bad smells.
• Avoid High Traffic Areas: Parking away from high traffic areas with frequent dust and dirt formations that may obscure your newly cleaned surfaces either before or after cleaning/drying process.
• In-between Touch-Ups:You don’t have to bring your vehicle back every time it gets dirty simply wiping down surfaces with microfiber cloths between cleanings or using protective detail sprays may alleviate mild issues early.
• Pet hair/Smells: For those with furry family members or a lingering smoke smell, there are odor neutralizers and detailing pet hair vacuuming options for added cleanliness.

“Detailing can be thought of like bringing your car to the beauty salon. You’ll spend time perfecting its surface just as you want yourself.” -Autotrader

Hiring a professional detailing service can greatly improve the look and feel of your vehicle whether it is preparing for sale or needs an overhaul. While it may seem daunting to choose a detailer, investing in quality services designed around your specific need will only prolong your vehicles clean appeal when properly maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions