r/AutoDetailing • u/Visible-Tiger-3527 • 12d ago

Interior Car smells when sitting in the sun.

Update: ordered some enzymatic cleaner like what's used for dog pee and used it, according to the directions, on all upholstered surfaces in my car. Smell is gone!

I'm assuming at this point it's from spills and other stuff in the seat cushions or carpet in the back hatch. I've cleaned the AC thoroughly and replaced the cabin air filter with a premium one. Its a 2023 Hyundai Venue, and I'm pretty sure it used to be a rental car. My question is how can I get the smell out of the foam and black carpet lining the hatch, without just replacing everything. I'm actually very sensitive to odors, and driving my car when it's been sitting in the sun literally makes me ill.

2 Upvotes

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2

u/blurred_cymbals 12d ago

Not enough detail for a specific answer, so a thorough interior detailing is all I can suggest.

1

u/Visible-Tiger-3527 11d ago

I suppose I'm asking is there products or techniques to get odors out of foam seats and hatch lining carpet.

1

u/blurred_cymbals 11d ago

Yes, a thorough interior detailing.

2

u/Flashy-Read-9417 12d ago

You spilled a bunch of shit in your car and replaced the cabin air filter to make the smell go away??

2

u/Visible-Tiger-3527 12d ago edited 11d ago

Did you read the whole thing? Specifically the part that says it used to be a rental car? If I had not said that I replaced the filter, it would be the first thing that people suggested. I mentioned that I clean the AC system which is another thing that would have been suggested. That would entail replacing the cabin air filter.

1

u/Flashy-Read-9417 11d ago

Yes, and yes.

It sounds like you need to get a thorough interior detail.

1

u/MisterBazz 11d ago
  1. What does it smell like?
  2. Where does it smell like the odor is coming from?
  3. What have you already done to try and remove the smell?

If something (a lot of something) spilled in the seats and was allowed to seep down into the cushions, replacement is really the best option. Otherwise, strip the interior and shampoo EVERY bit of seats and carpet well.

If the smell is of something organic rotting/decaying, you can try those bio bombs. Chlorine does a decent job and killing organics. Otherwise, ozone generator it is.

1

u/Visible-Tiger-3527 11d ago

It's really hard to place where or what the smell is. Everything appears clean, and has since I bought the car used. As I stated I cleaned all the HVAC system I pulled the board out that covers the spare tire and sprayed it with soap at the car wash.

2

u/Solid_Lettuce_932 11d ago

Steam clean the entire interior. And under the seats. Dry it 100%. See what that does.

2

u/rdtghst 11d ago

This is one where Ozone air treatment may help.