Your Ford Explorer 2016–2019 is built for adventure, utility, and family comfort. But even the most well-maintained SUV can fall victim to lingering odors. From food spills and wet gear to pet dander and everyday grime, your interior can quickly absorb and trap unwanted smells—leaving you searching for answers.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to eliminate bad smells from your Ford Explorer and prevent them from returning. You’ll learn about the most common causes of odor, how to deep clean your interior, and which accessories help protect against future buildup.
Plus, we’ll link to essential products from Car Mats Customs and related blog posts that provide added insight for keeping your Explorer fresh, clean, and comfortable for every passenger.
Why Odors Linger in the Ford Explorer
Odors don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re caused by particles and moisture trapped in soft surfaces like carpet, seats, and upholstery. In an SUV as spacious and well-used as the Explorer, smells can build quickly from:
- Food and drink spills (fast food, coffee, snacks)
- Wet clothes or rain-soaked gear
- Pet hair, drool, or accidents
- Gym bags and sweat from workouts or sports
- Mildew from snow or water entering the cabin
- Mold in the ventilation system
Whether you’re driving kids to school, heading out on weekend trips, or commuting daily, these issues add up. The key is identifying the cause and then treating the problem at its source—not just masking it with air fresheners.
Step 1: Start with a Deep Interior Clean
The first step in stopping odors is to clean every surface that can hold onto smells. Here’s how to thoroughly refresh the interior of your Explorer.
1. Remove and Clean Floor Mats
Take out all floor mats—front, second row, and third row. Vacuum them and clean with a hose or carpet cleaner. Better yet, switch to custom all-weather mats from Car Mats Customs that are waterproof, easy to wash, and trap dirt before it reaches your carpet.
2. Vacuum and Shampoo Carpet
Use a strong vacuum to pick up loose debris, then shampoo the carpet with an upholstery-safe cleaner. Pay special attention to areas under the seats and floor creases where odors may be hiding.
3. Clean Seats and Upholstery
Use fabric cleaner or leather-safe wipes, depending on your interior type. If your Explorer has seen years of use, upgrading to leather seat covers adds both protection and odor resistance.
4. Clean Air Vents and Replace Cabin Filter
If musty smells hit when the A/C turns on, there could be mold in the ventilation system. Clean your vents with foam spray designed for automotive HVAC systems, and replace your cabin filter regularly.
5. Wipe All Surfaces
Use an interior-safe cleaner on door panels, dash, console, cupholders, and steering wheel. Grime builds up in these spots and can hold onto odors more than you realize.
Need help cleaning your mats without damaging them? Check out: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them
Step 2: Use the Right Odor Removal Products
Once your interior is clean, it's time to neutralize any lingering smells. There are several proven methods to stop odors at the source, depending on what you're dealing with.
1. Enzymatic Cleaners for Organic Odors
If pets or food are the culprits, enzymatic cleaners are your best bet. They work by breaking down organic molecules in urine, vomit, milk, or food residue—eliminating the cause of the smell instead of just covering it up. Use them on carpets, upholstery, and even seat belts.
2. Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda
Place an open container of baking soda or activated charcoal in the footwell or cupholder overnight. These natural deodorizers absorb odors in the air and from nearby surfaces.
3. Ozone Generator (Use with Caution)
For long-standing smoke or mildew smells, an ozone treatment can help. This device releases ozone molecules that bond with odor-causing particles and neutralize them. Be sure to run the generator in a ventilated, unoccupied vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
4. Ventilation Is Key
Leave your windows cracked on warm, dry days or open all doors to air out the cabin. Good ventilation helps remove trapped moisture and freshen soft surfaces like headliners and carpet.
Step 3: Control Moisture at All Times
Odors thrive in damp environments. Preventing moisture buildup is one of the best ways to stop smells before they start.
1. Use All-Weather Floor Mats
Custom-fit all-weather mats are designed to trap water, dirt, and debris from your shoes before they soak into the carpet. They also make it easy to clean up slush or rain from wet weather driving.
2. Protect the Trunk Area
If you're storing damp gear, wet groceries, or pet supplies in the back, install a Matching Trunk Mat to block moisture from reaching the floor. This is especially important during spring rains or snowy winters.
3. Use Seat Covers as a Barrier
Moisture from clothing, towels, or spilled drinks can soak into your seats and cause a smell over time. Installing leather seat covers creates a wipeable, water-resistant barrier that protects your upholstery.
4. Add Moisture Absorbers
Consider placing silica gel packets or moisture absorbers under seats or in the trunk. These inexpensive products silently absorb excess humidity and help keep your interior dry year-round.
Step 4: Stop Odors Before They Start
Once your Explorer smells fresh again, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here's how to block future odors through smart protection and routine maintenance:
- Vacuum your carpets and mats weekly
- Use base trunk mats for everyday cargo protection
- Wipe spills immediately—especially dairy, coffee, and juices
- Limit food consumption inside the vehicle, especially with kids or pets
- Clean pet paws before they hop in the back seat
By protecting your high-risk zones with the right accessories, you’ll reduce the time and effort required to stay odor-free long term.
Related Reading for Explorer Owners
- Step-by-Step Guide to Buying the Perfect Floor Mats
- Pet-Proofing Your Ford Explorer 2016–2019: Mats & Covers
- Interior Upgrade Guide for SUV Owners
Final Recap: Keep Your Ford Explorer Fresh and Odor-Free
Odors can sneak up on even the cleanest Ford Explorer. Between kids, pets, food, moisture, and everyday use, it's easy for your interior to absorb unwanted smells. But with the right strategy, you can stop odors in their tracks and prevent them from returning.
Here’s a quick summary of what works best:
- Deep clean your carpets, mats, seats, and vents
- Use custom all-weather mats to trap dirt and moisture
- Upgrade to leather seat covers for odor-resistant protection
- Install a trunk liner or base trunk mat to keep cargo areas dry
- Use enzyme cleaners, charcoal, or ozone to remove persistent smells
- Control humidity with moisture absorbers and good airflow
Consistent maintenance and the right accessories will keep your Explorer smelling clean and looking sharp—ready for daily drives, road trips, and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s causing the bad smell in my Ford Explorer?
Common causes include food or drink spills, pet odors, mold or mildew in the carpet or vents, and moisture buildup. Identifying the source is the first step to solving the issue.
How can I eliminate mildew or musty smells?
Use a cleaner specifically for mold or mildew. Replace the cabin air filter, clean air vents, and install moisture absorbers to control humidity. If necessary, consider an ozone treatment.
Can floor mats really make a difference in odor prevention?
Yes. Our Luxury Car Mat Set traps water and debris before it reaches your carpet, preventing the buildup of mold and bacteria that cause smells.
What’s the best way to clean the cargo area?
Remove any liners or mats and vacuum thoroughly. Use an all-purpose cleaner on the carpet and walls. For added protection, install a full-coverage trunk mat to make cleanup easier in the future.
Should I use leather or fabric seat covers for odor control?
Leather seat covers are easier to wipe clean and don’t absorb odors like fabric. They’re ideal for drivers with kids, pets, or frequent passengers.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. Car Mats Customs is an independent brand specializing in custom-fit automotive accessories. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer mentioned in this article. Product fitment is based on independent design research for the Ford Explorer 2016–2019 platform.