Brand-new vehicles have a remarkable smell, one we often associate with luxury, cleanliness, and the achievement of purchasing a new car. The new car smell varies from brand to brand, but it’s distinctive nonetheless. For some, the smell of a new car can quickly become irritating. 

If you’re not a fan of that new car smell, you’re not alone. The guide below includes a handful of methods you can use to replace that new car smell with a more pleasant aroma. Take it one step further and elevate your car’s interior and driving experience with a Drift car freshener designed to fit your style and scent preferences. 

Is the New Car Smell Bad For You?

The strong smell of a new car stems from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) trapped within materials such as carpet, paint, glue, leather, rubber, and plastic. Over time, these harsh chemicals leach from such materials and off-gas into the atmosphere. Smelling these VOCs — that new car smell — can cause an allergic reaction if you’re particularly sensitive. 

Several studies have reported conflicting results about the VOCs responsible for the new car smell we’re so familiar with. A 1999 study by Scientific Instrument Services found several VOCs in new cars, including ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, and trimethylbenzene. A German study done in 2007 questioned these results, but more recent endeavors in 2023 reconfirmed the 1999 study’s results, showing the high health risks associated with VOCs. 

Even though we may associate a new car smell with quality, the Chinese actually work actively to avoid it. A J.D. Power press release illustrates the measures automotive manufacturers in China take to reduce the new car smell to appeal to consumers. 

How to Get Rid of That New Car Smell

Experiencing that new car smell for a few seconds is probably all you want to spend on it. Typically, a new car smell will disappear within a few months, depending on how far and often you drive. If you’re ready to get rid of that new car smell, the following steps can help you systematically remove it from your vehicle. 

1. Remove Plastic Coverings

New cars typically come with a slew of plastic coverings that protect delicate surfaces, such as the center console, touchscreen, climate control dials, and overhead lights. If the dealership hasn’t removed these during delivery, it’s a good idea to remove them yourself. While they protect the surface beneath from damage, they can trap VOCs and other smells, intensifying that new car smell in your car. 

2. Wipe Down Surfaces With a Gentle Cleaner 

Although it may seem redundant to clean a brand-new car, wiping down the surfaces can actually help remove the new car smell. Use a soft microfiber cloth and spray a light cleaner on the cloth before wiping down the dash, seats, and door panels. Be extra gentle wiping screens and other delicate surfaces. 

3. Place Baking Soda in the Car

Measuring out a tablespoon or two of baking soda in a container and placing it in your car can help deodorize the interior. You can also do the same with coffee beans. Alternatively, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the carpet, leave it overnight, and vacuum it up the next day. 

4. Run the Heat With the Windows Down

Even if it’s the dead of summer, running the heat with the windows down can help circulate air throughout your car and remove the new car smell. As a bonus, driving around for 30 minutes or so can accelerate the process. 

5. Park Your Car in the Sun

If it’s a nice day with high temperatures, parking your car in the sun can achieve the same as running the car’s heat. Again, ensure the windows are down to help release the new car smell. 

6. Purchase a Car Air Freshener

Your car’s interior holds many chemical smells from the factory, but those can easily be replaced by smells you enjoy. A car air freshener can introduce new smells to your brand-new car, infusing the interior with pleasant and comforting aromas. While there are plenty of car fresheners to choose from, only the best truly make your new car smell — and feel — familiar. 

Gift Your Car A New Premium Smell From Drift

Experience the difference a premium car freshener can make with Drift’s pet-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan car fresheners. Unlike our competitors, we use sustainably sourced materials, and our signature scents are free from phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, DEA, formaldehyde, petroleum, propylene, dichlorobenzene, and other harsh chemicals. Our Stone car freshener incorporates organic stone, our Wood car freshener is made from alder wood, and alloy metal comprises the foundation of our Metal car freshener. 

Drift’s lineup of sophisticated car scents includes: 

Drift’s scent blocks stay dormant until you’re ready to infuse your car’s interior with an elegant scent profile. To use your Drift car freshener, simply open the scent block and allow the essential oils to soak into the core. Place the metal clip over your driver or passenger visor and clip the scent block magnetically onto the flat metal surface. 

Introduce A New Smell Into Your Car Each Month With Drift 

Enjoy your brand-new car without suffering from exposure to that new car smell. The new car smell will fade, but with a Drift premium car freshener, your personalized scent won't. Improve your car’s interior without sacrificing style by joining our Scent of the Month Club or selecting from our signature car scents. If you like what you smell, refer a friend for a free refill!