I just bought a used car that has a really strong chemical smell in it. I think it is paint thinner that the former owner must have spilled in the car. I have had it detail cleaned, but the smell will not go away. Does anyone know how to clean up paint thinner or at least get rid of the fumes/smell?
Go to the local auto parts store and ask for a bottle of 'pink stuff' (its the actual name) this will work on kero, gas etc. It should work on paint thinner. First I always put down baking soda, vacuum and try again.
I put the pink stuff in one of those little green machines (rug shampooer) and did my dh's car when he spilled kero. This worked great. I did have to do it more than once because he didn't have anything to mop up the spill with so it was a bad spill (this is the disadvantage of having a clean car, in mine there would have been something). Ria
I'd become the best bloodhound in history until i found the exact location, then I'd sprinkle plain baking soda for as long as it smells. If that doesn't work, I'd try coffee grounds. If that doesn't work, I'd try the mouthwash idea, same as if for pet urine. It should work. As a last resort after vacuuming each of the above up between applications, I'd use vinegar. It may be wd-40 which is fish oil and very strong when in an enclosed place. Because it is oil, if this is the chemical, I'd also add a little ivory liquid to the vinegar/water, and wash before trying the second thing mentioned above.
If it's a spill in the crack of the seat, on the floor, or all over the car from cleaning with it, I'd open all of the windows every time I drove, and park out of the sun where possible.
What sort of chemical smell is it? Minty, oily, alcohol, perfumy, woody, tarry, leathery, or what? It could simply be some bad cologne that went rancid, or a combination of things the owner tried to clean with in desperation?
Certainly try the charcoal briquettes, but i'd put them in a double paper grocery sack and crush them with a hammer first. It's one of the best air fresheners for a lot of things, even soured swamp water and sewer smells.
Airwick or renuzit has a neutralizer spray that kills many odors that might also work, but the aerosol could be dangerous to breathe so be careful about using it then trying to drive before it evaporates over 13-36 hours. Many aerosols are formaldehyde that have killed teens! Good luck and god bless you. : )
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Request: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car (05/11/2009)
I recently bought a used car, the only problem I have with it is the smell. The previous owner spilled transmission fluid in the back floorboard.
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Request: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car
Archived on 05/11/2009
I recently bought a used car, the only problem I have with it is the smell. The previous owner spilled transmission fluid in the back floorboard. He also smoked in the car and the car has an underlying musty smell. I have shampooed the floors and seats with Lysol, but I can't get rid of any of the smells. Does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks
Odo-Ban is great! It can be purchased by the gallon or in a spray bottle. Amazing stuff! (03/30/2008)
RE: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car
Put shallow baking trays filled with un-used fresh coffee grounds in the car with the windows closed for a few days or longer. If you pour the coffee directly onto the upholstery or carpeting it might leave a stain when vacuumed up. (03/31/2008)
By kidsNclutter
RE: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car
White Vinegar: straight from the bottle. Pour into shallow trays or bowls and place in the car w/ the windows closed for at least 24 hours. The vinegar should absorb odors. Any vinegar smell will quickly dissipate once the car windows are opened and it is aired out. (03/31/2008)
By kidsNclutter
RE: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car
I've always used bi-carb soda sprinkled on the fabrics and carpets, rub in with a hand or soft brush leave for as long as possible before vacuuming up. Alternatively use carpet deodorant in the same way. For a longer lasting nice smell use cotton balls that you have placed a few drops of aroma/essential oils. (03/31/2008)
By butlerlh
RE: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car
Don't forget the headliner in your car. All the cigarette smoke goes straight up into it. You might want to shampoo it too. (03/31/2008)
Sit a bowl of vinegar in the floor. Spray the upholstery with a 1 to 1 mix of fabric softener and water. (03/31/2008)
By Nancy W
RE: Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car
I've also had success placing charcoal brickettes under the seats and in the trunk. Charcoal naturally helps to absorb odors. I have found they really don't leave a dirty residue, but if you're concerned, you could place them in a small container such as a butter dish. (04/01/2008)
