Any suggestions on getting mildew smell out of cars?

Mildew is nasty. It is entirely possible that the carpets will need to be removed. At the very least you are going to need an extractor to get the smell killed. Its only going to get worse if you don't isolate where it is coming from and kill the mildew. There are products on the market made specifically for this kind of thing. Its industrial stuff and not usually found on the shelf at WalMart. I've clicked on links in the google ads on the side that sell it but I can't remember the sites. Where do you think the smell is coming from and how did it get there? Is this a trunk smell or the whole car? Mildewy smelling cars are not smooth with the ladies. You got to get that smell outta there.
 
I had a similar problem. Yeah, if you can find where, that would be great. But what I did was used an extractor and then used a steam blaster.

Dan
 
Here's the weird thing about this car. I detailed it about 3 days ago. It had an odor but not a moldy mildew odor more like a little spilled milk odor. This LADY never has had her car detailed before. So i do my normal thing Vacuum the carpets, hand shampooed them and vacuumed again sprayed some oder eliminator in the car and sealed it up for an hour. Car looked great carpets were almost dry and the odor was gone. So job done lady liked it and even gave me tip. I said no gurantee on the odor due to the fact that it's wasn't done by my ozone machine and she did'nt want to pay the extra money or leave her car overnight. So sunday she calls me and tells me that she is not satisfied and she wants her money back. I don't offer a money back guarentte anyways. She said her car smells worse now by 10 times. I also asked her to leave it in the garage with the window down overnite to really dry the carpest better. She said she did but i made the smell worse. So i figure well bring me the car monday and let me take care of the odor overnight at no charge i'll eat the cost on the ozone machine treatment that will get the odor out for sure and kill it and never return. She said no i want my money back and i'll take it someone that capable of doing this since your not. I'm thinking now all she wants is a free detail. She won't bring the car to me to smell for myself and won't allow me to remedate this problem. Anyways she said she will bring the car to me finally so i can get rid of the odor in the car that i supposable made worst on tues or wendsday, Have this ever happen to anyone her before. Just somone who thinks she has been taken and i only charged her 140 for a complete detail motor,exterior,interior etc. If anyone feels taken it should be me or at least that's the way i feel. how do i know that there is really a odor there iv'e doen over 300 cars in the last nine month a this is the first complaint in awhile and i even sugessted the odor elimnation treatment for an extra 25.oo. anyways sorry for such a long post it just bothers me at the moment

Dyanmic Detailing
 
So sorry to hear that. It doesn't sound like she is being honest with you. I wouldn't give back the money, no way. It sounds like you did everything that I would have done. You will find out about the odor when she brings her car back. Since she was satisfied with you detail (she gave you a tip) you simply need to sell her on the fact that she accepted you services at the time. I would even remind her that she tipped you based on the job you performed. Stand firm, take care of the problem and tell her "I'm sorry you feel that way", and go on with your business. One in every crowd.
 
Thanks for the support. I feel the sameway in in every crowd you got that right!! just wish more people were honest in this world and not always looking for a hand out.

Dynamic Detailing
 
Mildew / Mould:
Dirt and moisture are essential to mildew propagation, Remove the seats and thoroughly clean the carpet with a carpet cleaner and a disinfectant. Then let it air dry, ensuring that it is completely dry.

The carpet backing will absorb the most, spray the affected areas with a disinfectant (both the carpet backing and the carpet) clean the carpet using steam extractors upholstery attachments, and then re-install the seats, to eliminate the bacteria that create mildew:

Methodology
• Use a medium soft brush and a 4:1 solution distilled water / Ammonia and then rinse with cool clean water
• For tough stains use a mixture of one (1 stun) teaspoon Ammonia / quarter (0.25) cup Hydrogen Peroxide / three (0.75) cup distilled water and then rinse with cool clean water
• Once fabric is dry apply a fabric protection (303TM High Tech Fabric Guard)
• Change the cabin air filter
• Spread baking soda on mats /carpets to absorb odors (or cat litter if smell persists)
• Finally use an air sanitizer/freshener (Lysol Neutra Air®) that quickly removes odours from the air.

To eliminate the musty smell use an odour-neutralizing mineral made from porous volcanic rock (Elite®). This type of product absorbs odours, eliminates stale musty air, and will reduce any noxious oil or gasoline fumes. It is non-toxic and when it stops working can be re-charged by warming in a microwave or in the sun, when it stops working can be re-charged by warming in a microwave or in the sun. Or lightly spray with an air neutralising disinfectant (Lysol Neutra Air®) that is non-toxic, non-allergenic, fast acting without a cover up scent or an offensive perfume smell
JonM
 
What kind of car is this. Is it possible she has a water leak some where and that will create mildew and the odor along with it (I've dealt with a few of these and in one I replaced the seats and carpet just to get rid of the smell, at the lost of the dealership). Is it a newer car with cabin filters, do they need changed. Is it stronger with your face at the air vents, spray some odor elim into the air intake by the wiper cowl and run the air for 10 minutes to kill any possible mildew in the heating coil and AC evap. coil. Or like other people said pull the seats. It maybe something under the seat frame that you couldn't get too and just having hte moisture in the car since she probably left the windows up is causeing the increased smell. This is what I would do if she even shows up, since there are alot of liars out there just wanting a freebe.

Chubs
 
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