Rediscover the New Car Smell: Effective Odor Elimination for Your Vehicle

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There’s something truly captivating about the “new car smell.” It’s that fresh, clean scent that greets you as you first sit in a brand-new vehicle, a blend of leather, upholstery, and a pristine environment. Over time, however, this alluring scent can be overtaken by a range of unwanted odors, whether from pets, spills, smoke, or everyday use. At San Diego Select, we offer comprehensive Odor Elimination Treatments designed to restore your car’s air quality and help you enjoy that “new car” freshness once again. This guide will delve into the common causes of car odors, how our advanced services work, and what you can expect from a professional odor elimination treatment.

The Allure of New Car Smell

The “new car smell” is more than just a pleasant fragrance; it’s a sign of a clean, well-maintained environment inside your vehicle. This distinctive scent is a result of the fresh materials used in the car’s interior—new leather, fabric, plastics, and other components—all blending together to create a unique, clean aroma. This smell not only signifies that your car is in pristine condition but also contributes to a more enjoyable driving experience.

As time passes, various factors can lead to a decline in your vehicle’s scent quality. Everyday use, exposure to environmental elements, and incidents like spills or smoking can introduce unwanted odors into your car. Fortunately, at San Diego Select, we offer expert Odor Elimination Treatments to help restore your car’s interior to its original freshness.

Common Car Odors and How We Eliminate Them

1. Mildew and Mold

Mildew and mold are common culprits for musty smells in vehicles. These odors often arise from moisture that has not been properly dried. Mildew thrives in damp environments, and if your car has experienced water damage, it can lead to persistent and unpleasant smells.

At San Diego Select, our approach to removing mildew and mold involves several crucial steps:

  • Complete Drying: Before we start the cleaning process, we ensure that the affected areas are thoroughly dried. This step is essential because if the car is not completely dry, mildew and mold can return, negating the effectiveness of our treatment.
  • Deep Cleaning: Once the car is dry, we perform a detailed cleaning of all affected areas. This includes using specialized products designed to break down and remove mold spores and mildew.
  • Air Filter Replacement: To ensure comprehensive odor removal, we often recommend replacing the in-cabin air filter. This helps to eliminate any lingering spores that may be circulating through your vehicle’s ventilation system. We partner with Top Care Auto Center in Pacific Beach to provide this service.

2. Smoke

Cigarette smoke is notorious for being difficult to remove from a vehicle. The odor can penetrate deep into upholstery, carpets, and even the air conditioning system, making it challenging to fully eradicate.

Our smoke odor elimination process involves:

  • Initial Assessment: We begin by assessing the severity of the smoke odor and the extent of its penetration into the vehicle.
  • Chemical Treatments: We use specialized chemicals designed to neutralize smoke odors. These treatments are applied to all areas where smoke particles may have settled.
  • Ozone Treatment: Ozone is a powerful odor eliminator that breaks down smoke particles at the molecular level. We use an ozone machine to ensure that all traces of smoke odor are removed.
  • Air Filter Replacement: Similar to mildew and mold cases, we recommend removing and replacing the in-cabin air filter to ensure that any remaining smoke particles in the ventilation system are also addressed.

3. Pet Odors

Pet owners know that the smell of dogs or cats can become quite pronounced in a vehicle, especially if pets travel frequently in the car. Pet odors can be challenging to eliminate because they can permeate upholstery, carpets, and other fabric surfaces.

Our approach to removing pet odors includes:

  • Thorough Cleaning: We start with a deep cleaning of all upholstery and carpets, using products designed to neutralize pet odors and break down the substances causing the smell.
  • Enzyme Treatments: Enzyme-based cleaners are particularly effective for pet odors because they break down the organic compounds that cause the smell.
  • Ozone Treatment: As with other severe odors, ozone treatment is used to ensure that any lingering pet smells are completely removed.

4. Spills

Spills from food or drinks can lead to strong, persistent odors in your car. These odors can result from bacterial growth that occurs when spills are not immediately cleaned.

To tackle spills, we employ the following methods:

  • Immediate Extraction: We use high-powered extraction equipment to remove any liquids and prevent the growth of bacteria.
  • Shampooing: Seats and carpets are shampooed with specialized cleaners designed to break down food residues and eliminate odors.
  • Bio-Enzyme Treatment: For more stubborn spills, we use bio-enzyme treatments that target and neutralize odors caused by bacterial growth.

5. Vomit and Biowaste

Accidents involving vomit, urine, or other biowaste can create some of the most challenging odors to remove. These situations require a careful and thorough approach to ensure all traces of the odor are eliminated.

Our process for dealing with biowaste includes:

  • Immediate Cleaning: We quickly address the affected areas to prevent further absorption of the mess into the upholstery or carpet.
  • Deep Cleaning and Sanitization: We use powerful cleaning agents and sanitizers to break down and remove the source of the odor.
  • Ozone Treatment: To ensure that any remaining odors are completely eradicated, we use ozone treatment.
Sometimes not even the best air freshner can help

What to Expect After Our Odor Elimination Treatment

One of the biggest misconceptions about odor removal is that strong fragrances are used to mask unpleasant smells. At San Diego Select, we take a different approach. Our goal is to leave your vehicle with a completely neutral scent, effectively removing any trace of the original odor.

