Water leak = smell of damp...

[Deleted User]

Hi guys,

As above. Over Christmas my car had a water leak and whilst left idle it has started to smell a bit... The leak has been sorted, so the garage say, and now I want to freshen things up. I'm after some guidance on approach and then some product recommendations

Thanks.

Norman_Castle

The leak might be sorted but the carpets and soundproofing will need to dry out. Long drives with the heater and fan on will work.

AdrianC

Agree with Norman - there's a lot of material for water to soak into. If you want to do it properly, you're going to be taking a lot of trim out.

spadoosh

Does silica gel not work drying out cars?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000G-2KG-loose-Silica-Gel-Dessicant-Granules-Beads-SELF-INDICATING-ORANGE/272954238701?epid=1662970566&hash=item3f8d5726ed:g:C5cAAOxy0zhTM053 - possibly cheaper elsewhere just grabbed as an example.

forgotmyname

Silica gel works very slowly, if you could get a fan blowing through it and circulating the air for a few weeks it will work.

Take the carpets out and dry the underlay material thats where the moisture will be.

Gwendo40

As others have said it will be the soundproofing underlay material that will really be soaking wet and probably not even worth trying to dry it, easier just to remove it and order some replacement underlay.

Richard53

Best solution: remove affected carpets and underlay, and dry very thoroughly (naturally or artificially), Febreze or similar if there are any residual smells, replace. While carpets are out, drive around with heater and fan on to dry the interior further. Could take days or weeks to do properly.


Quick solution: cat litter in a sock, make several, distribute around affected area, leave several days, dispose of and replace when soaking wet. Bicarb of soda on the carpet (once it feels dry) and vacuum off. May need several applications.


Wet car interiors are truly horrible (smells, window misting) and really need dealing with properly.


(Or count yourself lucky. I am currently driving round at work in a truck where some idiot has spilled sour milk on the upholstery. It is vile beyond belief.)

smell_odor_destroy

my advice:
1. remove seats for complete washing;
2. remove carpets for complete washing;
3. apply white vinegar inside all gaps - let dry 2 hours under the sun or use a hair dryer;
4. apply baking soda - let dry 2 hours under the sun or use a hair dryer;
5. if possible use fogging or ozone device, no longer then 10 minutes.

shaun_from_Africa

smell_odor_destroy wrote: »

my advice:

My advice would be to ask why you are giving advice to someone who asked their question almost 6 months ago?

Norman_Castle

^ and did you join the forum and choose your user name just to give this late advice?