How To Get Bleach Smell Out Of Car in 2023

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of spilling bleach in your car? Let me tell you, that smell is no joke. But don’t sweat it! I’ve got some fantastic solutions that will have your car smelling fresh again in no time. 

This article is all about practical and wallet-friendly methods to kick that pesky bleach odor out of your car. We’ll start by pinpointing where the smell is coming from and giving your car a good cleaning to remove any dirt or residue. 

Then, we’ll dive into the magic of vinegar and baking soda. By mixing these two powerful ingredients and spraying the affected area multiple times, you’ll be amazed at the results. Oh, and don’t forget to let it air dry overnight for maximum effectiveness. 

Now, here’s the thing – trying to cover up the bleach smell won’t do you any favors. We need to tackle it head-on and eliminate it completely. You see, bleach is a popular cleaning agent, but if left untreated, it can leave behind a stubborn odor that lingers in your car. 

That’s why we’ll also discuss the importance of proper ventilation, using air purifiers or activated charcoal to freshen the air, and even swapping out the floor mat if necessary. 

So get ready to say goodbye to that bleach smell and embrace a car that smells as good as new. Trust me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the difference it can make. Let’s get started and enjoy a pleasant ride with a bleach-free aroma!

Do Not Forget to Read About: Best and Latest Air Purifiers

How to Get Rid of Bleach Smell from Your Car

Now, we will explore various methods and tips to effectively remove the bleach smell from your car’s interior.

I. Utilize Air Purifiers for Efficient Odor Removal:

Air purifiers equipped with ionizing or HEPA filtration technologies can significantly help in eliminating bleach smells from car interiors. Ionizers release negative ions into the air, while HEPA filters trap particles inside the filter. 

While ionizers are inexpensive and require minimal maintenance, HEPA purifiers offer superior mitigation of bleach smells. Consider your preference and budget when choosing between these options.

Do Not Forget to Read About: Best Air Purifier for Car

II. Locate the Source of the Bleach Smell:

To begin the odor removal process, it’s crucial to identify the source of the bleach smell. Check common areas where bleach is typically stored, such as the trunk or other compartments. This initial step will help direct your cleaning efforts and ensure comprehensive odor elimination.

III. Safely Remove Spilled Bleach and Dirt:

Before addressing the bleach smell, it’s important to remove any spilled bleach and dirt from the affected area. Use a dog brush or a vacuum cleaner to effectively eliminate fur, soil, and grime. 

By clearing away these substances, you can prepare the surface for further cleaning and odor removal.

IV. Prepare and Apply a Cleaning Solution:

Creating a suitable cleaning solution is key to combating the bleach smell. In a spray bottle, combine one tablespoon of baking soda, one cup of water, and one cup of vinegar. 

Remember to add these ingredients in the specified order to avoid any allergic reactions. Baking soda acts as a powerful cleaner for fabric marks, while vinegar effectively neutralizes odors. Thoroughly mix the solution to ensure maximum efficacy.

V. Apply the Cleaning Solution and Scrub the Area:

Spray the entire area where the bleach was spilled, not just the specific spot, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for approximately five minutes to penetrate the fabric. 

Then, using a clean scrubbing brush, gently scrub the area to remove any residual bleach residue. If you feel that more cleaning solution is needed, apply it as required.

VI. Ensure Safety with Protective Gear:

Given the harsh nature of bleach, it’s crucial to prioritize safety during the cleaning process. Wear gloves to protect your skin from any potential irritation or burns caused by prolonged exposure to bleach. Taking these precautions is always better than risking any adverse effects.

VII. Let the Area Air Dry Overnight:

After scrubbing, spray additional amounts of the baking soda and vinegar mixture onto the surfaces. Allow the area to air dry naturally overnight. 

Baking soda’s absorbent properties will help eliminate moisture and unpleasant odors from the fabric. It is essential to ensure thorough drying to prevent any potential mold or mildew growth.

VIII. Check for Remaining Odors and Repeat if Necessary:

Once the area has dried, check for any remaining bleach odor. If the smell persists, repeat the entire cleaning process outlined above. Thoroughness is key to achieving satisfactory results.

IX. Clean Away Residual Baking Soda:

After the cleaning process, you may notice white residue left by the baking soda. To remove this residue, use a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber towel. 

For damp areas, sprinkle rice on the affected spots to absorb moisture and eliminate odors effectively. This step will ensure a clean and fresh-smelling interior.

How To Get Bleach Smell Out Of Car

Will Bleach Damage a Car? Debunking Common Myths

Bleach is a strong chemical compound primarily used for disinfection and stain removal purposes. It contains sodium hypochlorite, which gives it its characteristic properties. 

Bleach is commonly used in households for cleaning surfaces like countertops, floors, and bathroom fixtures. Due to its effectiveness, some car owners wonder if bleach can also be used to clean their vehicles.

Myth 1: Bleach is an Effective Car Cleaning Agent:

Contrary to popular belief, bleach is not recommended as a car cleaning agent. Although it can effectively remove certain stains, it is not suitable for use on car exteriors or interiors. 

The reason lies in bleach’s highly corrosive nature, which can cause serious damage to a car’s paintwork, rubber trim, vinyl surfaces, and upholstery.

Myth 2: Bleach Can Remove Tough Stains from Car Interiors:

While bleach is known for its stain-removing properties, using it on car interiors is highly discouraged. Applying bleach to car upholstery or carpets can lead to discoloration, weakening of the fabric, and even damage the foam beneath the surface. 

Furthermore, bleach can produce a strong odor that may linger inside the car for a long time.

Myth 3: Diluting Bleach Makes it Safe for Car Cleaning:

Some individuals believe that diluting bleach with water can make it safe for cleaning cars. However, even when diluted, bleach remains highly corrosive. 

The diluted mixture can still cause damage to your car’s surfaces, and the risk of discoloration or degradation remains.

The Risks of Using Bleach on Cars:

Paint Damage: Bleach can strip away the protective layer of wax on a car’s paint, leading to fading, dullness, and the potential for long-term damage.

Rubber and Vinyl Damage: Bleach can cause rubber seals and trims to deteriorate, leading to cracks, discoloration, and compromised functionality.

Upholstery and Carpet Damage: Bleach can discolor, weaken, and degrade fabrics, foam, and carpeting inside the car.

Corrosion of Metal: If bleach comes into contact with metal surfaces, it can cause corrosion and damage.

Safe Alternatives for Car Cleaning:

To maintain the appearance of your car without causing damage, consider the following safe alternatives for cleaning:

Car Wash Soap: Invest in a high-quality car wash soap specifically designed for automotive surfaces. These products are gentle, pH-balanced, and formulated to remove dirt and grime effectively without harming the paintwork or other surfaces.

Microfiber Cloths: Use soft microfiber cloths or mitts to clean your car. They are gentle on surfaces, help avoid scratching, and effectively absorb dirt and debris.

Automotive Interior Cleaners: For the interior, choose specialized automotive interior cleaners that are safe for fabrics, upholstery, and carpets. These products are specifically designed to remove stains without causing damage.

Kristen Park - Specialised Content Writer for Caresh Fresh


My name is Kristen Park and I am a senior writer specialising in how-to guides and home cleaning information at Cares Fresh. As a researcher, I take pride in digging deep to find every small detail on a topic and explaining it in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.