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How to Get Pet-Friendly Vehicles to Smell Pet-Free

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Your furry family member is often the best driving companion—no criticizing, no judgment if you take a wrong turn—just unconditional adoration. And, you should hold on to that look of love when the trip is over and your senses are overwhelmed by your dog’s thank you gift for taking him on a drive—his lingering smell. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s bad, really bad.

Thankfully, though, you don’t need to get a new car or abandon on-the-road outings with your best friend; getting rid of pet odor is not an insurmountable task.


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Banishing pet odor starts with a thorough vacuuming of your upholstery, according to YourMechanic.com writer Elan McAfee; this will rid your vehicle of any loose pet hair and dirt before you turn your attention to eliminating the stench.

Next, you’ll need a pantry staple—baking soda. Measure approximately ¼ cup of baking soda into a bowl and put the bowl in your car’s interior, advises McAfee; be careful not to knock the bowl over or put it on a slanted surface—baking soda has super smell absorbing powers, but it’s a pain to clean up. McAfee says you need to let the bowl of baking soda work its magic overnight—depending on the level of stink, more nights might be necessary. Once you are happy with the lack of smell, you can retire the baking soda bowl.

If you’re out of baking soda, reach for vinegar instead, suggests McAfee. You can create an odor-neutralizing spray with a concoction of equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour the mixture into a clean, empty spray bottle and evenly spray—not soak—your car’s interior fabrics. Walk away for a few hours, and if necessary do it all over again if the pet odor is particularly stubborn, said McAfee.


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If these natural pantry staples fail at removing the odor sufficiently, you can invest in upholstery cleaner specifically created to destroy pet smells. Follow the label instructions, and then vacuum your interior to remove leftover residue, advises McAfee.

If all of your attempts fail, seek help from a professional auto detailer.

News Source: YourMechanic