Incredibly bad damp/musty smell in old car - any tips?

Vashti

Hi all

We have an old classic car which we are trying to sell. It has been restored, and is lovely on the outside, but we don't drive it, so its sits, covered in our garage, waiting for it's loving owner to appear to claim it

It has got the most horrendous damp smell. We do take it out now and again with all the windows down, but the smell comes back as soon as it has been parked for a few days. Honestly, you can't sit in it for more than a few seconds, and it has put off quite a few prospective buyers - it must be bad, because classic car people usually don't mind about that sort of thing.

It has a red real leather interior. I have tried the usual neutradol, I even put charcoal in the car as that is supposed to absorb smells. Nothing works.

Any tips appreciated!

Pink.

Hi Vashti,

I know they aren't the same as a car, but the replies on these older threads might give you some ideas:

musty smell

Drawers

Pink

Vashti

Thanks PInk! Never thought to check the archives...silly me

lil_me

I found some of those damp extracting boxes (with the crystals in) in a local £ shop, we used to store our car over winter (not a classic just DPs pride and joy) and put those in or the seats used to go mouldy ewww!!

I would guess if the leathers pretty much sealed it'll probably be the carpets, might be worth borrowing a vax if you don't own one to clean them, can't beat fresh air either, leave doors or windows open on nice days.

Check under the seats too incase somethings lurking.

mutley_muppet

lil_me wrote: »

I found some of those damp extracting boxes (with the crystals in) in a local £ shop,

Oh, what are they called please? I could do with these for my car.

lil_me

They are like these but made by the Duzzit range I think it is that most Poundworlds/Poundlands etc sell http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MOISTURE-MATE-CARAVAN-MOTORHOME-DAMP-CRYSTALS-ABSORBER_W0QQitemZ170083268021QQcategoryZ76066QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I can't remember the exact name on mine but will have a look tomorrow and reply then. Of course not suitable to drive round with them in as if the water tips out can be nasty stuff I think, but ideal when in storage or not being used for a while. We even put them in the second car when away on holiday.

I know some people use 'salt pots' in the home which could work in the same way, but for a £1 I'm not complaining