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Removing Crab Odor from Car Upholstery and Carpet

During a trip from the west coast to Wyoming, a huge box of frozen crab melted and crab juice leaked all over the back seat and floor of the car. Now the whole car smells like dead and rotting crab. The upholstery is not leather, it's some kind of fabric. The car is due to make the return trip in a few days and the thought of being cooped up with the mother of all stenches is absolutely appalling.

Somebody please help!

By Shannon from Casper, WY

Answers: Removing Crab Odor from Car Upholstery and Carpet

Read answers for this question below.
By
01/31/2011

Yikes! That sounds awful. I would try one of the enzyme soaks available for cat urine odors.(Natures Miracle) It digests biological waste. Follow the directions and remember the smell will not be gone until it is completely dry. Be sure to get the product as deep as the juice went. Good luck.

By
01/31/2011

Ditto with yurika975! The only other alternative is paying a professional interior car detailing company to get it done (look in phone book for car detailers). If you have to do the latter be sure to have it in writing that they will guarantee they can remove the odor.

By
01/30/2011

I would first try to clean the carpet and upholstery with a mild cleaner. This will help remove the crab "juice" from the car. Less crab less smell. Once clean there may still be smell from residual crab. You can use those cheap foil pans and fill with kitty litter. Kitty litter absorbs odors. I would put them in the car and roll up the windows. Leave for a couple days or at least a day. Give it time to work. You could also add a few bowls of white vinegar. This also absorbs odors. I used this for a fridge that defrosted when the power went out. Meat spoiled, so the smell was horrible. After cleaning and then putting in bowls of vinegar and kitty litter, the smell was gone. This won't break the bank. hope this helps!

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