6 Genius Car Hacks You Need to Try for a Cleaner Ride
We’ve all been there—the crumby snack wrappers, the smelly gym shoes, and that weird musty scent that seems to linger no matter how many air fresheners you try.
Well, it’s time to ditch the frustration and get your car looking—and smelling—like it just rolled off the showroom floor!
With these easy car hacks, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform your ride into a clean, fresh, and odor-free space without spending a ton of cash.
Grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get this car looking and smelling fantastic!
Tools and Materials
- Dryer sheets
- Laundry scent beads
- Medical mask
- Cat litter
- Spice container
- Command hook
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1. Keep a box of dryer sheets in your car
Dryer sheets are amazing at picking up dust from dashboards, shining up the steering wheel, and making everything smell fresh.
ARM & HAMMER Fabric Softener Sheets
Bonus: They also help repel bugs when tucked under the seats!
2. DIY Car Air Freshener with Scent Beads
Take a disposable face mask and cut off the top while keeping the string.
Pour in some Unstoppables (or any laundry scent beads).
Borje Disposable Face Mask, 100 PCS
Tie up the hole with the string and hang it in your car for a long-lasting fresh scent.
No mask? Use an empty spice container—just fill it with scent beads, close the lid, and flip open the holes for a controlled scent release!
3. Musty Car Odor Fix
Got a stale-smelling car? Fill an empty spice container with bentonite clay cat litter and place it in a cup holder.
Crack open the lid to let the litter absorb bad smells.
Premium Bentonite Cat Litter
If you do not have a spice container, an old sock works wonders.
Just pour litter into the sock and stick it under a seat.
Works just like a mini car dehumidifier!
4. Use a Travel Makeup Brush to Dust the Vents
Car vents get dusty fast! A fluffy makeup brush (or an old paintbrush) is perfect for getting into the tiny crevices and keeping them clean.
5. Keep a Lint Roller for Quick Cleanups
A mini lint roller is perfect for picking up crumbs, pet hair, and dust from seats and carpets in seconds!
6. Toothpaste for Headlights
Cloudy headlights? Rub a bit of toothpaste onto them with a cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off.
It removes oxidation and makes them shine like new!
Want a clutter-free car?
Car Hacks: Keep Your Vehicle Clean & Fresh
Now that you’ve got all these hacks at your fingertips, it's time to put them to work and give your car that fresh and clean vibe!
The best part? You don’t need to spend a ton of money or invest in fancy tools. Just a little effort and a few household items can make a world of difference.
Ready to hit the road in a car that looks—and smells—amazing?
Comments
Join the conversation
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Love the look of a scrunched up mask hanging off the instrument lever, the whole idea is lovely. Oops, I mean "hole".
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Cube of black charcoal used for grilling does wonders with removing bad smells. I place in a container with holes cut in top. Voila! Smell is gone!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
what type of toothpaste will any do?
Some of the ideas a good, but I have allergies & don't like the idea of "scented items" to cover up, I want to eliminate odors.
Any better ideas?