A FORMER cleaner to the Royal Family has revealed an ingenious car cleaning hack that can leave a motor smelling fresh for weeks.
Even better, it’s a simple, everyday kitchen cupboard item that costs just pennies.
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When it comes to in-car odours, most drivers opt for chemical-based air fresheners or pricey gadgets to keep their interior smelling sweet.
But a former cleaner for the Royals, who has spoken to motoring experts at Plates Express, recently revealed her own practical hack for keeping car interiors fresh without spending a fortune.
Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, worked in the royal household for nearly ten years and was occasionally asked to prepare official vehicles for last-minute inspections or events.
Naturally, she picked up a few clever tricks during her time.
One of those is an inexpensive way to get rid of that pesky stale smell that can linger inside your motor.
She said: “One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal’s outing.
“Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale.
“We didn’t have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag.
“I tucked it under the seat and let it sit.
“By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone – and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.”
Anne swears by her tea bag hack, adding: “It’s something I’ve used ever since.
“It’s discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think.
“Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.”
According to Plates Express, a car’s interior attracts lingering smells – even for those who don’t smoke or eat inside their vehicle.
Wet shoes, coats, or even condensation can create the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew.
Food, such as crumbs and takeaway wrappers, can make a car smell foul in just a matter of hours.
Furthermore, pet hair and dander are another main culprit – especially if you regularly drive around with your dog or cat in tow.
Lastly, cars that don’t get enough fresh air build-up can smell over time, so making sure a motor is ventilated can certainly help.
WHAT’S THE TEA?
So, why does a tea bag work so effectively?
Simply, tea leaves are natural odour absorbers which, as they dry, pull moisture and bad smells from the air.
This makes them ideal for small, enclosed spaces such as car cabins.
Better yet, they don’t just cover up bad smells with strong perfumes; they neutralise the odour at its source.
Anne added: “Tea bags work quietly in the background.
“They don’t overpower, and they don’t make people sneeze.
“I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.”
A spokesperson from Plates Express said: “Using dry tea bags is a clever and cost-effective way to keep your car smelling fresh.
“It’s a natural solution that’s safe for all car interiors, including leather and fabric.
“But it’s important to stay consistent – regular small steps like this make a big difference over time.
“We always encourage drivers to look after their interiors with the same care they give the outside of their car.
“From wiping surfaces to using subtle deodorisers like tea bags, it all helps in keeping your vehicle pleasant and welcoming.”
YOUR CUP OF TEA
Here are three tips to mastering the tea bag hack for your car.
Choose the Right Tea: Black tea works well for neutral smells, but for a refreshing twist, go with peppermint or lemon.
Keep It Dry: Make sure the tea bag is completely dry before placing it in your car, as moisture can lead to mould.
Place It Out of Sight: Slip the tea bag into the glove box, under the front seats, or in your door pocket, and replace it every two to three weeks.
Source: Plate Express