Here’s what you can expect after our treatment:

  • Neutral Scent: Our objective is to leave your car smelling like nothing at all—completely neutral. This is achieved by addressing the root cause of the odor and thoroughly cleaning all affected areas.
  • Follow-Up: In some cases, especially with severe odors, a follow-up session may be required to ensure all traces of the odor are completely removed.

Our Comprehensive Odor Elimination Treatment

San Diego Select uses a multi-step approach to tackle even the toughest odors. Our process includes:

  1. Complete Interior Detail: We start with a thorough cleaning of the entire interior of your vehicle to remove surface dirt and contaminants.
  2. Shampoo and Extraction: Seats and upholstery are shampooed and extracted to remove deep-seated odors.
  3. Odor-Specific Chemical Treatment: We apply specialized chemicals tailored to the specific type of odor, whether it’s smoke, mildew, or pet smells.
  4. Bio-Enzyme Treatment: Bio-enzyme treatments are used to break down and neutralize odors caused by biological sources.
  5. Ozone Odor Elimination: Ozone treatment is used to address any remaining odors at the molecular level.

Are There Any Smells That Can’t Be Removed?

While our techniques are highly effective, there are rare cases where severe water damage or extensive mold growth may limit our ability to completely eliminate odors. If your vehicle has suffered significant water damage and has not been thoroughly dried, the effectiveness of our treatment may be compromised. In such extreme cases, a follow-up appointment may be required to remove any remaining odor.

Enhance Your Car’s Air Quality with San Diego Select Detailing

At San Diego Select, we are committed to restoring your vehicle’s interior to its best possible condition. Our expert Odor Elimination Treatments not only improve your car’s fragrance but also enhance the overall air quality inside your vehicle. Whether you’re dealing with lingering pet odors, smoke, or any other unpleasant smells, our team is here to help.

Our services are designed to provide a thorough and effective solution to any odor issues, using advanced techniques and high-quality products. With our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure that your vehicle’s interior is left smelling fresh, clean, and neutral.

Tips for Maintaining a Fresh-Smelling Vehicle

Once your car has been treated for odors, maintaining a fresh scent involves regular care and attention. Here are some tips to help keep your vehicle smelling great:

  • Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean your car’s interior to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating and contributing to unpleasant odors.
  • Promptly Address Spills: Clean up spills as soon as they occur to prevent stains and odors from setting in.
  • Use Air Fresheners Wisely: While we focus on eliminating odors, using air fresheners sparingly can help maintain a pleasant scent. Choose products that don’t just mask smells but also neutralize them.
  • Keep Your Car Dry: Ensure that your car remains dry to prevent mildew and mold growth, especially in humid climates.

Contact San Diego Select Today

Experience the difference that professional Odor Elimination Treatments can make. Contact San Diego Select to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a fresh, clean-smelling vehicle. Our expert team is ready to help you rediscover that new car smell and enjoy a more pleasant driving experience.

With our comprehensive approach and commitment to excellence, you can trust San Diego Select to deliver exceptional results and restore your vehicle’s interior to its best possible condition.

Verified Google Reviews

EXCELLENT SERVICE! Will at San Diego Select Detailing did a full service on my Chevy truck and everything came out awesome! Exterior, Wheels, Interior seat shampoo, dashboard, lights, etc! Amazing service and super cool guy! Would recommend his services to everyone!

Nick Powell

Link to Google Review ↗
These guys brought my Range Rover back to life.  Scratches i didnt think would come out.  Looks great.  Lots of people do 'mobile detailing' which is a glorified car wash.  These guys are on their game w paint correction and scratch removal which is what i needed.  Will definitely use them again.

vito arminio

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Wow, just wow! I brought my 2008 Ford Escape to Will for an auto detailing, cleaning and full exterior shine and wax and let me tell you my Ford needed some serious TLC. I left the Escape in Will hands and didn't really have any expectation on how well it was going to turn out. Much to my surprise my car looks better than ever! Actually it looks brand new. The interior is back to when I first bought it. It smells fresh and clean and the seats look like they were just taken from the factory. The seats no longer have blemishes or stains, all the dirt and grit is gone from all the nooks and crannies that have built up over time! The outside of the car shines bright! I can't thank Will enough for the tremendous job he did! My warhorse of a vehicle is ready for battle again! Thank you, Will. I'm thrilled about the job you did and would recommend your services to anyone looking to bring life back into their vehicle inside and out! Cheers, keep up the great work!

David Goshgarian

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Will did an amazing job detailing my car! He meticulously cleaned it inside and out and made it look brand new. He even went above and beyond with cleaning the interior and coating the exterior with a protective sealant. I appreciate him being flexible and professional. This is the best car detail company I’ve dealt with. I highly recommend them!

