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Honda: How to Remove Interior Odor

You'll need a bit more than your favorite Febreze scent to get rid your interior's unpleasant odor. The good news is that most techniques are relatively straightforward and easy on your wallet.

By Kate Halse - February 27, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic Del Sol (1992-2000), and Accord (1990-2002).

The thought of getting into your car for any amount of time is much less appealing when the interior stinks. Although strong odors such as cigarette smoke can quickly seep into the upholstery, older cars are prone to a buildup of odors over time. You can vacuum and spray the inside with an air purifier, but this often masks the odor. To truly get rid of the smell, you'll need a bit of free time and a few common household items for a deeper, more effective cleaning.

Materials Needed

  • Car shampoo
  • Febreze or similar fabric deodorizer
  • Ozium or similar air sanitizer
  • Baking soda
  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar and water

Step 1 – Vacuum and shampoo the interior

Use the car shampoo of your choice to shampoo the interior, and then vacuum. Also, remove the car mats and thoroughly clean the panels. You may need to leave the windows rolled down for several hours—or even overnight—to keep the inside from smelling stale due to the dried shampoo.

Figure 1. Shampoo and vacuum the car's interior.

Step 2 – Use an air purifier or sanitizer

Spray the inside of the car with air purifier or sanitizer, as needed. Then, roll the windows down to let the air in.

Figure 2. Popular brand of air sanitizer.

Pro Tip

An air purifier can successfully remove even the toughest odors, such as cigarette and mildew. Ozium is a popular product and can be found in many auto parts stores. It may also be necessary to invest in an A/C or vent purifier for very stubborn odors.

Step 3 – Spray with vinegar and water

In a spray bottle, mix together equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray the seats and panels, as needed. The acid in the vinegar will help to greatly reduce or eliminate any remaining odors.

Figure 3. Equal parts of vinegar and water.

Pro Tip

If you've never tried this method before, it's a good idea to spot test the solution. Start by spraying a small amount on an inconspicuous spot before moving to a larger area.

Step 4 – Sprinkle the interior with baking soda

Sprinkle baking soda around the interior (as needed), and wait a few days for it to fully absorb the smell. Vacuum any leftovers. You may need to put baking soda under the floor mats to completely rid the car of any lingering odors.

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