How do you get rid of a musty smell in your car??

Question

The sunroof in my suburban wasn't closed all the way and it rained really hard. Now there is a musty smell in it that has overtaken my vehicle!!! Any ideas on the best way to get rid of it?

Answer 1

There  are spray pump  products  for smells on fabric,  mostly made  by  Fabreeze(in laundry care section)  If   possible to sprinkle  baking  soda inside it would be  good too.   *mamatx

Answer 2

Most of the time, the musty smell is coming from the carpet on the floor of the car.  If you have mats covering the carpet, pull these out.  Air the car out and let the carpet dry thoroughly.  If you can pull the carpet up and allow it to dry underneath, this will help the process.  If the carpet is still wet, try to use a carpet shampooer to extract the water.  Once the carpet (and mat underneath) dry, then the musty smell will eventually dissipate.

Answer 3

place a container of baking soda in the car for a few days

Answer 4

I've had the same problem with an older car.  Sounds like a lot to do, but it does work...vaccuum and clean all of the carpet areas in the vehicle (including the ceiling, since water does get on it as well, then spray with fabreeze, let dry, spray again (Lysol with the white lid works wonders too).  I also sprayed Lysol in the vents on the outside of the car (just under where the windshield wipers rest, since it kills the musty smell that can get into your air filter, and helps circulate cleaner air.  Baking soda helps too, but can spill and leave a powder mess :)  Good luck!

Answer 5

Things You’ll Need:

Bacteria/enzyme Digester

Auto-upholstery Cleaner

Sponge Or Rag

Incense

Paper Towels

Step1

Find the cause of the smell. If it's a solid, remove it from the car.

Step2

Use paper towels to blot any liquid stains gently.

Step3

Clean the soiled area with a heavy-duty auto-upholstery cleaner, available at an auto-parts store. There are two types, one for the floor mats and one for the seats.

Step4

Apply bacteria/enzyme digester to the affected area with a sponge or rag. This product kills odors by destroying bacteria. You can purchase it at a cleaning supply or household-goods store.

Step5

Open the windows to let the spot air-dry.

Step6

Consider burning a stick of incense in your car. Car fresheners often have a strong artificial scent.

Step7

For persistent smells you can't get rid of, make an appointment to get the inside of your car professionally detailed.

__________________

Keep the windows rolled up tightly when your car is parked to prevent rain from coming in. Wetness creates a musty smell.

Answer 6

clean the inside really good.

vacuum it thoroughly

and then spray it with febreeze

and then get and air freshener

Answer 7

febreze