Asked on Aug 19, 2019

How can I get rid of OLD car smell?

Answered

We have a 2005 Santa Fe, cloth seats, carpet. It sat for a few months with the windows up in the summer heat while we were saving up for the repair work (new valve cover gasket). Now it smells like an old car. Any suggestions on how to get rid of this smell?

4 answers

William
on Aug 19, 2019

For the carpet

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=clean%20carpet

For the upholstery

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=clean%20upholstery

Windshield washer fluid for the glass.

For everything else use about 1/2 ounce of Simple Green to 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle.

Another thing to consider is that mold and mildew has set in the climate control ducts from moisture. Turning the heat or AC and you would smell it. Then it would be better to have the car detailed clean.

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- Redcatcec
  on Aug 19, 2019
  
  Thanks William,
  
  Lots of good suggestions, I'll get to work on it as soon as this heat wave breaks!
  
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Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA
on Aug 19, 2019

Clean it and set charcoal in it for a few days to absorb any odors.

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- Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA
  on Aug 19, 2019
  
  So welcome Redcatcec! I hear you about the heatwave, looks like we are heading into a 10 day stretch here too. It's August, so to be expected, and I am so over the 100°+ temps. Until you get around to the cleaning part, just toss the charcoal in anyway to give it a head start, won't hurt anything! 😎
  
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Lynn Sorrell
on Aug 19, 2019

Put Activated charcoal in it ; get it at pet stores fish stuff or online place in shallow pans put in car

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Redcatcec
on Aug 19, 2019

Thanks, Lynn,

Good suggestion and hope the smell will be gone soon.

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How can I get rid of OLD car smell?

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