The "Wet" Smell

[YellerRacer]

Yup, it happened. Someone left a back window down in my car and it rained - soaking the seat and floor carpeting. I've let it air out on a sunny day and Febrezed it, but it's really not doing the trick. Any suggestions?

 

[daddysmonkey]

If you've already tried all that, perhaps you could try "shampooing" or steam cleaning the carpet? I'm not sure how well that would work for the seats, though. If mildew is growing inside, I have no idea what you'd do besides replace them.

 

[YellerRacer]

I'll get on the shampooing idea, and perhaps a good steam clean to the seats can save them? I really hope so as I'm really disliking the smell every time I get in the car these days!

 

[Mario]

It might be worth your while to take it to a dealership or two in your area and ask them if they have any suggestions. They take in used cars all the time that they have to detail and clean up, so I'll bet they've seen this issue before.

 

[Alexus]

Yuck, that is a nasty smell, I know it well, unfortunately... The only thing you can really do is to keep on cleaning and febrezing, because the moisture gets deep into the cushions, and until it dries completely, it will smell.

 

[Rod]

There is a product known as "DriZAir" that I use when I store my boat for the winter. It's designed to absorb moisture in an enclosed place to prevent mildew. I never have any mildew in my boat (and used to have lots.)