How to get rid of new car smell

On average, VOCs dissipate at a rate of 10% to 20% per week. At this rate, the new car smell doesn’t last as long as some people may think. In fact, after six months or so, you will notice a considerable difference in the scent of your car as the new car smell dissipates.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals constitute the new car smell. VOC fumes emanate from glues, paints, vinyls, and plastics inside new cars. They can trigger headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness. Studies have found 50-60 different VOCs in new cars.

Serious health issues, though, require prolonged exposure to these chemicals. And as we all know, the new car smell doesn’t last forever. While these chemicals themselves will remain in your car, the dangerous off-gassing process will reduce over time. Experts say most of it will be over within six months.

Unfortunately, the smell that we associate with the excitement and luxury of new cars is caused by a not-so-luxurious process called off-gassing. When you smell that “new car” scent, you are actually inhaling a variety of chemical compounds that may be harmful to your health.

“New car smell” is caused by volatile organic compounds that can cause headaches, sore throat, nausea and possibly cancer, according to studies. The smell comes from the plastic, glue and carpeting in cars.