Hot water extractor car wash

[Anonymous]

Our car has an acrid (?) odor when it’s been sitting. I have douses seats in natures miracle, emptied the car of everything, and had it washed and vacuumed at Flagship.

It still smells. I’m going crazy.

Years ago I rented a hot water extractor from Home Depot which did an amazing job getting stains and smells out, but they no longer rent them.

What car detailing shop uses hot water extractors; I don’t want just a fragrance from carpet shampoo hiding the odor for a few months, I want to nuke it from space.

Alternatively where can I rent an extractor? All I can find is buying, for $800!!

[Anonymous]

I had this and there was a little tub of something I bought and left in the car that helped— can’t remember what it was called. But then the smell came back on damp days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had this and there was a little tub of something I bought and left in the car that helped— can’t remember what it was called. But then the smell came back on damp days.

Probably damprid. That will help but I want to kill the source with steam.

[Anonymous]

Try an ozone generator. Cheap ones are available on Amazon for under $100. Read and follow the directions carefully so you don't damage your lungs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try an ozone generator. Cheap ones are available on Amazon for under $100. Read and follow the directions carefully so you don't damage your lungs.

j

Haha, appreciate the recommendation, but considering the state of Amazon suppliers and “damage your lungs” warning, I’ll probably go another way.

I was worried about damprid which is only dangerous if you shake it and inhale the powder (was concerned kids might mess with it while in car), a device that can generate toxic fumes, I’ll just sell the car at that point

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Try an ozone generator. Cheap ones are available on Amazon for under $100. Read and follow the directions carefully so you don't damage your lungs.

j

Haha, appreciate the recommendation, but considering the state of Amazon suppliers and “damage your lungs” warning, I’ll probably go another way.

I was worried about damprid which is only dangerous if you shake it and inhale the powder (was concerned kids might mess with it while in car), a device that can generate toxic fumes, I’ll just sell the car at that point

Wow, ozone machines are a powerful but dangerous tool — you can total your car if you misuse.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/comments/17z4kve/can_an_ozone_generator_total_a_car/?rdt=60064

Hot water extractor anyone??

[Anonymous]

I think you want an auto detailer not a local car wash. Those aren't detailers. An interior detail will be like $200-300.

I'm curious, what does it smell like? Moisture? Old food? Something else? How do you know the smell is on the upholstery or carpet? Have you tried replacing your cabin air filter?

[Anonymous]

Maybe you have mold, OP. Our old sedan has a little mold in the back seat and also smells. I want to get rid of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you want an auto detailer not a local car wash. Those aren't detailers. An interior detail will be like $200-300.

I'm curious, what does it smell like? Moisture? Old food? Something else? How do you know the smell is on the upholstery or carpet? Have you tried replacing your cabin air filter?

We routinely change cabin air filter.

It’s hard to describe, kind of stale but tickles the nose. I’m guessing mildew or mold. Kids have throw up, spilled milk etc over the years but nothing in the last two years. We used nature miracle over all surfaces but still there.

I’m hoping to get a really deep clean of the upholstery (fabric seats) and see if that does it.

Detailers don’t really say how well they clean; I don’t want just someone with a shampoo or the seats, and then spend hours putting clay on to make the car shiny — I just want the right cleaning tool for the interior.

[Anonymous]

Is smell different when you run A/C? You try lifting up back seat and cleaning underneath?

You don't need detailer to do entire clay or paint correction. Just get interior cleaning a la carte. Good detailers will tell you their process before you buy.