Advice on Odors

J

jenbooks

New member
Hi. I'm a very chemically sensitive individual who just bought a 1993

Camry in mint condition. There is a distinct "old car smell." It's *not* mold

but I can actually smell it on my clothes when I get out of the car.

So it's *something*.



I took it for a thorough clean at a and-detailing place in NY. They said it

really needed hand shampooing and I hadn't brought my nontoxic soap.

So we bought Dr. Bronner's natural peppermint soap at the store. Well

the upshot is the guy used 3/4 of a bottle. This soap has actually

essential oil of peppermint. My car smelled so strongly of peppermint

my eyes were burning and my skin felt like it was stinging. I smelled

peppermint on me for the next 24 hours.



I was totally distraught and in tears as I worried I'd ruined my car for me.



Another issue: although the old car smell was better it still lurked within.



I cracked the windows ever so slightly and parked it in the sun for

the last 2 days. It's somewhat better now, and dry as well (it was

still damp after the hand shampoo) which gives me hope. I have the

following questions:



1) They have an ozonator. They were a little concerned I would not

like it because it would "bring out" all the smells before disposing

of them. From what I know of ozonation it would solve my problems

unless it ****ted to degrade the vinyl on the dashboard or something.

Wouldn't it get rid of the peppermint oil that is embedded into the

carpets now, and perhaps help the "old car" smell? Or is ozonating

useless?



2) What IS the source of the old car smell since it's not mold?



3) Is reupholstery very expensive? I know of someone who bought her

own fabric, washed it and had her car reupholstered years ago as she

was chemically sensitive. I also know another chemically sensitive

person whose husband ripped out the upholstery and foam and put in

wool filled seats!



Any advice for a chemically sensitive individual would be appreciated.
 
wow... There's a lot here. First off how do you know for sure it's not mold? Considering it's usually one of the main sources of smell. Has the jute ever gotten wet or damp?



anything with oil.... bad idea. But I wouldn't ozone it either. usually does more harm than good.



I'd have a real professional clean the carpets. A good rinse. They should be able to find the source of the ordor. (usually something bacteria based)
 
Thanks. Well I'm not positive it's not mold but it doesn't exactly smell moldy. You never know though. What is jute? The car was garaged but does have a sunroof so who knows if rain got in at some point if parked.



So you are basically suggesting to clean it again at a detailing shop?...thanks...
 
Jute is the backing under the carpet. Kind of looks like insulation in patches. If it gets wet at all it has a nasty tendency to harbor smells and mold.



I suggest going to a professional detail shop that has the proper equipment and expertiese to handle your situation. Some detail shops pride themselves on their paint correction techniques, Others on how fast they can get your vehicle back to you in reletively decent shape. Find one that does great interiors. Ask if they have a carpet extractor (usually a good sign they take their interiors seriously)
 
If they have a high output ozone generator, like 3000 mg/hour or more, have them shock the interior for 30 minutes and then let it air out for an hour and check it the next day. See if this helps. If it is better but not perfect, then do the shock treatment again.



If this treatment does not work well, then you have to find the source of the odor.
 
Thanks to both of you and to those who PM'ed. Your advice gives me places to start--the jute, high output ozone, and other methods. I see a need a real professional. I did find the name (through your forums) of someone in NJ but he's kind of far from NYC. If anybody knows of a good professional within 30-60 minutes drive of NYC please PM me? THANKS!!!
 
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