Phillip Walters

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I’ve used San Diego Select Car Detailing for the second time, and their service continues to amaze me. They are convenient and flexible in scheduling which I need. They have everything they need, making the process smooth and hassle-free. The work they do is exceptional; my car came out looking showroom-new. Their Full Detail service is a testament to their commitment to quality, with every inch of my car meticulously cleaned and polished.The team’s professionalism and attention to detail really stand out. They treat your car with great care, ensuring the best possible cleaning and protection. It’s clear they take pride in their work, which is reflected in the fantastic results. For anyone in San Diego looking for top-notch car detailing, San Diego Select Car Detailing is my go-to recommendation. The quality of their service has consistently left my car looking its best.

Jonathan Marden

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Great guys to work with. Got an interior detail and headlight restoration with them first. The results were phenomenal and there are now my go to people for detailing. Just recently got a paint correction due to discoloration on my hood and a fair amount of scratches. I was amazed with how glossy the paint looked. The discoloration is completely gone and the paint seems fully restored. Would recommend them to anyone.

Kobuk Van Houten

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So stoked to write this review for Will and San Diego Select Detailing! I originally inquired about their Paint Correction service through their website and received a text later the same day with their availability and pricing. Will answered all of my questions and was awesome when it came to coordinating a work space. Before getting started, Will and I walked around the car together and talked about my specific needs and wants. He clearly strives to provide a customized, ultra-professional experience for each of his customers and was great at setting expectations and explaining his process. My car looks incredible and I am so impressed with his artisan-like care and attention to detail. My wife and I couldn’t believe how great the paint looked after a Paint Correction service with Will. Will is very personable, extremely detail oriented and passionate about his work. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone looking for a quality Paint Correction or auto detailing service!

Kevin Craig

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I’ve been using San Diego Select Detailing for a few years now simply because they are AMAZING! My truck looks good as new after every visit.I’m a professional dog trainer, so you can imagine how much dog hair gets accumulated after a while. And of course there will be the occasional potty accident.San Diego Select Detail will not only wash my seats, but they use a treatment to disinfect and get the smell out.There’s no other detail company I can trust to give me the exceptional service I get with San Diego Select.

Carolina Don

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Detail My Car?

Perfection & Protection.

Frustrated with everything that the car wash leaves behind?
Does your paint not shine like it used to?
In love with your car and want to preserve your investment for the long term?

That is why we are here. Not only do we leave you with flawless results, but we make sure that your paint, leather, and other materials are protected for years to come. We will treat your car (and you) like one of our own.

Do I need a "Shampoo Treatment"?

The shampoo and hot water extraction is the best possible care for your FABRIC seats.

We will bathe your seats in thick foam shampoo, agitate it with a fabric brush attachment on a drill, and then extract all the grime, dirt, stains and contaminant from the seats with hot water at 210ºF. If your seats need a refresh, this is as good as it gets. Because the service takes 45 minutes on average, and only a small percent of vehicles need it we charge extra for it. Don't worry - its only $50 extra. Totally worth it.

Will My Scratch "Buff Out"?

Do you have any little scrapes and scratches that bother you?

We can handle it.. to an extent. We are polishing experts - so if the scratch isn't too deep, we can get it out. Ever heard of "The Fingernail Test", this is a great way to know if your scratches are fixable. If you feel the scratch will your fingernail and you can feel a groove in the paint, it it probably a little bit too deep ~in the sections where the groove is~

What is a "Clay Bar"?

A clay bar is exactly what it sounds like, a little ball of malleable puddy.

This is used in the decontamination phase of the detail to prepare your paint for protection. Clay Bar Detailing is essential for preparing your vehicle's paint for protection by ensuring it is free of contaminants.

Every exterior detail has 3 phases: 1. Wash 2. Decontaminate 3. Protect. The decontamination stage is responsible for removing from the paint everything that doesn't come off from the wash.

Remember when you bought your car and the paint was smooth to the touch? That is the goal of this stage. Remove all the crusty junk that is stuck to you paint. This way, when we apply sealant (protection) to your paint it will adhere to the paint itself, rather than the junk sitting on the surface. This will give the sealant its longest possible useful life.

Why "Wax" My Car?

For the same reason that you get an oil change. Engines are expensive to replace (8-15K) so we take good care of them. So is your paint - the average paint job costing around $5,000. If you don't protect your paint with some type of ceramic, wax, or sealant, your paint WILL fail.

In San Diego, our biggest enemy is the sun, or the salt if you live near the beach. Next time you are in a big parking lot, look around at the hoods of the vehicles. You will notice around 1/6 vehicles have completely delaminated clear coat.

That means the paint looks like dead skin on the surface and you could peel it off with you fingers. Not pretty. There is a simple solution to ensure your vehicle never ends up like this. Exterior Detailing. Bonus points for a ceramic coating with is the best protection possible.