Between trips to the park and visits to the veterinarian, you may transport your pet hundreds of times in your car each year. Unfortunately, the evidence of these travels may linger long afterward. Pet hair and dander can be the source of long-lasting odors that make driving unpleasant. You don’t have to banish your animal from your automobile to prevent pet smells. Instead, practice the following car detailing tips.

A Pet Owner’s Guide to Car Care

1. Choose the Right Upholstery

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, choose a car with pet-friendly upholstery. Pet hair and dander are easier to clean off vinyl and leather upholstery than from cloth fabrics.  

2. Confine Your Pet to One Area

Whenever your four-legged friend is a passenger, put them in the same spot to limit where they spread their dander. If your pet has trouble remaining still, consider putting them in a veterinarian-approved car seat or carrier.  

3. Cover Up

No matter what type of upholstery your car has, cover the surface to provide a barrier between your animal and the fabric. You can purchase  customized covers designed to fit over the seats in your car, or throw down a blanket. When the ride is over, remove the cover or blanket and wash it.

4. Clean Immediately

When pets leave behind a mess, clean it up as soon as possible. Dander odors can nestle into fabric fibers and become more difficult to remove later on. If you have leather or vinyl seats, wipe them down with a car-friendly cleaner. Vacuum often to keep floors and seats free of dander and hair.

5. Neutralize Odors Overnight

Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors. Placing a bowl of baking soda in a car overnight will help eliminate smells. If the odor is localized to a window seat, for example, sprinkle it with baking soda, let it sit overnight, and vacuum up the powder the next day.

If you’re a pet parent, Auto Embassy will help take care of any pet-caused messes and smells with their comprehensive car detailing services. Based in Columbia, MO, this professional car wash is staffed with trained specialists who know how to clean interiors and exteriors, tackle stains, and remove tough odors. To learn more about their car detailing services, visit them online, or call (573) 397-4167.