6 Ways How to Keep New Car Smell (2024)

There’s nothing quite like the new-car smell—it’s the fragrance of success and ownership, a sense of accomplishment every time you drive your vehicle off the car lot. The aroma is desirable and instantly alluring, evoking feelings of freshness and excitement, like sitting behind the wheel of your brand-new ride. But as time passes, that unforgettable new car smell can fade quickly, leaving you wondering how to maintain it. Many of us love that scent, so it’s no surprise that we search for ways to keep it around as long as possible without relying on sprays and air fresheners.

To keep that new car feeling alive, it’s important to understand what makes that new car smell so iconic. It comes from a mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate into the air during the manufacturing process. These molecules come from plastics, fabrics, and even seat belts, making that rich, satisfying scent possible. As time goes on, however, these chemicals break down, causing the smell to dissipate. While researchers have found the new car smell is non-toxic, some people with allergies might experience a slight reaction. The challenge, of course, is keeping that scent lingering for as long as possible, especially since it’s impossible to replicate perfectly. Fortunately, we’ve got a few tips to help you keep that fragrance intact and enjoy it for months to come.

What Causes a Car to Smell New? 

The new car scent is a pleasant, almost addictive odor that fills the cabin of a freshly manufactured vehicle. It’s often associated with cleanliness or luxury, but the true cause is more complex. The fragrance comes from the off-gassing of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released by various materials in the car. These chemicals are emitted from plastics, adhesives, fabrics, and leather components, creating a unique cocktail of smells. When you first drove your car home, the fresh scent was unmistakable, but it wanes as the chemicals break down and outgas over time. Plastics from the dashboard, door panels, and trim contribute to about 40% of the smell, while leather and vinyl from the seats add another 25%. Carpeting, adhesives, and other materials also play their part in creating this iconic fragrance.

How to Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have just grabbed a brand new car, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep it smelling like that brand new exciting feeling for as long as possible. The new car smell is one of the best parts of owning a brand new car, but it doesn’t last forever. However, there are ways to make it last longer by getting rid of habits that can cause unpleasant odors. For example, bad habits like smoking in your car or not immediately throwing out trash can quickly take away the freshness you love.

To maintain that fresh car’s smell, it’s important to take care of your investment and treat it with pride. Homeownership is one of the biggest investments in life, but your car is right up there as well. Keeping your car sparkly clean and avoiding anything that might make it smell bad is a best way to keep it smelling good. There are easy and effective ways to keep your car fresh, so you can enjoy the new car smell every time you step inside.

How to make the new car smell last

If you’re lucky enough to have a brand new car, you’ll want to keep it smelling fresh for as long as possible to hold on to that exciting feeling. Start by avoiding foods and drinks inside the car to prevent odors. Regularly clean and vacuum the interior, paying special attention to fibers and surfaces that can trap smells. Keep a high-quality air filter installed and replace it on time to maintain air quality. Avoid harsh cleaning products, as they can mask the natural new car smell instead of preserving it.

Don’t eat food in the car

It may be tempting to stop at a drive-thru and eat in your new car, but this is the worst thing you can do. Oily food can release a strong aroma, and crumbs or rubbish that ends up in your car can drown out that fresh new car smell quickly. To keep your car smelling as fresh as the day you drove it home, it’s best to avoid eating inside.

Close the windows

It’s tempting to drive with the windows down, the wind in your face, and music blasting—it’s one of life’s simple pleasures. But keep in mind, as enjoyable as it is, this will only let in dirt and dust, which can ruin the fresh scent of your car. Instead of rolling down the windows, save that moment for another time, as it may cause your new car smell to disappear faster than you’d like.

In fact, allowing the wind to carry in outside air is one of the quickest ways to let the new car scent fade. So, remember, keeping the windows closed will help you hold on to that fresh feeling a bit longer.

Upholstery, Mats, and Carpet Care

To maintain that new car smell, focusing on cleaning the upholstery, mats, and carpet is key. Floor mats naturally collect all sorts of dirt, debris, and elements like mud from shoes or dust from belongings. These can cause a lingering musty smell over time if not cleaned properly. Regularly washing the interior helps to keep bad odors at bay, ensuring your car stays smelling fresh for a long time. It’s important to wash floor mats with detergent and warm water to get rid of all the accumulated dirt. After washing, make sure to dry them thoroughly, as damp mats are notorious for creating unpleasant smells.

Whether it’s the soft leather aroma of a Bentley or the fresh scent of a newly installed wall-to-wall carpeting, how your car smells depends largely on how well you take care of its interior. In fact, even a 2004 Acura TSX, with its one-dimensional scent of plastic, benefits from keeping the upholstery and mats fresh. Leather or rubber mats, if left uncleaned, can also start to trap kinds of dirt that result in mixed aromas. To keep that luxurious, new car smell, it’s essential to clean and maintain your car’s interior regularly.

Cover Your Seats

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to keep your car’s upholstery looking clean and intact is by using car seat covers. If you have animals or messy passengers, washable covers can protect your seats from scratches, spills, and those pesky particles of food. Simply slip the cover over the headrest and pull it down onto the seat back. A quick straightening and smoothing of the fabric and you’re all set! When you’re done, the cover can be just as easily removed, folded, and tucked in the trunk for the next time you need it.

Clean Dust & Dirt

To maintain that new car smell, it’s essential to keep your dashboard free from dust. The dashboard is a dust magnet, so incorporating regular dusting into your vehicle-cleaning routine is a great idea. Use a high-quality microfiber towel to wipe away dust, lint, and fibers, especially those lurking in the vents. Don’t forget to use a microfiber cloth or a car duster to dry dust the exterior. Cleaning with a mild car wash solution or detailing spray will keep your car looking fresh, while vacuuming the interior and using a soft brush for the crevices can remove dirt from tricky spots. For hard-to-reach spots, consider using compressed air to blow out any remaining debris, and finish up with a layer of wax for added protection.

Clean your car vents

Over time, the vents in your car can build up with dust and dirt, which affects air quality and may cause unpleasant smells. To clean them effectively, use a toothbrush with a car cleaning solution to reach into the crevices. If you notice a persistent mildew odor, it’s a good idea to replace the cabin air filter, which often traps particles and odors.