[HereticHermit]

I am aware there is a thread “How your car smells” but it didn’t address the topic. The east side of India is still wet, muggy, and musty. As my car doesn’t see many miles or open windows, every time I have to drive it for short runs I must put up with, musty smell and odder but by the time it really clears up from rolled down windows, I am already back and parking the car. So, I normally end up ditching the car altogether and drive a gearless scooter.

I don’t use car fresheners because of the chemicals they use, and charcoal granules have limited success with me (Or for my nose). Despite keeping the floor and carpet areas squeaky clean, the monsoon funky smell seems all pervading and, as a last resort, I have to use methods I am really not comfortable with, using them frequently.

So, I would like to know what methods you use to keep your car smelling ‘neutral’ or not smell et al? Assuming your carpets are smell-free, the floor is vacuumed, and seat covers are scrubbed (if possible and made from non-porous material). The following comes to my mind. Feel free to add the one that works for you.

Shampoo wash the carpet/floor area.
Plain water scrub of seats to get rid of sweat.
Camphor/ Phenyl balls.
Baking soda sprinkle and scrub.
Charcoal granules.
Calcium oxide powder kept in the dish.
Soap bars are ‘thrown’ in different corners.
Ozone gas.
Run the engine with heater ‘ON’, windows slightly open.
You just live with it, till the weather turns dry.

[kpkeerthi]

A good quality moisture absorber is the only thing that works. I just leave one inside the cabin if I'm going to have my car parked for more than 1 day during monsoons.

https://www.amazon.in/Absorbia-Moist...s%2C216&sr=8-4

[sagarpadaki]

One other aspect that I noticed is the cabin air filter. A dirty cabin air filter or a not-so-good quality aftermarket ones start emitting this musty smell during wet weather.

I had this experience with Hella brand cabin air filter. The cabin used to smell damp and moldy until the car was warmed up and weather outside became sunny. I just did not understand the source of the smell and thought it was from the carpets due to the moisture in them due to some wetness. Once, I opened the cabin air filter to check the condition and was hit with the same moldy smell. I replaced it with Purolator brand filter and the smell went away and has not come back.

[HereticHermit]

Absorbia is a costly proposition for what it offers in short term.
My Car doesn't have a cabin filter either so I required something tough and less costly.
This is my solution, Ozone generator but one should be careful not to overuse it on around plastic trims or dashboards nor inhale when device is working. Though the car smells like petrichor which is typical smell of ozone gas.