As outside temperatures start to rise, smells that might have been dormant in your vehicle all winter can become more noticeable. During the winter, rodents can take refuge in your car and die, leaving you with a rotting, fishy smell. This can also be caused by a clogged exhaust or other vehicle issues. Let’s look at what could cause your car to smell like fish, how to get rid of a fishy smell, and how to prevent the fishy smell from returning to your clean car.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Fish?
A fishy smell in a car is often caused by the presence of moisture and decaying organic matter, such as a dead animal or rodent. In more serious cases, this type of smell can indicate a leak in the vehicle’s exhaust system or an engine component that has been compromised or damaged. However, it can also be due to something as simple as old food being left inside the car, especially if there is a small gap where moisture can enter the interior.
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The fish odor in a car usually starts with a faint scent that quickly becomes more pungent if not addressed. The source of this smell could be due to standing water, such as condensation accumulating within the car, or even leaked coolant or antifreeze drying up on certain components like spark plugs or intake manifold gaskets. Additionally, one of the main reasons your car smells like fish could be mold and mildew growing somewhere in the vehicle’s interior. These microorganisms require moisture and organic matter to survive and thrive, thus making them ideal candidates for growing inside damp vehicles.
To address this dead fish smell emanating from your car, try to locate any sources of moisture and eliminate them. This includes checking for any leaks around piping, joints, or hoses leading to the engine by; inspecting for signs of oxidation on metal parts, checking for corrosion on wiring harnesses, and other vehicle inspections.
How To Prevent Fish Smell
Preventing a fishy odor in your car requires attention to detail and regular maintenance. The most important step is to keep your car’s interior clean and free of debris. Vacuum the carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces regularly. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas where food particles or pet hair can accumulate. Clean up spills as soon as they occur, and use odor-eliminating products on any surface that has been stained or smells.
In addition to a deep cleaning of your car’s interior, it’s essential to keep it well-maintained. Replace cabin air filters often so the air inside your vehicle stays clean and free of odors. Also, check the condition of your air conditioning components since a malfunctioning system can cause unpleasant and fishy smells.
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It is also essential to get regular tune-ups for your car so that it runs efficiently and without issue. Issues such as a clogged exhaust system or fuel injector can cause odors from inside the vehicle as well as from outside sources like exhaust fumes.
Finally, ensure that all seals around windows, doors, and other components are securely in place so that no water or moisture can seep into the vehicle’s interior. It’s also a good idea to inspect for mold growth in any dark areas, such as under car seats or within door panels.
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent fishy smells in you.
What Is The Best Way To Remove Fish Smell From Car?
Removing a fishy smell from your car can be done in several ways, depending on what is causing the smell. The first step is to find out exactly what is causing the smell. From there, you can use one of the following tips to get your car smelling as good as new.
Clean The Interior With Mild Soap & Water
A car’s interior is often exposed to various odors, such as fishy smells, which can build up over time and become unpleasant. Fortunately, cleaning the interior with mild dish soap and water can help remove these odors without special tools. To do this:
- Start by vacuuming any visible dirt and debris from the carpet or cloth upholstery.
- Mix a few drops of liquid detergent with a gallon of warm water to make your DIY cleaning solution. Then, apply a soft cloth to the affected surfaces.
- Clean in a circular motion to allow the soap mixture to produce suds.
- Wipe away any excess soap and water mixture and allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Use a shop vac to vacuum the wet carpet for even better cleaning and faster drying.
Vacuum Carpets & Upholstery Thoroughly
Vacuuming the carpets and upholstery in your vehicle is an easy way to get your car smelling better. You will need a vacuum with a powerful motor and strong suction. If you have various attachments for the vacuum hose, this will help you get into the smaller places where crumbs and food debris fall into. It is also essential to use an upholstery brush or crevice tool if you have them to get into deeper carpets or in between seats.
Use Baking Soda To Absorb Odors
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Baking soda is an effective and economical way to absorb odors in vehicles. It binds with molecules that cause bad smells, neutralizing them to create a fresher environment. The best way to use it is to sprinkle it over your vehicle’s carpet and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming it up. You can also set out small bowls of baking soda to help neutralize odors lingering in your vehicle. Baking soda can also be mixed with a small amount of warm water to create a paste-like substance that can be used to scrub away stains in carpet or upholstery. Try this in a discreet place before tackling a visible part of your interior to ensure the baking soda does not damage your vehicle’s interior.
Place Bowl Of White Vinegar In Car To Neutralize Odors
Using a dish of vinegar in your car is an effective way to absorb odors and keep your vehicle smelling fresh. The acidity of the vinegar neutralizes the odor molecules, effectively removing any foul smells that may present themselves in cars over time. Vinegar also works to prevent new odors from accumulating. It is antibacterial and helps kill off bacteria that can cause musty smells. To use this method, place a shallow dish of distilled white vinegar in an area where air circulates, such as near a vent or beneath the car’s front seat. Leave it for several hours or overnight, and will notice a reduction in any foul odors. This is a cheap and eco-friendly way to get your car smelling fresh without using harsh chemicals or sprays.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a great way to make your car smell fresh and inviting without purchasing air fresheners. These natural, plant-based products are renowned for their ability to provide a pleasant aroma in any space, and they’re safer than artificial fragrances or perfumes. When used correctly, essential oils will safely disinfect the air inside your car while also providing a long-lasting scent that isn’t overly intrusive. Adding a few drops of oil to the vents or spraying an oil-infused mist in the car periodically can help keep it smelling fresh for you and your passengers.
Replace Cabin Air Filter
Replacing the cabin air filter in a car is an important part of its regular maintenance. The cabin air filter prevents dust, pollen, and other debris from entering the vehicle. It keeps the car’s air clean and smelling fresh. Replacing the air filter at least once a year will help ensure the vehicle remains free of allergens, pollutants, and odors. The process is relatively simple; most cars feature easy access to the filter behind the glove box or dashboard. A new air filter can be purchased from an auto parts store or online retailer for about 20 dollars. This is a quick and easy way to keep your car maintained and your interior always smelling fresh.
Keeping Your Car Maintained With Endurance
When your vehicle starts to smell, whether it’s fishy or a burning rubber odor, this clearly indicates that you need to find out what is causing this issue. This can be an indication that there is a serious issue with your vehicle that needs to be corrected. Keeping your car clean and well-maintained can help prevent unpleasant smells and unexpected repairs.
With a vehicle protection plan such as Endurance, you can protect your vehicle and wallet from unexpected breakdowns. Endurance is an auto protection plan provider (also known as an extended warranty provider) that has a wide variety of plans to fit any specific budget or coverage needs. All new Endurance customers will receive one year of Elite Benefits (with a small activation fee). These benefits include two tire repairs/replacements, key fob replacements if yours are lost or stolen, battery jump assistance, and flat tire assistance if you experience a blowout or flat tire on the road.
To request a free quote for an auto protection plan, call our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203. You can also shop online to learn more about our vehicle protection plans. For more information, such as DIY car tips, vehicle service contract comparisons, and auto expert buying guides, visit the Endurance blog.
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Category: WHY
