Top 10 Unusual Car-Washing Tips Published on June 22, 2018 in Top 10 by The Car Guide 6. Baking soda for those undesirable smellsSprinkle some baking soda on your cloth seats and floor mats and allow it to penetrate by gently scrubbing with your hands. After 15 minutes (or an entire night if the smells are that bad), all you have to do is vacuum the surfaces.