Bad car smell, how to get rid of it?
- Thread starter Silver-Fox
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
lewis82
macrumors 68000
This. My parents bought an used car that reeked of cigarette. Even after a few months, it still smelled (and they took care of opening doors and windows when it was windy to try to remove the smell). Febreeze didn't work, but a normal rug cleaner worked perfectly. The fact that the car has leather seats helped a lot though.
EDIT: I should have read iBlue's post before replying...
Not sure if you are getting a "stale air conditioning smell" or your car just wreaks.
If its A/C here is the cause & solution
when you turn your AC on and off the condenser builds up water causing mold & spores, hence the funk
You should NEVER EVER EVER shut your ventilation system off, even if your windows are open on an awesome day... just let it run super low.
Also there are "cabin filters' 99% of people don't change them
but they are GROSS usually after 10,000 miles
Some people will spray lysol in the cowl of the OUTSIDE of the car while the vent is on high to kill bacteria And flush thru the car.
Spraying febreeze and sprinkling powder all over just "covers it up"
If you are not broke, make an appt to have your car detailed
Shrink
macrumors G3
That must be the Canadian Tarantino then
BTW, not having much experience of "old" people what do they smell like? Just curious.
I smell like a rose.
Other old people smell like VapoRub.
Biocide makes a product for cars that is outstanding. It's activated chlorine. I've used the house one in rentals that smell of smoke and it clears it up perfectly. You have to air it out after as it smells like an indoor swimming pool for a day. You can also rent an ozone machine.
These are the only things that work IMO.
Iirc it's called car shocker.
Here's their page. http://www.biocidesystems.com/
You can buy on amazon.
I had no issues with plastics or electronics.
These are the only things that work IMO.
Iirc it's called car shocker.
Here's their page. http://www.biocidesystems.com/
You can buy on amazon.
I had no issues with plastics or electronics.
h1r0ll3r
macrumors 68040
This. Shampoo EVERYTHING in the car. I'd recommend you get it done by professionals and not hourly labor at some car wash as they'll do a pretty half assed job. If the smell is that bad, pony up some cash to get it professionally cleaned and it should be good as new.
Mac'nCheese
Suspended
Use Bicarbonate of Soda, either put some in a cloth and bundle up, or sprinkle some on the car floors, it's a deoderiser.... just don't get pulled over by the Old Bill, white powder in bundles or in the car.... not a good impression
I hope the op solved the problem by now.
patrick0brien
macrumors 68040
Absolutely correct - except be sure its ANTIBACTERIAL lysol. Most likely it's mildew growth on your condenser. Run the fan on high - neutral heat (matched to the surrounding air) AC off, and dump the whole can into the cabin air intake.
Oh, and be sure you take your cabin filter out before doing this. You need the spray to make it all the way in.
+1 or use a couple fabric softener sheets under the seats
iJohnHenry
macrumors P6
Guys - stop posting. This thread is over 3 years old
I'm sorry. Are we keeping you from something?
lewis82
macrumors 68000
I'm sorry. Are we keeping you from something?
Nope. But the OP definitely doesn't need tips to get rid of his car smell anymore
I get your point though.millerj123
macrumors 68030
Nope. But the OP definitely doesn't need tips to get rid of his car smell anymore
I'm not sure that's the case.
Getting back from a road trip, my van had a nasty funk I couldn't identify. Thoroughly vacuuming the carpets took care of most of it, but I may try either a carpet powder or just shampoo it out to finish the job.