mikeysmerc Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 I recently aquired a 57 Mercury 9-pass. wagon.I need help with any suggestions on how to effectively reduce or eliminate(or even cover up) musty mildew odor in the interior.Its a shame because its a beautiful "like new" original interior.Not overpowering odor but definetly noticeable.Seats have combination vinyl and "breathable" vinyl weave.Headliner is perforated vinyl.Carpet replaced with new.Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with this kind of problem in the past and how I might safely approach this. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Hi Mike!Well you might try Fabreez...try it in a small area first...that seems to help. Lysol is another one that will actually kill mildew. The mildew is probably under the seats, in the vents and other 'hidden' areas. Opening the windows and allowing it to then bake in a hot sun for an hour will generally air it out. Just a coulpe of thoughts...hope it helps! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Arnett Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 baking soda, kitty litter and charcoal have all be found to absorb order and are cheap solutions but you will neve eliminate the order until you destroy the source.Jan <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 You are right, Jan. I would think it is in the padding of the carpets but its so hard to pin down.There are refrigerant sniffers that could be used to pinpoint the source of the odor.I was looking for one to find the leak in my A/C unit but it should be usable to find the mildew.The other idea would be to look for any source of water leakage or standing water. Typically it can be found along the firewall and floor boards where the window seals or seals in the firewall leaks. Once you locate the sources, there are anti-mildew chemicals that you can use.Check with carpet companies or cleanup companies for something that would really work. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeysmerc Posted July 10, 2003 Author Share Posted July 10, 2003 Hi Randall,I hadnt considered checking vents or fire wall.Today I did put my nose to the seats-the first and second seat cushions seemed fine but the third cushion in back,man!Definate odor coming from there!I recall the previous owner telling me that original owner never used 3rd seat.Had it stored away in attic or basement for many years.That may be part of the problem.Maybe i'll try removing 3rd seat from the car for a few days and see if theres any improvement.In the meantime I'll check the vents etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeysmerc Posted July 10, 2003 Author Share Posted July 10, 2003 Jan, in the meantime until I can determine the actual source, you think an open box of baking soda might help,same way one might use in ones refrigerator? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Either baking soda or coffee will absorb odors. You might want to spread it out in a pan to get more exposure area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeysmerc Posted July 11, 2003 Author Share Posted July 11, 2003 That makes sense... I'll try that. Thanks for the suggestion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Hey Jan, last winter I tried the box of baking soda in my Buick. A mouse got in the car and the little SOB used the baking soda for a litter box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I put a bar of Irish Spring under each seat for a mouse proofer. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw24spec6 Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 i have used two things, charcoal briquets spread out under the seats, and also an enzime cleaner {dont know about the spelling} like for cleaning pet odors. also call detail shops in your area and see if they have a fogging machine, it fogs the cleaner into everywhere and the little enzime buggys eat the odors ,it works well jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeysmerc Posted July 11, 2003 Author Share Posted July 11, 2003 That cracks me up.A mouse with his own tiny litter box-gotta give him credit though at least he's trying to be neat about it! Jim, fogging the interior with cleaner sounds like a clever way to penetrate fabric and other materials.I've never heard of that.Sure sounds like it could be effective.I will definitely check into that.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Arnett Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I have never heard of a machine for generating vapors other then an old fashion atomizer. I have never been able to train a mouse to do anything but chew and go to the bathroom. I would believe if you can catch that mouse you could make a fortune. I had a coon that marked his spot on a model T and I used an enzyne product to remove the smell. It was designed to handle pet accidents in the house and did work. You also might try a little liquid pepermint to mask <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> the smell. If you have had water leakage into the car the musty smell may be coming from the jute sound deadning material used in some cars. Smells are hard to find and hard to get rid of. I wouldn't try the irish spring trick it sounds like that mouse might try to take a bath with it.Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Indiana_Truck Posted July 12, 2003 Share Posted July 12, 2003 So did the Irish Spring trick work? Maybe after the mouse takes a shower and uses the baking soda litter box he drives the car to work! I would charge him rent and see if he moves out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted July 12, 2003 Share Posted July 12, 2003 Don't want to make the mouse mad Indiana. Here in Virginia, if you charge rent they get pissed and move two more families in and ruin your neighborhood. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Oh, and you still don't collect the rent. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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